A clash that feels like a potential Super Bowl preview is set for Week 3 of Monday Night Football as the Baltimore Ravens welcome the Detroit Lions to M&T Bank Stadium. Both teams sit at 1-1, each rebounding from tough opening losses with dominant Week 2 victories. Baltimore dismantled Cleveland in a 41-17 rout, while Detroit crushed Chicago 52-21 in a game that showcased one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Historically, this matchup has leaned heavily toward Baltimore, which holds a commanding 6-1 record in the all-time series, including five straight wins.

Game Details and Betting Lines

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night. Oddsmakers have the Ravens listed as 4.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 53.5 points—the highest total of Week 3. On the moneyline, Baltimore stands at -238, while Detroit comes in as the +196 underdog. With such tight margins, bettors are watching closely to see if the Lions’ red-hot offense can keep pace with Lamar Jackson’s Ravens.

Why the Lions Can Cover

Detroit’s Week 2 performance wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Lions piled up 52 points against Chicago, marking their third game with 50+ points in just 13 contests. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams both topped 100 receiving yards, while St. Brown found the end zone three times. On the ground, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery added balance with rushing scores. But perhaps the biggest storyline was Jared Goff’s near-perfect outing, throwing for 334 yards and five touchdowns while completing 82% of his passes.

He ad coach Dan Campbell has also built a reputation for delivering in primetime. The Lions are an impressive 10-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last 12 primetime appearances, and Goff owns the best primetime ATS record among quarterbacks since 2000 (20-9-2). Add to that Baltimore’s shaky defense—currently ranked 31st in both total yards and passing yards allowed—and Detroit looks well-positioned to challenge the spread.

Why the Ravens Can Cover

On the other hand, history heavily favors Baltimore. The Ravens are undefeated (4-0) against the Lions at home, with an average margin of victory of 27.5 points in those games. Their last meeting in Baltimore ended in a 38-6 blowout, even though Detroit went on to reach the NFC Championship Game that season.

And then there’s Lamar Jackson. Few players rise to the occasion under Monday Night Football’s bright lights like the Ravens’ star quarterback. He boasts 22 passing touchdowns, three rushing scores, and zero interceptions on Mondays, along with a remarkable 24-2 career record against NFC opponents. This year, Baltimore leads the league in scoring offense, yards per play, and rushing efficiency, making them a dangerous favorite despite Detroit’s momentum.

Expert Picks and Model Insights

According to the SportsLine projection model—which simulates every NFL matchup 10,000 times—this game is trending toward the over on total points. The model also highlights one side of the spread hitting more than 50% of the time, a crucial insight for bettors chasing value. With a 37-17 run on top-rated picks since 2024, the model has consistently provided profitable guidance for NFL betting fans.

Final Takeaway

So, who should you back on Monday night? The Ravens’ dominance in this rivalry and Lamar Jackson’s primetime brilliance suggest Baltimore could once again take control. Yet, the Lions’ offensive firepower and ATS history prove they’re no pushover. One thing is certain: this showdown promises fireworks and could carry serious postseason implications.

Football fans and bettors alike won’t want to miss it.