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Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens predictions: Another heartbreaker from Justin Tucker?

dave birkett, carlos monarrez, jeff seidel and shawn windsor, detroit free press
·2 min read
22

Free Press sports writers share their predictions for the Detroit Lions' game Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m., Fox):

Dave Birkett

The Lions have won four straight games and 10 of their past 12 (dating back to last season); a win Sunday would give them their first 6-1 start since 1956. That won’t be easy against a Ravens team that is one of two teams with a winning record still left on the Lions’ schedule. Montgomery’s absence is a significant obstacle to a fifth straight win, and the Lions will need to run the ball well to Baltimore’s multi-faceted pass rush at bay. On defense, the key is containing Lamar Jackson. The Lions have done a good job containing traditional run games this year, but both Patrick Mahomes and Geno Smith had some success against the Lions with their feet.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker celebrates after kicking a 66-yard field goal to stun the Detroit Lions, 19-17, in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker celebrates after kicking a 66-yard field goal to stun the Detroit Lions, 19-17, in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021.

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These are two evenly matched teams who play good, physical defense and want to run the ball. Points will be at a premium, and in a game that could come down to a kick, Tucker’s history against the Lions — he made a 61-yard field goal to beat the Lions in 2013 and that 66-yarder two years ago — is tough to overlook. The pick: Ravens 24, Lions 23.

Carlos Monarrez

The Lions? Underdogs? Come on, you degenerate Vegas oddsmakers! Use your eyes and see what everyone else does: The Lions’ offense — and defense — can’t be stopped at home or anywhere else. The Ravens have a great defense, but they haven’t faced anyone as good as the Lions’ fourth-ranked scoring offense, led by the NFC’s offensive player of the week. Sorry, Justin Tucker, but you won’t matter this time around. The pick: Lions 28, Ravens 17.

Jeff Seidel

Everything about this says a loss to me. Playing on the road. Playing against a mobile quarterback. Playing against a tough pass defense. The Lions have banged-up running backs. And Baltimore is extremely well-coached. But this is a new year. A new team. The Lions are not satisfied and have had an answer for everything. And it’s going to continue in Baltimore. The pick: Lions 28, Ravens 24.

Detroit Lions linebacker Romeo Okwara (95) tackles Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021.
Detroit Lions linebacker Romeo Okwara (95) tackles Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021.

Shawn Windsor

Feels strange picking against the Lions at this point but Dan Campbell and Jared Goff have both cautioned that adversity would eventually hit. Considering Baltimore has the league’s second-best defense, let’s say adversity hits this Sunday. The pick: Ravens 23, Lions 20.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens picks: AFC North leaders tough