Best non-Chiefs matchups, Week 7: Eagles-Dolphins highlight a great week in the NFL
By Grant Tuttle
2. Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens
Game time: Sunday, October 22, 12:00 PM CT
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook: Ravens (-3)
TV: Fox/NFL Sunday Ticket
The Lions are beginning to go from being the little brother of the NFL that you hope wins against the bully, to being the bully. They are fun to watch because of their offensive playstyle. Unlike the Chiefs' offensive line (which is built to pass protect), the Lions have built a line of maulers that get to the second level and create a lot of space for their running backs. On defense, they have some athleticism in all three levels. At this point, we should expect the Lions to be in the NFC's Playoff picture.
The Ravens have had a series of ups and downs. At times, they look like one of the best teams in the AFC. Unfortunately, they have been pretty average for most of the season. Last week they managed to eke out a win over the Titans due to poor quarterback play from Ryan Tannehill. In order to beat the Lions, the Ravens will need their best game on both sides of the ball. In a very competitive race for the AFC North, they cannot afford to drop a game at home.
The bottom line: Give me the Lions all day. I am surprised that Vegas is favoring the Ravens, even at home, in this one. The Lions are about to emerge as a great team and the Ravens might be ready to take a back seat to the Cleveland Browns for the division. I expect the Ravens to struggle against the Lions' physicality in the run game.
Prediction: Lions:27, Ravens 21