Predictions: Lions-Ravens
The Lions may be facing their best opponent yet in the current season, and I think both their offense and defense will be tested. Honestly, this one should be close, almost too close.
Detroit will almost certainly be feeling the loss of David Montgomery, who will be sidelined due to injury. However, if rookie Jahmyr Gibbs can shoulder some of the load, the Lions will likely be set.
Additionally, Jameson Williams needs to contribute, too. I'll definitely take another touchdown from him this weekend.
If the Lions' offense can come out strong, I don't think Baltimore will be able to keep up. A couple key stops from the defense wouldn't hurt, either.
I'm predicting that Jared Goff and company will win this one by a slim margin.
Lions 24, Ravens 20
Sunday will be Detroit's toughest test since the season opener against Kansas City. They dominated the Buccaneers last week to prove their legitimacy, but now must make it two in a row on the road against a physical Baltimore squad.
Being short handed won't help matters, as David Montgomery and Jonah Jackson have already been ruled out. This isn't to say the Lions have no chance, as they have risen to the occasion time and time again this year.
I'm looking at Jahmyr Gibbs as the X-factor Sunday. The Lions couldn't run the ball effectively without him and Montgomery against Tampa Bay. He held his own in his first start against Atlanta, but Baltimore's physicality is a different story.
Playing on the road can also be draining, and with key injuries limiting the team, I think it'll be tough for Dan Campbell's team to steal a victory. Baltimore wins close, as the Ravens repeat their 2021 heroics by emerging victorious on a Justin Tucker field goal.
Baltimore 23, Detroit 20
The Lions' prowess will be tested on Sunday against Lamar Jackson and the AFC North-leading Ravens.
Through six weeks, Baltimore has been stout against both the pass and the run, and has allowed just 91 total points (15.2 points a game). That's the fourth-fewest points allowed by a team this season.
John Harbaugh's defense is also especially good at getting after the passer. In fact, the Ravens are currently tied with the Buffalo Bills for the most sacks in the league (24).
So, even with Detroit's offensive line being one of the best in the league, I'm expecting Lions signal-caller Jared Goff to face consistent pressure in this Week 7 matchup.
Additionally, although Lamar Jackson hasn't been prolific through the air so far this season, I wouldn't be surprised if Detroit has a tough time containing the dual-threat passer. Remember, one of the biggest Achilles' heels of Aaron Glenn's defense has been keeping mobile quarterbacks, like Jackson, in check.
With all that said, I believe that the Lions' four-game winning streak comes to an end in Baltimore.
Ravens 20, Lions 17
The Lions are in for their toughest contest of the season. Baltimore plays a physical brand of football and features Lamar Jackson, a quarterback who can extend plays due to his mobility.
While the Ravens' offense has been passing the football more, I would expect an effort to try and establish the run, even though the Lions' defense has been quite stout defending the run.
Detroit's offense must capitalize in the red zone, finding the end zone as often as possible in a game that may not end up being that high-scoring.
Jared Goff may need to have another stellar performance for Detroit to earn the victory.
Lions 23, Ravens 20
