3 matchups the Baltimore Ravens must dominate the Detroit Lions to avoid an upset

The Baltimore Ravens will host the Detroit Lions in a game that should be very tight. The Lions have a slightly better record, but they are on the road, and the Ravens are three-point favorites as we stand right now. If the Ravens want to win the game as expected, they need to lean on attacking the Lions in the following areas.

3. The Baltimore Ravens have to shut down the Detroit Lions ground game

The Detroit Lions come into the game with one of the toughest ground games in the NFL, while the Baltimore Ravens have one of the best run defenses. Whoever wins this matchup should dictate how things go for the rest of the game.

The Lions are strong in this area but are not coming in at their best. Jonah Jackson missed their most recent game, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai has been out since week two. Graham Glasgow is not a bad backup, and last week, the Lions beat the Bucs with Kayode Awosika at left guard. Still, they are both backups, and against a tough front, they can be beaten.

More than that, David Montgomery left the game and is unlikely to play against Baltimore. Jahmyr Gibbs may return, but he is an outside speed runner. When we are talking about power running up the gut, the Lions are going to be weak.

Meanwhile, Michael Pierce and Justin Madubuike are both having the best years of their career or at least for Pierce, the best year he has had in quite some time. When you add in Broderick Washington, this front has been lethal all year. A healthy Lions front against this group is best on best. With the Lions where they are, the Ravens have to win this game by shutting down the run.