The Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions are set for a high-stakes Monday Night Football matchup at M&T Bank Stadium, a game that could help shape early Super Bowl conversations. Both squads rebounded in Week 2 after disappointing openers, and this clash will push one side to 2-1 while the other slips into a difficult 1-2 hole. For the Ravens, much of their fate could rest on one player: Derrick Henry.
Ravens vs. Lions Preview
This contest carries the feel of a playoff-type battle despite being early in the season. The Lions made headlines in Week 2 by dismantling the Bears 52-21, while Baltimore looked equally dominant in a 41-17 thrashing of Cleveland led by Lamar Jackson’s four-touchdown effort. The stakes are straightforward—losing means pressure mounts quickly, while winning elevates expectations toward championship contention.
Both franchises are familiar with hype but have often fallen short when it matters most. Detroit leans on a punishing run game powered by David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, while the Ravens continue to thrive behind Jackson’s versatility. However, Baltimore’s ceiling may be defined by how effectively Henry can complement his quarterback.
Derrick Henry: The Deciding Factor
Henry’s role in Baltimore’s offense cannot be ignored. Known for his bruising running style, he has long been the kind of back who dictates the flow of games. Yet, his start with the Ravens has been shaky. Against the Browns, he was limited to 23 yards on 11 carries and lost a costly fumble—his second of the young season. Jackson’s passing masked those struggles, but if Baltimore wants long-term success, Henry must regain his dominant form.
Facing Detroit, his contributions go beyond statistics. The Lions currently allow just under 200 passing yards per contest, which means Baltimore can’t rely solely on Jackson’s arm. Controlling possession and limiting Jared Goff’s opportunities is crucial, and Henry is the key to sustaining drives and setting the game’s tempo.
Betting Lines and Performance Trends
Oddsmakers set Henry’s rushing projection for this game at 88.5 yards—slightly below his average pace of 96. The catch? He’s only topped that number once so far this season. Through two games, he has crossed the prop line just once and has a single rushing touchdown. His inconsistency reflects Baltimore’s broader challenge: when Henry stalls, the offense becomes overly dependent on Jackson, shrinking the playbook and raising the risk of mistakes.
Last week, nearly half of Henry’s output came on just one run—eight of his 23 yards were gained in a single burst. Without more consistent production, Baltimore’s attack loses its balance. For the Ravens to topple Detroit, Henry can’t just be a complementary piece—he has to be the tone-setter.
