NFL Predictions: Will the Lions upset the Ravens? 12/3/17
Will the Baltimore Ravens pick up a big win at home over the Detroit Lions when the two playoff hopefuls meet up today at 1PM ET? Here’s our NFL Predictions for this game.
ODDS
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Baltimore is the slight favorite at home on Sunday, as the Ravens are getting odds of -3 points against the Lions. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 43.5 points. Baltimore has won three of four meetings with the Lions, covering the spread in those three wins. The public betting in this game has 58 percent going on the Lions on the road. Today’s game takes place from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland and will air live on FOX.
RAVENS
Baltimore is coming off a 23-16 win over Houston at home last week to improve to 6-5 on the season. The Ravens are 5-5-1 against the spread this season and 2-3-1 ATS in their last six games. Baltimore is led by its stingy defense, as it is allowing just 17 points and 324.5 yards per game. Terrell Suggs is leading the unit with 9.5 sacks.
Offensively, Baltimore is putting up just 21.5 points and 295.8 yards per game. Their pass defense ranks among the worst in the league at 179 yards per game. Joe Flacco has thrown for 1,875 yards with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Alex Collins has run for a team-high 630 yards and two scores.
LIONS
The Lions are coming off a 30-23 loss to the Vikings on Thanksgiving to snap a three-game win streak and fall to 6-5 on the season. The Lions are also 5-5-1 against the spread this season, going 2-4-1 ATS in their last seven games. Detroit has been struggling defense as of late, allowing 24 points and 372.6 yards per game on the season. Offensively, the Lions put up 26.7 points and 351.9 yards per game.
Their run game has struggled, with Ameer Abdullah rushing for 505 yards and three scores to lead the team. He is dealing with a neck injury, but is expected to play today. Matthew Stafford has thrown for 3,010 yards and 21 touchdowns with six interceptions. He has been sacked 36 times and is dealing with an ankle injury that could limit his mobility for this game. Marvin Jones Jr. is the leading receiver with 44 receptions for 731 yards and eight scores.
NFL PREDICTIONS
The Lions have been in a real bad habit of falling behind by double digits in the first quarter. That forces them to have to fight back all game. It didn’t work against the Vikings on Thanksgiving and I don’t think that will work against these Ravens either. Baltimore’s defense is far too tough to play catch up against. I don’t think the Lions will start fast. That will ultimately keep them from being able to get a needed win on the road.
NFL PREDICTIONS: BALTIMORE RAVENS -3
