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Lions Favored at Home Against the Ravens on MNF

by —December 13, 2013 in All Sports, NFL

Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions Week 15 Preview

Start Time: Monday, December 16th 2013 at 8:40pm ET
Stadium: Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
Station: Watch Live on ESPN

The Detroit Lions 7-6 (6-7 ATS) and Baltimore Ravens 7-6 (6-6-1 ATS) are both in the playoff hunt. The Lions are first in the NFC North although the Bears have the same record. Baltimore won’t catch up to Cincy in the AFC North, but they can get a wild card spot still.

BAL @ DET Point Spread, Money Line & Over/Under

Odds From Bovada!

Both the point spread and the game total have remained steady throughout the week. Detroit likes playing in the dome and after a game in the snow last week they’ll be glad to be home. The total may seem high, but in a dome I expect both teams to score points.

Can the Lions Keep the Lead in the NFC North

The Lions are making their life difficult in the NFC North. In the last month Detroit is 1-3 and Chicago has caught up to them although Detroit still leads the NFC North because of their division record (4-1). Now they need to win or else the Bears could pass them.

In their recent losses the offense hasn’t been the problem. In their last four games they’ve averaged 27 PPG, which is slightly more than their season average of 26.6 PPG (6th). However, the defense is now allowing 24.7 PPG (18th) after giving up 30+ twice recently.

The defense is struggling in cold weather, but now that they’re back home in the dome they should keep the Ravens in check. I also expect the offense to explode this week. They scored 40 points on GB at home on Thanksgiving Day and looked really good.

Baltimore only allows 20.1 PPG (8th). I don’t think the Reggie Bush will gain many yards on the ground, as the Ravens rank 8th against the run (101.2 RYPG), but Matthew Stafford should have more success against Baltimore’s 14th ranked secondary (231.7 PYPG).

Detroit has the 3rd best passing offense in the NFL (297.2 PYPG). Calvin Johnson is having another monster year. Johnson ranks 2nd in the NFL in receiving yards (1351) and receiving touchdowns (12). Detroit also has five other players with 28+ receptions on the year.

The Ravens won’t rush on the Lions successfully in this match-up. Baltimore’s horrid run game (82.3 RYPG – 29th) has received a ton of attention this season, as Ray Rice is having his worst season. Detroit’s secondary hasn’t been nearly as good (255.8 PYPG – 25th).

Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense only rank 20th in passing yards (227.9 PYPG) and it’ll be interesting how they perform. The Ravens I’m sure wished this game was in the cold in Baltimore, but with it being played in a dome that gives the Lions a pretty big edge.

Most Important Factors to Win This Game

Detroit comes into this game with a –10 turnover margin while the Ravens have a –5 turnover margin. Both QB’s have struggled with interceptions. Flacco has tossed 17 INT’s while Stafford has thrown 14 INT’s (6th). The winning team will likely win the TO battle.

I feel that Detroit has a decisive advantage at offensive line. Stafford has only been sacked 15 times this season whereas Flacco has been sacked 41 times, which is 2nd most in the NFL behind Tannehill only. If Detroit gets pressure this one will be over early.

3rd downs are going to be big in this game. The Lions have converted 44.3% of their 3rd down attempts this season while the Ravens have converted 37.6% of their 3rd downs. Third downs will be big in this game and the Lions are converting at a very high clip.

Ravens vs. Lions Predictions

Detroit has been really good at Ford Field this season and they need this win badly. Baltimore also needs to win, but the Lions play good defense at home. The offense will also play better after struggling in about a foot of snow in their game last week in Philly.

ScottThis article was written by Scott

Scott is one of the original degenerates working for MobileSportsBetting.com. Although he's most successful betting on NFL football and international soccer, he's also active in UFC and NHL hockey betting.


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