ClutchPoints
The Detroit Lions have been knocking on the NFL elite’s door for years, only to be labeled perennial ‘almosts.’ In 2025, however, the tone feels different. After dismantling the Chicago Bears in Week 2, Detroit enters Monday Night Football with swagger and momentum. Of course, now comes the real test, which is a primetime trip to Baltimore to face a Ravens team that looked equally dominant in its latest victory. For the Lions, one star stands out as the X-factor who could tilt this heavyweight clash in their favor. That’s wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Lions and Ravens square off at M&T Bank Stadium in what feels like a playoff preview disguised as an early-season matchup. Both teams silenced doubters with explosive Week 2 performances. The Lions dropped 52 points in a 31-point demolition of Chicago. Meanwhile, the Ravens rolled past Cleveland, 41-17.
This primetime clash brings together two franchises long regarded as perennial ‘bridesmaids.’ Detroit has covered the spread better than any team over the past three years, and its offense looks as sharp as ever. Still, playing outdoors in Baltimore under the lights is no small task. The Ravens’ run defense has shown cracks, though. That could open opportunities for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Of course, Baltimore’s own star duo of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry presents an equally daunting challenge. With firepower on both sides, this Monday Night Football showdown has the makings of one of the season’s defining games.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Detroit Lions’ X-factor for blockbuster Week 3 clash vs. Baltimore Ravens.
Fresh off a dominant performance against the Bears, Amon-Ra St. Brown enters Week 3 riding a wave of momentum. The Lions’ receiver torched Chicago’s secondary with nine catches for 115 yards and three touchdowns. He also added seven rushing yards for good measure. His efforts earned him FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week honors. That further cemented his place among the NFL’s elite playmakers. It was a good bounce-back game for him after a lackluster Week 1 performance.
Through two games, St. Brown has totaled 160 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 13 receptions. His combination of precise route-running, sticky hands, and ability to create after the catch has made him Jared Goff’s most trusted weapon. In an offense loaded with balance, St. Brown sparks momentum with big plays and keeping defenses on their heels.
Against Baltimore, the matchup sets up perfectly for St. Brown to be the difference-maker. The Ravens rank 31st in the league in passing yards allowed. They have given up nearly 300 yards per game. Yes, Baltimore has long prided itself on defensive discipline. That said, their secondary has been inconsistent in 2025. They have often been susceptible to versatile receivers who thrive on timing routes and quick breaks. That is precisely St. Brown’s specialty.
If the Lions...
