Injuries were once again a common theme in Week 2 with several teams losing their starting quarterbacks. Luckily for them, the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions both made it through relatively unscathed.
The Ravens are coming off a wild win on Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Lions fell flat in the second half of Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. These two teams heading in opposite directions might not result in the most exciting matchup of Week 3, but there are still wagering opportunities that could prove to be profitable.
Best Bet: Quintez Cephus Over 40.5 Receiving Yards (-115) at DraftKings
For in-depth analysis on this NFL bet of the day, continue reading. Please note that all odds are current as of Friday, September 24.
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Ravens vs Lions Prediction
One of the more exciting games of Week 2 was the Sunday Night Football showdown between the Ravens and Chiefs. The game went down to the wire, but Baltimore prevailed, largely thanks to the stellar play of former MVP Lamar Jackson.
Jackson enjoyed a monster performance on the ground, rushing 16 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns. With the Ravens’ backfield decimated by injuries, Jackson has taken on an even larger role in the running game. Not only did he explode in Week 2, but he also led the team with 12 carries for 86 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1.
While Baltimore has clear playoffs aspirations, Detroit is in rebuild mode. They’ve surrounded new QB Jared Goff with some decent weapons on offense, but their defense has been gashed for 76 points over the first two weeks — second-most in the NFL.
The Lions have the benefit of home-field advantage, but asking them to pull off an upset against the Ravens is a tall order. Baltimore is more talented in virtually every facet of their roster and should win fairly comfortably, sending Detroit to its third straight defeat.
Prediction: Ravens 31, Lions 20
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looked like his former MVP self in Week 2 and will try to lead Baltimore to another win on Sunday in Detroit. (Image: USA TODAY)
Ravens vs Lions Best Bets
Quintez Cephus Over 40.5 Receiving Yards (-115) at DraftKings
An already lackluster wide receiver group for the Lions has been even further weakened with Tyrell Williams (concussion) having been placed on IR. With him out in Week 2, Cephus turned seven targets into four receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.
With the expectation that the Lions will have to throw a lot to hang with the Ravens’ offense, Cephus could blow by this number.
T.J. Hockenson: Over 60.5 Receiving Yards (-110) at DraftKings
The Lions are set up for Hockenson to have a huge season. They have very little talent at wide receiver, which means Hockenson should receive plenty of targets. It also helps that their defense is bad, which means their offense will have to throw a lot to keep pace.
That will likely be the scenario in this game against the vastly superior Ravens, so with Hockenson having already racked up 163 yards through two games, the over stands out.
Justin Tucker: Over 2.5 Made Extra Points (-165) at DraftKings
Kicker props might not be exciting, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be profitable. The Ravens have an explosive offense, which has helped Tucker make three extra points in both of their first two games. It also helps that he’s one of the most accurate kickers in football, evident by the fact that he went 109-for-112 in extra points attempts across the last two seasons.
Ravens vs Lions Same Game Parlay Picks
Same Game Parlay Odds: +105 at DraftKings
- Lions +17.5 (-330) at DraftKings
- Ravens Win Race to 20 Points (-275) at DraftKings
With the expectation that the Ravens win this game, I believe they reach 20 points first. Taking this alternative line with the points for the Lions allows you to build in some cushion, while still getting plus odds.
