The Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions headline one of the most fascinating Week 3 matchups of the NFL season. Both teams enter at 1-1, but they arrive here off very different Week 2 performances, and the betting market has been quick to react. With playoff aspirations on both sides, this game not only carries significance for the standings, but it also presents intriguing opportunities for bettors across spreads, totals, and player props.
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NFL Week 2:Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Tuesday 23rd September, 10:15am (AEST)
Baltimore Ravens: Surviving the Gauntlet
Few teams have had a tougher opening stretch than the Ravens. After falling to Buffalo in Week 1 in heartbreaking fashion, Baltimore bounced back with a dominant-looking but deceptively difficult 41-17 victory over Cleveland. On the surface, a 24-point win screams blowout. But the underlying numbers suggest Baltimore still has work to do.
The Ravens managed just 242 yards of total offense and only 45 rushing yards at a meagre 2.1 yards per carry. The offensive line struggled to generate push against the Browns’ front, and the absence of a consistent run game was noticeable. The good news is that Lamar Jackson looked sharp despite the lack of balance. On just 29 attempts, he threw for 225 yards and four touchdowns, flashing efficiency in the red zone and accuracy to all levels of the field. Ravens’ star Zay Flowers continues to impress, hauling in 7 catches for 75 yards and looking every bit like Jackson’s top target.
Baltimore’s defence and late-game resilience ultimately carried the day. The Ravens forced two turnovers, controlled the fourth quarter 21-7, and showed the kind of opportunism that has defined them under John Harbaugh. Facing an explosive Detroit offense this week, Baltimore will need that same ability to generate takeaways.
Detroit Lions: Back to Their Best
After a shaky Week 1 loss, the Lions roared back in style in Week 2, demolishing the Chicago Bears 52-21 in front of a raucous home crowd. This was the version of Detroit fans expected to see from the jump—creative, balanced, and ruthless on offense.
Jared Goff put together one of the best games of his Lions tenure, completing 23 of 28 passes for 334 yards and five touchdowns. His chemistry with Amon-Ra St. Brown was unmissable, as the All-Pro receiver hauled in 9 catches for 115 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Lions also dominated up front, averaging 8.8 yards per play and piling up 511 yards of total offense.
Dan Campbell’s squad not only erased any doubts from Week 1 but also reminded the league they are legitimate NFC contenders. Their defence still has questions, particularly in the secondary, but their offensive firepower can mask flaws and force opponents into shootouts. Against a Ravens defence that prefers to dictate tempo, this clash of styles makes for compelling viewing.
Market Movement and Betting Angles
These teams last met in 2023 when Baltimore dismantled Detroit 38-6. That game highlighted how dangerous Lamar can be against this defence. Despite Detroit’s growth since then, oddsmakers initially respected Baltimore. The lookahead line opened Ravens -6, re-opened after Week 2 at the same number, but quickly attracted Lions money, pushing the spread down to -4.5.
This adjustment is noteworthy. It suggests bettors may be overreacting to Detroit’s explosion against Chicago, a defence that ranks near the bottom of the league. Baltimore’s victory, though less aesthetically pleasing, came against a tougher opponent. From a numbers perspective, laying the points with Baltimore still holds value. If you project these teams on a neutral field, Baltimore would still be slight favourites, and home-field advantage keeps the Ravens firmly in the driver’s seat here.
As for the total, the lookahead number was 50.5, re-opened at 51.5, and surged as high as 53.5 after Detroit’s fireworks show. That’s a lofty total for an outdoor game in September, but it reflects respect for both quarterbacks and the potential for chunk plays. While the best time to grab the Over was before the line crossed the key number of 51, betting the Under feels uncomfortable given both teams’ offensive ceilings. If you’re jumping in late, consider live totals depending on how quickly the first quarter develops.
Player Prop Spotlight: Zay Flowers
If there’s one player to target in the prop market, it’s Zay Flowers. The third year wideout is quickly becoming Lamar Jackson’s most trusted weapon. He’s averaging 10 targets per game with receiving totals of 143 and 75 yards in his first two outings. Against Detroit’s vulnerable coverage unit, Flowers is well-positioned to clear his yardage line again.
This game script sets up for Baltimore to lean on the passing attack more than the ground game, and Flowers should be heavily involved. Bettors can approach his line conservatively—taking the Over on his posted yardage—but laddering him up to 100+ yards offers strong plus-money value in a projected shootout.
Best Bets
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Ravens -4.5: Market overreaction gives value on the home side.
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Over (live if it dips below 51): Offensive talent outweighs defensive question marks.
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Zay Flowers Over Receiving Yards: Target volume and matchup make this a standout play.
Final Thoughts
The Ravens’ ability to grind out ugly wins and the Lions’ offensive explosion set the stage for one of Week 3’s best games. While Detroit is a trendy pick, Baltimore’s defensive edge and Lamar’s efficiency tilt the scales toward the home team. Look for a competitive, high-scoring affair where Zay Flowers could emerge as the difference-maker for bettors.
Prop Bet: Z Flowers over 69.5 receiving yards - $1.90 @ Bet365 (1.5u)
Ravens (-4.5)
$1.92 (2 Units)
