Categories
NFL

Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions Week 15 Betting Predictions & Preview

Ravens vs Lions NFL Betting?

Ravens and Lions Clash in Key Monday Night Matchup

Two teams battling for their playoff lives meet in what is sure to be an intriguing Monday Night affair when the Baltimore Ravens head to the Motor City to take on the Lions.

Baltimore (7-6) at Detroit (7-6)
When: 8:40 PM ET, Monday, December 16, 2013
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Broadcast: ESPN
Ravens vs. Lions Betting Lines
Baltimore Ravens +6 -110 Ov 48 -110
Detroit Lions -6 -110 Un 48 -110
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

NFL ATS Matchup Stats | NFL Betting Insight!

Check out our in-house Handicapper!!! Buy Razor Ray’s NFL Picks!

Both teams are right in the mix of their respective Conference races – a ton is on the line for both teams in this crucial matchup. The Lions will be glad to be back home after an insane Week 14 loss in the blizzard in Philadelphia while the Ravens will be looking to build off one of the craziest wins I have ever seen.

The Baltimore Ravens certainly have a ton to play for – they currently sit in the final Wild Card spot in the AFC but one slip-up could allow Miami, San Diego or the Jets to sneak into that final position.

*CLICK HERE* GRAB OUR BEST Expert NFL FOOTBALL Picks for 2013 GAMBLING season!

The Ravens are coming off one of the wildest games in recent memory – one in which 36 points were scored in the final 2 minutes with Baltimore securing 22 of those points for the win. That makes three straight wins for the Ravens who may just be peaking at precisely the right time.

Offensively the defending champs have been just OK – inconsistent and completely underwhelming at times this year. Joe Flacco hasn’t really lived up to his $100 million contract – he has 3238 yards passing and just 18 TDs this year while their other offensive star Ray Rice has failed to get out of neutral all season long – just 549 yards on the ground, 4 TDs and just three yards per carry.

Defensively, the Ravens have been typically good this season. Baltimore ranks eighth in both points allowed and rushing yards allowed per game while also ranking ninth in total yards allowed. Baltimore seems to be getting better as the season wears on – sound familiar? This unit will have a chance to shine Monday night – the Lions can’t seem to keep a hold of the ball!

While the Ravens have been Hot, the Lions have fallen back to earth and have been unable to takes advantage of losses by the pursuers in their division. They enter Monday night’s game having lost three of four games – the last being the crazy snow game in Philadelphia.

The problem for Detroit – not being able to hold leads and turning the ball over. Detroit has committed a combined five turnovers in the final quarters of its last three losses and totaled 20 giveaways in its past six games – ugh! Matthew Stafford has seven interceptions and two fumbles in the last four games.
[soliloquy id=”82219″]
But the Lions are known as an offensive club – live by the sword and die by the sword. Matthew Stafford has nearly reached the elite level of quarterback – he has 3,973 yards passing this year and 27 touchdowns. He has a couple of terrific weapons at his disposal – Calvin has caught 75 passes for 1,348 yards and 12 touchdowns and Reggie Bush despite struggling to stay healthy has rushed for 854 yards and three touchdowns while catching 45 passes for 448 yards and two scores. The one problem? There is a lack of depth after those two studs – the second-leading receiver, Kris Durham, has caught 35 passes for 471 yards and two scores.

Simply put – offense shouldn’t be an issue for Detroit on Monday – if and only if they can hold on to the ball.

Detroit’s defense, just like the offense has been a tad inconsistent this year – far from a top tier of NFL defenses. They rank 17th in total yards allowed per game and 25th in passing yards allowed but they have been good against the run, ranking sixth in the league in rush yards allowed per game.

Monday Night Football Betting Prediction

A few trends to consider:
• BAL are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games in December.
• Under is 9-3 in BAL last 12 games on fieldturf.
• BAL are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Mon. games.
• Over is 13-2-2 in DET last 17 games in Week 15.
• Over is 6-2 in DET last 8 games overall.
• Over is 19-9-1 in DET last 29 games in December.

Baltimore is playing pretty well at the moment while the Lions have hit the skids at the most important time of the year. That said, I like the Lions to win, but for the Ravens to keep it close. Baltimore has a knack of showing up huge on the biggest stages and Monday night is one of those venues. Detroit wins but Baltimore covers.

Pick: Baltimore Ravens +6

By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.