The Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens close out Week 3 in style with a highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup.
The pregame narrative: After losing in Week 1, both Detroit and Baltimore bounced back with dominant wins in Week 2. With these being two of the best offences in the NFL, fans and bettors alike can expect plenty of action in primetime.
Check out my Lions vs. Ravens picks for the Monday Night Football matchup on Sept. 22, featuring Rashod Bateman.
Lions vs. Ravens picks
Best Bet: Lions +4.5 (-110)
Baltimore seems to be getting a little too much respect based on this line.
Both squads entered this year as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Detroit was thoroughly outmatched in Week 1 by the Green Bay Packers, while Baltimore squandered a game away to the Buffalo Bills.
Each won by 20-plus points in Week 2, but this number suggests that the Ravens are a cut above the Lions.
I’m not so sure about that.
Offensively, Detroit’s lineup is littered with more playmakers. While nobody is going to argue that Jared Goff is better than Lamar Jackson, there’s no question that the former has better options around him
Defensively, the Lions appear to be more average than elite. Baltimore has been heralded as a great defensive team for years, but I’m unsure that’s the case this year.
The Ravens allowed 41 points to the Bills in Week 1. Although it did hold the Cleveland Browns to 17 points in Week 2, it’s hard to gauge a defence off a performance against the Browns.
Baltimore hasn’t shown that it has an elite pass rush, totalling only three sacks through two games. The key to beating the Lions (as seen by Green Bay in Week 1) is getting to Goff.
The Ravens don’t have the edge rushers up front to do that, which is why I’ll gladly side with Detroit catching a mittful of points.
Key stat: Detroit led the NFL in road points per game last season (30.8).
Other Monday Night Football picks
Over 53 points (-110): This is the highest point total in Week 3, and with good reason.
Baltimore leads the NFL in points per game ahead of this contest (40.5), while Detroit isn’t far behind in third (32.5).
Each side recorded 40-plus points in Week 2, and I haven’t seen anything from these defences that makes me believe a lockdown performance is on the way.
The Ravens and Lions are tied for allowing the ninth-most yards per play (5.5).
Additionally, the over on this number has cashed in three of their combined four games this season.
Bateman under 37.5 receiving yards (-118): Now, why would I take an under in a game that should be full of offence?
Usage, that’s why.
Bateman’s weekly snap counts show a discouraging trend:
- Week 1: 37 offensive snaps (72.5% of plays)
- Week 2: 33 offensive snaps (58.9%)
His decrease in snaps isn’t the only concerning part, either.
Bateman hasn’t been productive when on the field. He’s turned eight targets into four catches for 25 yards, a measly 3.1 yards per target.
Even more worrisome is the emergence of DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins is making the most of his opportunities. He’s turned his four targets into four catches, 99 yards, and two touchdowns despite only playing 28 offensive snaps (26.2%) through two weeks.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken stated that Hopkins’ role will continue to grow as the season progresses. His increased usage will likely come at Bateman’s expense, which is why I’m looking to fade him in Week 3.
Lions vs. Ravens picks made at 2:09 p.m. ET 09/19/2025.
Stevie’s an avid NFL, NHL, and tennis bettor who has no problem talking himself into the underdog. His previous stops include Yahoo! Sports Canada and Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received a degree in Sport Media.