Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit Lions: 3 big things to think about

The Ravens need a win against the Lions. Can they treat M&T Bank Stadium to a victory? Here are three big things to think about in this game. We start with the idea that something has to give:

The Baltimore Ravens allow the second fewest points per game. The Detroit Lions score the fifth most points per game. The purple and black have a top 10 pass defense. The blue and silver have a top 10 passing attack. Other than Ben Roethlisberger, the Ravens have not faced a quarterback as good as Matthew Stafford.

The Ravens have been fairly dominant in pass coverage and they’ll need to continue this against Detroit. Jimmy Smith will have to have a bounce back game. He struggled against DeAndre Hopkins, he can’t miss the mark against Golden Tate. Tate has 63 receptions which is 18 more than any other Lions’ player. Tate is the go to target for Stafford. The big play receiver is Marvin Jones. Jones is averaging almost 17 yards per reception and has eight touchdowns on the year.

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Keeping with the something has to give theme, the Ravens lead the league in interceptions and Stafford takes care of the ball. He has 21 touchdowns, compared to his six interceptions. One thing playing into the hands of the Baltimore pass rushers, is that Stafford is the second most sacked passer in the league. If the purple and black are going to tilt the game in their favor, players like Terrell Suggs and Matt Judon have to shine bright.

Suggs leads the way with 9.5 sacks and the best celebrations of any defensive player. Judon has five sacks on the year. The Ravens secondary has been lights out this year, however the Ravens pass rushers will need to make the defensive back’s lives easier against the Lions.