NFL Week 7 sees Jared Goff and the surging Detroit Lions (5-1) taking on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens (4-2) at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
This game offers a variety of value plays across the board for prospective bettors.
Let’s dive into some odds, predictions, best bets, and prop bets for what should be a terrific matchup of teams sitting atop their respective divisions, concluding with advice for a same-game parlay.
Lions vs Ravens Odds
NFL odds used for this Detroit vs Baltimore preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, October 17 at 7 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Ravens (-166) • Lions (+140)
- Spread: Ravens -3 (-110) • Lions +3 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 42 (-110) • Under 42 (-110)
- Implied Score: Ravens 22.5, Lions 19.5
Lions vs Ravens Predictions
Score Pick: Ravens 23, Lions 18
The Lions enter this contest as three-point road underdogs, which is surprising given how they own the better record through the first six games of the 2023 campaign.
In addition, the game total sits at 42, signifying professional oddsmakers and sportsbooks are anticipating a relatively low-scoring game on Sunday afternoon.
Despite their hot start, Detroit’s strength of schedule/opponent has to be taken into consideration, with three of their five victories coming against teams likely projected to be outside the playoff picture come seasons’ end (Packers, Panthers, and Falcons).
Baltimore also boasts one of the meanest and most athletic defenses in the NFL, ranking fourth in sack percentage (9.92%), and third in opponents’ average team passer rating (71.4), per NFL Team Rankings, which should make life difficult for Goff and the Lions offense.
Look for the Ravens to eke out a hard-fought win at home on Sunday afternoon.
Lions vs Ravens Best Bets & Props
Ravens -3 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Our first best bet will target Baltimore against the spread (-3).
When it comes to the Ravens, stability, consistency, and excellence on both sides of the ball have become paramount under head coach John Harbaugh and the aforementioned Jackson.
The 2023 season has seen the Ravens star post some formidable statistics in the advanced metrics department, ranking fourth among active QB’s in expected completion percentage (67.3%), ninth in longest completed air distance (52.7), and third in completion percentage (69.9%), per NFL Next Gen Stats.
This is a player who beats opposing defenses with both his arms and his legs, protects the football in high-pressure situations, and can grind out wins when it matters most.
Although it’s still relatively early, the Ravens have also posted a 4-2 record this season ATS, which translates to an impressive 66.7% success rate.
Take the Ravens to cover at a reasonable (-110) price point as my NFL bet of the day.
Under 42 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
For our second best bet, we’ll target the Under on the game total of 42 points.
Sunday’s contest features two top-10 defenses in terms of points conceded, with Baltimore ranking fourth (15.2 points per game) and Detroit ranking ninth (18.8).
The Ravens and Lions also rank second and fourth, respectively, in percentage of rushing plays, per The Football Database. With both teams showing little hesitancy to run the football, this should eat a ton of clock and nullify major plays downfield.
Given both teams’ play selection, combined with the advanced statistics posted through the first six weeks, there’s no real concrete evidence to suggest this game exceeds 42 points.
For that reason, I have no issue laying a single-unit wager on the Under between two of football’s stingiest defenses.
Ravens Over 22.5 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Our third and final best bet will target the Ravens’ team point total of 22.5, for which we’ll side with the Over.
Despite being held to 24 points or fewer in three of their past four games, the Ravens offense has been efficient in the early onset of the 2023 campaign.
For starters, Baltimore ranks eighth in football in time-of-possession percentage (52.74%), third in third-down conversions per game (6.7), and are tied for fourth in red zone scoring attempts per game (four), per NFL Team Rankings.
At the receiver position, the Ravens have also been bolstered by the strong play of Zay Flowers, who has quickly emerged as Jackson’s favorite target this season.
This continued last week during Baltimore’s 24-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans, which saw Flowers lead the team in both targets (eight) and receptions (six), and he also added a touchdown to go along with 50 yards through the air.
Given Baltimore’s efficiency on offense, look for them to surpass their point prop at enticing (-112) odds.
Lions vs Ravens Same-Game Parlay
Lions vs Ravens SGP (+128)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
- Lions Under 19.5 (-108)
- Ravens (-166)
For our same-game parlay, we’ll target the Under on Detroit’s team total in points (19.5) coupled with the Ravens winning outright.
Often a staple of the Harbaugh era in Baltimore, the Ravens’ success often stems from their tough, “in your face” approach on defense.
As a team, Baltimore has posted some incredible statistics this season, ranking second in football in opponents’ red zone scoring percentage (25%), fourth in sack percentage (9.92%), and third in opponents’ average team passer rating (71.4), per NFL Team Rankings.
Look for the Lions to be completely stymied on the road on Sunday against an elite Ravens D-core.
Rounding out our same-game parlay is the Ravens to win by any margin (moneyline).
Despite not being at their best across the pond in London, England, last week, and in lieu of an adequate start from Jackson by his standards, the Ravens emerged victorious.
They did this by limiting turnovers, pressuring Titans QB Ryan Tannehill – resulting in six sacks – and going 6-for-6 on fields goals from none other than Mr. Reliable himself, Justin Tucker.
With respect to the Lions’ stellar start to the season, this is shaping up to be a bad matchup for Goff and Co. on Sunday.
Combine the two plays at enticing (+128) odds.
