The NFL Week 3 slate closes off with an intriguing battle between the 1-1 Lions and 1-1 Ravens in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium. This should be a fun one between Lamar and Goff if last week is anything to go by. Here are my NFL tips for Tuesday's matchup.
Detroit Lions (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
The Lions bounced back from an opening loss against the Packers with an absolute demolition job of the Bears. In their home opener, the Lions put up 52 pts in the 52-21 result. It's fair to say Jared Goff enjoyed facing the Bears' lowly secondary, finishing with 5 TDs and 334 yards. Amon-Ra St. Brown was his favourite target as usual, catching 3 of those 5 TDs. They also dominated the run game with 177 yards and 2 TDs on 30 carries. Baltimore also came off a disappointing loss in Week 1 and shrugged it off in Week 2. Against the Browns, Lamar Jackson tossed 4 touchdowns in the 41-17 onslaught.
Leg #1 - Detroit Lions +7.5
I expect to be a close game, so the Lions getting within a touchdown should be a safe bet. Over their last 9 road games, the Lions are 8-1. So I don't think the trip to Baltimore will scare them. Their offence was firing last week, scoring over 50. While they probably won't do that again, Baltimore did give 40+ pts to the Bills in Week 1. The Lions also have a nice record against AFC teams, going 10-3 ATS.
Leg #2 - Over 51.5
With two of the best scoring teams in the league, I think this will be a shootout between Lamar Jackson and Jared Goff. Looking at last week, these two QBs combined for 9 TD passes. Both sides also rank inside the top 3 in the NFL for points scored - Ravens 40.5 ppg and Lions 32.5 pgg. The Over trend is also looking nice. The Lions have gone Over in 6 of their last 8. Meanwhile, the Ravens are 4-1 against the Over in their last 5 and 6-1 when they face a NFC team.
Leg #3 - Derrick Henry Anytime Touchdown Scorer
Henry had a rare off-day last week as the Browns locked down on him, so he finished with 11 carries and 23 yards. But I expect him to bounce back in this expected high scoring matchup. Detroit are middle of the road for rushing yards allowed and allowed a rushing TD last week. In Week 1 against the Bills, Henry rushed for 169 yards and 2 TDs, so I don't think the Lions will be able to stop him.
Same Game Multi
Detroit Lions +7.5 / Over 51.5 / Derrick Henry Anytime Touchdown Scorer = $4.10
Value Leg - Amon-Ra St. Brown 90+ Receiving Yards
St. Brown comes off a huge game against the Bears, catching 9 passes for 115 yards and 3 TDs. He's easily Goff's favourite target, having been targeted 17 times in the first 2 games of the season. The Ravens have given up 100+ receiving yards to a WR already this season and rank 31st in the NFL for passing yards. So 90+ yards looks like a chance.
