Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens keys to victory, facts to know, and final score prediction

The Detroit Lions have a big Monday Night Football matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3, and this is the kind of game that can separate the boys from the men, if you will. The kind of game where a win takes the perception of a team from "they're pretty good" to "that is a Super Bowl team right there."

How do the Lions win this game? We've got three keys to victory and our final score prediction.

Keys to a Lions win over the Ravens

Take advantage of the Ravens' big injuries

The Ravens have two huge injuries that could impact this game. They'll be without both of their top pass rushers in Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy. For a Lions team with a young interior offensive line, trying to find their way early in the season, this is a big advantage for them as they'll be going up against other rookies in this one.

Fast Facts on the Ravens without Madubuike and Van Noy

• The Ravens are 5-3 without Nnamdi Madubuike
• This is the first time he's missed a game since 2022
• Madubuike has led the Ravens in pressures every season since 2023
• The Ravens are 2-2 without Kyle Van Noy
• Van Noy led the Ravens in sacks in 2024 and was second in pressures

Take advantage of the Ravens' struggling offensive line

The Ravens' offensive line is having a rough start to the season. They're currently 30th in composite pass protection rates. They're allowing pressure and sacks on Lamar Jackson right now, and it was very noticeable against the Browns in Week 2. Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad have to take advantage of this.

Pro Football Focus Pass Blocking Grades for the Baltimore Ravens

• LT Ronnie Stanley: 53.5
• LG Andrew Vorhees: 27.6
• C Tyler Linderbaum: 23.1
• RG Daniel Faalele: 80.4
• Rt Roger Rosengarten: 76.7

Population tackling Derrick Henry

This one is pretty simple. Lions head coach Dan Campbell talked about it last week. If Henry has the ball, dang near the entire team needs to be there ready to tackle him, and they need to be tackling like it was taught. Wrapping up and pushing back. Stop his feet from moving. You can't throw shoulders or body check this guy; he is stronger than you.

Final Score Prediction

At the end of the day, the heart tells you one thing and the brain tells you another most times. In this case, they're saying the same thing, and this is that the Lions squeak out of Baltimore with a win, but this one won't be easy. Don't expect a comfortable game like last week against the Bears. The Lions win 38-35 with Jake Bates kicking a game-winning field goal.