Build-Up: What Went Into This Game
So both teams came in with something on the line. The Ravens were trying to prove they could dominate like they do, especially in their house. But their defense had losses—big names were injured. Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), Kyle Van Noy (hamstring), Isaiah Likely, and a couple more were out. Meanwhile, the Lions had some worries too—Marcus Davenport was injured, some guys questionable. Wikipedia+3Reuters+3NFL.com+3
Before this game, betting odds had Baltimore favored by a small margin (like -5.5) and the over/under was high. People thought Ravens had the edge at home. But the Lions were coming off a big Week 2, and they looked like they wanted to show up strong. ESPN.com+2Pride Of Detroit+2
The Game: Highlights & Wild Moments
Man, what a ride. The final score: Lions 38, Ravens 30. Detroit shocked Baltimore at home. It was a big win. Reuters+2Pride Of Detroit+2
Some things that stood out:
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Run game explosion: David Montgomery had a career-high rushing yards—over 150 yards and two TDs. Jahmyr Gibbs ripped off some big runs and also scored. Detroit’s ground game was insane. Reuters+1
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Huge drives: Detroit did a 98-yard touchdown drive, 18 plays, almost 11 minutes off the clock. That kind of drive changes momentum in a big way. NFL.com+2Pride Of Detroit+2
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Pressure party on Lamar Jackson: The Lions defense got to him a lot. Seven sacks. Jackson was under fire, making tough decisions, and didn’t always make the cleanest throws. Reuters+2Pride Of Detroit+2
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Ravens’ mistakes hurt: Derrick Henry had a touchdown, but also fumbled in the 4th quarter in a key moment. That turnover gave Detroit a chance to extend their lead. Ravens also struggled inside the red zone when it mattered. Reuters+2NFL.com+2
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Late game push, but it wasn’t enough: Baltimore tried to come back, but Detroit answered when they needed to. The Lions made clutch plays down the stretch, including going for it on fourth down and getting big plays from their offense. Pride Of Detroit+1
What It Means
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For the Lions: This win was huge. It showed they can play in big moments, even on the road, even against top opponents. They proved the run game is legit, their defense can bring heat, and Goff (quarterback) can manage the game well when the pressure’s on. They went from “maybe this season will be tough” to “we’re for real.” Pride Of Detroit+2Wikipedia+2
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For the Ravens: It raised questions. Injuries stacking up hurt them. Turnovers and having trouble stopping Detroit on big drives exposed some weaknesses. They need to tighten up, especially in protecting the ball, finishing drives, and stopping the run. They can’t have fumbles in critical moments if they want to be championship contenders. Baltimore Beatdown+1
Prediction & Looking Ahead
If I were guessing what this means going forward:
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Lions might use this win as a springboard. They’ll be more confident. Their next games will test them, but this shows they can hang with the big teams.
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Ravens need to heal up, clean up mistakes, especially in red-zone offense and turnovers. If they don’t, they’ll drop more games they shouldn’t.
My Take: Who Won the Mental Game
Beyond stats, I think Detroit won the mental battle. They didn’t get flustered, even when Ravens made plays. They stuck to their identity: run the ball, protect the QB, pressure the opponent. That kind of discipline is hard. Ravens have been down this road before, but got caught.
So yeah, Detroit vs Ravens was awesome. It’s one of those games you’ll remember, not just because of the final, but because of how both teams showed what they’re made of. If you like physical games, hard hits, big plays, and swings—this was that.
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