The schedule makers saved the best for last in NFL Week 3.
Monday Night Football features a colossal non-conference clash — and potential Super Bowl preview — between the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.
I size up the opening odds to give my early Lions vs. Ravens predictions and NFL picks for September 22.
Lions vs Ravens predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early MNF spread pick: Lions +6
This spread has bounced between Baltimore Ravens -6 and -5.5 since opening Sunday night, which is larger than the look-ahead spread (Baltimore -3.5) was back in the summer.
The Detroit Lions had a bad debut at Green Bay but looked more like the high-powered attack we’ve come to know in last weekend’s blasting of Chicago. Detroit faces a much stiffer test in Baltimore, but the Ravens could be missing some key cogs in that defense.
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) is likely out for Week 3, taking away a top pass rusher, and the Baltimore secondary could be missing corner Marlon Humphrey (groin). Both were injured in Week 2’s win over Cleveland.
The final score of that game looked a lot better than what actually went down on the field. Baltimore won 41-17 but amassed only 242 yards (while allowing 323 against) and scored 21 of those points thanks in part to a blocked punt, fumble recovery, and an interception.
Those big injuries and this inflated spread have me leaning toward Detroit as a 6-point underdog on MNF.
Early MNF total pick: Over 51.5
Despite a dud of a day from the Ravens’ rushing attack, you still have Lamar Jackson under center. He continues to blossom as an elite passer in Todd Monken’s system with eight passing plays of 20+ yards and six TD throws through two games.
The Lions have a blitz-heavy approach under new coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and run man coverage at a high rate.
That works to Jackson’s advantage as he rates among the top QBs vs. man schemes, is the No. 1 quarterback when blitzed at PFF, and the Lions have already given up seven passing plays of 20+ yards.
These two offenses can erupt for big plays on any snap. With Baltimore’s defense banged up and Jackson looking better than ever, it’s tough not to lean toward the Over 51.5 points.
Lions vs Ravens odds
- Lions vs. Ravens spread: Ravens -6
- Lions vs. Ravens moneyline: Lions +210, Ravens -260
- Lions vs. Ravens Over/Under: 51.5
How to watch Lions vs Ravens
- Lions vs. Ravens matchup
- Date: Monday, September 22, 2025, 8:15 p.m. ET
- City: Baltimore, MD
- Venue: M&T Bank Stadium
- TV: ESPN
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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