Lions vs Ravens Preview: Baltimore Slight Favorite in Battle of First-Place Teams
All Eyes on Lamar Jackson for AFC North-Leading Ravens
It’ll be a battle of first-place teams when the Detroit Lions visit the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7.
The AFC North-leading Ravens are a 3-point favorite (-105) and -155 on the moneyline, while the Lions are +3 (-115) on the NFL point spread and +130 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total sits at 43 (-110 Over, -110 Under) after opening at 45.
Can Detroit stay hot and build on its lead in the NFC North? Or will Baltimore cool it off at home? Let’s break down the odds in our Lions vs Ravens preview.
Detroit Lions vs Baltimore Ravens 
Day/Time:
Location: M&T Bank Stadium; Baltimore
Streaming: FOX
Lions vs Ravens Betting Trends
The Detroit Lions are 5-1 against the spread this season and 7-1 over their last eight games. They’re also 4-1 ATS in their last five road games. The Baltimore Ravens, meanwhile, are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games, including 4-2 this season. The total has gone Under in five of the Ravens’ last six games. That’s important to remember when assessing the odds in our Lions vs Ravens preview.
Lions Climbing the Ranks
The Detroit Lions’ resurgence continues. At 5-1 and first place in the NFC North, the Lions resemble a legitimate contender. Detroit is coming off a 20-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. A 3-point favorite, the Lions jumped to a 10-3 halftime lead and pulled away to cover the spread for the fourth straight week.
After opening +130 to win the division, Detroit is now an overwhelming favorite at -550. The Lions are also now a near -6000 lock to make the playoffs after opening at -165.
The Lions’ offense has been among the best in the NFL, ranking third in yards per game (383.7) and fourth in points per game (28.0). Jared Goff has thrown for the fifth-most passing yards (1,618) and is one of eight quarterbacks with double-digit touchdown passes (11). They’re showing no signs of slowing down on the NFL season schedule, even with leading rusher David Montgomery sidelined with a rib injury.
What’s Detroit’s ceiling? While San Francisco and Philadelphia remain NFC favorites, Detroit has played its way into the conversation for conference supremacy. The Lions have climbed from +1000 to +600 to make their first Super Bowl and +1400 to win it all.
While there might’ve been some hesitancy surrounding Detroit, a longtime NFL laughingstock, it’s now time to buy in. The Lions are for real. Keep that in mind when analyzing the odds in our Lions vs Ravens preview.
Alone in First
The Baltimore Ravens took care of business in Week 6, defeating the Tennessee Titans 24-16 in London. A 5.5-point favorite, Baltimore built an 18-3 halftime lead before covering the spread for the second time in three weeks. Baltimore now sits atop the AFC North at 4-2.
Can the Ravens stay there? Much of that will depend on Lamar Jackson. The two-time Pro Bowler has a career-high 69.9% completion rate and is the team’s leading rusher with 327 yards (5.4 yards per carry). Jackson’s NFL MVP odds are now +1400, sixth on the board behind +400 co-favorites Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa.
The Ravens remain among the NFL’s best rushing teams, ranking fifth with 144.8 yards per game. But they’re just 24th in passing offense (194.3 yards per game). They’re also averaging just 22.2 points and have gone Under the total in their last nine games at home. Until they strike a better balance, it may be difficult for the Ravens to fully live up to expectations.
That said, oddsmakers remain bullish on their chances. The Ravens are a -120 favorite to win the AFC North and +800 to win the AFC. They have the same Super Bowl LVIII odds as Detroit at +1400.
Handicapping the Game
The Lions have established themselves as a legitimate favorite. Their offense is dynamic, and they’ve yet to feature first-rounder Jahmyr Gibbs (39 carries, 179 yards). With Montgomery hurt, that’ll soon change.
But after four consecutive wins, this is a classic letdown spot for Detroit. The Ravens, who are tied for the NFL lead with 24 sacks, have the playmakers on defense to slow down Goff and Co. It also helps that they’re at home.
Look for the Ravens to get the job done as a 3-point favorite.
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