The Ravens are coming off a landmark win, after beating Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs for the first time. And while that win was huge, as much as anything to avoid going 0-2, this week’s game against the Lions is equally important, if not more.
Why, I hear you ask? Yes, the Lions had the seventh overall pick this year, have a new head coach and, ultimately, are 0-2. But Detroit have played tough through the first two weeks, just as Dan Campbell would want.
The wider point though is the Ravens, among other teams, have a history of disappointing performances, and losses after big, emotional wins. Baltimore’s record after games against the Steelers leaves a lot to be desired.
Chiefs win would count for nothing at 1-2
While the Ravens got a win ‘against the head’ vs the Chiefs, they are still only 1-1. Realistically that’s the record the Ravens would have expected to have after two weeks, although likely with flipped results. A loss on the road in Detroit would throw away all of the progress made in the 4th quarter v the Chiefs.
The Ravens are a good team, playoff calibre even despite their injury record. But to make the next step, they need to back up big wins with routine ones.
Last season, the Ravens lost to the Patriots after a commanding win against the Colts, starting a near season-ending three game skip, culminating in a resilient performance in a defeat against the Steelers, without a plethora of starters due to covid. In 2019, it was a thumping at home to a weak Browns team after running the Chiefs close. However, the Ravens have been better in ‘comedown games’ since Lamar Jackson has inherited the reigns. Ultimately, Baltimore do have 35-7 record since Jackson has been under centre, so defeats have been few and far between. But it is important to keep pace in a crowded AFC playoff race.
Detroit on the road is the ultimate trap game, now it is on Baltimore to avoid it.
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