Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens NFL Odds & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on December 8, 2009

The 2-10 Detroit Lions take on the 6-6 Baltimore Ravens this Sunday in a Week 14 NFC North versus AFC North clash. Last week, the Lions hung in there against the Bengals but ultimately fell 23-13. The Ravens fell 27-14 to the Packers on Monday Night Football. They found themselves down 17-0 but were able to pull within three before unraveling again. These two teams last met in the 2005 season when the Lions won 35-17. The all-time series is all tied up at one win a piece. NFL lines makers have listed the Baltimore Ravens as a 13-point favorite with the total set at 39.5.

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This season has certainly not gone the way the Ravens expected it would. QB Joe Flacco got off to a fast start, but he has really struggled in recent weeks. Since Week 8, Flacco has thrown only three touchdowns strikes against six interceptions. He will get a chance to redeem himself this week against the Lions’ NFL-worst pass defense.

Running back Ray Rice has been outstanding for the Ravens this season. Rice has rushed for 875 yards and six touchdowns on a 4.8 yards per carry average, and he also leads all NFL backs with 599 receiving yards. Getting Rice the ball should give Baltimore a good chance to win Sunday.

Defensively, Baltimore still boasts a formidable unit, ranking 10th in total defense, but the Ravens are just 26th in sacks and 25th in fumble recoveries. In other words, Baltimore isn’t giving up a lot of yards, but it isn’t coming up with the big plays we are used to seeing. Perhaps, Baltimore will be able to come up with a couple takeaways against the turnover-prone Lions. It is worth noting that the Ravens are on a 9-0 ATS run versus teams with a losing record. If you like Baltimore to take care of business Sunday, bet the Ravens at -13 at Bodog.

While the Lions have been able to find the win column two more times this season than they did last season, they have still lost 18 in a row on the road. Detroit’s defense is one of the worst in the NFL and that means that the offense is going to have to be able to match Baltimore score for score to have a shot this week. Lions QB Matthew Stafford leads all NFL rookies with 13 touchdown strikes and he’s going to need to add to that tally Sunday. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is one of the best athletes in the entire league and a nightmare matchup for any corner. Johnson gives the Lions a player they can use to stretch the field and they will need a big game from Johnson to have a chance Sunday. It is worth noting that the Ravens are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game. If you think Baltimore will struggle with a short week to prepare, bet the Lions at +13 at Bodog.

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