MNF betting preview: Expect fireworks between Ravens, Lions
We're in for a treat Monday night with a potential Super Bowl preview between the Lions and Ravens.
Detroit is fresh off of hanging 52 points on the Bears, while Baltimore beat up on the Browns in Week 2. This matchup will be a significant step up in class for both teams, serving as a great litmus test for how they measure against a top club from the other conference.
π Check out all of the Monday Night Football markets on ESPN BET and theScore Bet here
π Pick: Ravens (-4.5)
The Lions underwhelmed in their loss to the Packers in Week 1, but they erased some concerns about their offense by scoring 52 points on the Bears at home. However, we still don't know if Jared Goff can get the job done outdoors against a defense that isn't Chicago's and without Ben Johnson calling plays. Taking too much away from Detroit's win over the Bears is misleading, which is why we're fading the Lions in this spot versus the Ravens.
Baltimore is cooking on offense through two games, scoring 81 points combined against the Bills and Browns. Detroit's defense hasn't been tested in the ways that Lamar Jackson can attack them both through the air and on the ground, and they conceded 27 points to the Packers and 21 to the Bears. With the Ravens' team total sitting at 29.5 points, the Lions' defense will have its hands full slowing down Jackson.
This game has the highest total of the entire Week 3 slate at 53.5 points. In a contest with shootout potential, it's best to take the high-scoring home team to cover a 4.5-point spread.
π Bet: Over 3.5 receptions
Expect the Lions to be playing from behind for most of the game, forcing Goff to drop back to pass often. Goff attempted 39 throws versus the Packers and only 28 against the Bears. Meanwhile, Gibbs had 10 catches in Week 1 and still managed three last week, even though Detroit didn't need to rely on check-downs against a porous Bears defense.
π Bet: Over 44.5 rushing yards
Jackson rushed six times for 70 yards in a tight contest against the Bills, but he ran only twice for 13 yards in their blowout win over the Browns. This battle with the Lions should fall somewhere in between from a competition standpoint, meaning Jackson should be willing to take off four or five times to make 44.5 rushing yards an easy prop to clear.
π Bet: Over 5.5 receptions
Zay Flowers has 20 targets through two games - more than double the eight targets of his closest teammate, Rashod Bateman. With seven catches in back-to-back contests, Flowers is clearly becoming the focal point of the Ravens' passing game. Baltimore is expected to put up around 30 points, and Flowers will need to have at least six grabs for that to happen.
NFL news editor Brenden Deeg will provide touchdown scorer props all season long.
π Bet: Anytime TD (+175)
Jackson looks incredible early in the campaign, especially when he's on the move. The 28-year-old ran for a score in the opener, and he already has 83 yards on the ground to start the year. Detroit has yet to face a quarterback who can run similarly to Jackson in 2025, and the club struggled mightily against running signal-callers last campaign. The Lions surrendered the fourth-most rushing yards and third-most rushing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in 2024.
π Bet: Anytime TD (+225)
After ranking 23rd in receiving yards allowed to tight ends in 2024, teams are again targeting the position in 2025 when facing the Ravens. Baltimore has surrendered 17 targets, 185 yards, and a touchdown to tight ends through two contests, and LaPorta is one of the best in the league. He's played over 88% of the offensive snaps this season and should see a heavy target share Monday night.
US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.