Both of these teams desperately need a win today if they want to make it into the playoffs. Both the Ravens and Lions are in conferences where there is no clear winner. The Detroit Lions are going backwards right now after that terrible loss in Philadelphia. They allowed LeSean McCoy run for over 200 yards in the snow. For a struggling Ray Rice, this could be a big game for him finally. The Ravens had a tough start to the season, but have started to make a nice run as of late.
Baltimore holds the second Wild Card position in the AFC, but there are plenty of teams hot on their tail. With their win over the New England Patriots, the Dolphins are still in playoff contention. The Ravens have the tie breaker over them, but they still need a win tonight. The Lions have been inconsistent all season due to all their turnovers. On Thanksgiving, Detroit blew out the Packers, but they had four turnovers, including two interceptions by Matthew Stafford. Last week, they had three turnovers and could not overcome them. For the Lions to make a run in the playoffs, they will have to keep control of the ball throughout the entire game.
Baltimore has not been a good road team and the Lions have been a good home team. Both of these teams are talented, but I am picking the Detroit Lions to steal one at home. The Lions defensive front will get some pressure on Joe Flacco and force him to make throws that he does not want. Also, Matt Elam gave Calvin Johnson some bulletin board material this week when he called him “old” and implied that he could no longer play. I do not think anyone is quite sure what prompted Elam to say something like this, but it will only add fuel to Johnson and Detroit’s high powered offense. Lions vs. Ravens- who you takin?
