ClutchPoints
Two of the NFL’s most hyped contenders square off on Monday Night Football as the Baltimore Ravens host the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. Both teams rebounded from Week 1 losses with emphatic Week 2 victories. The loser of this game will stumble to 1-2, while the winner makes a strong case as an early Super Bowl 60 frontrunner. For Baltimore, success may hinge on a single X-factor: Derrick Henry.
The Lions and Ravens face off in a clash that feels bigger than an early-season test. Both clubs looked impressive in Week 2. Detroit torched Chicago 52-21 in a statement win. Meanwhile, Baltimore hammered Cleveland 41-17 behind Lamar Jackson’s four-touchdown performance. The stakes are clear: fall to 1-2 and the uphill climb begins. Of course, win and the national narrative shifts toward championship aspirations.
This matchup features two franchises often picked as preseason darlings but rarely crowned in January. The Lions have been one of the league’s best bets against the spread in recent years. On the other end, the Ravens remain one of the AFC’s most consistent programs. Detroit’s physical run game powered by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs will test a Baltimore defense that has shown cracks against the run. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ offense relies on Jackson’s brilliance, but their ceiling could be determined by how much help he gets from King Henry.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Baltimore Ravens’ X-factor for blockbuster Week 3 clash vs. Detroit Lions.
Derrick Henry’s importance to Baltimore’s offense cannot be overstated. For years, his punishing running style has worn down defenses, setting the tone for his teams. Yet, through two weeks in purple and black this season, Henry’s results have been uneven. Against Cleveland, he logged just 23 yards on 11 carries and lost a fumble. That was his second critical miscue of the young season. Sure, Jackson carried the offense with his arm. However, the Ravens know that long-term success requires Henry playing closer to his vintage form.
Against Detroit, Henry’s presence is more than symbolic. It’s strategic. The Lions are allowing 196.5 passing yards per game, ranking 12th in the league. That means Baltimore cannot expect to throw at will. Instead, the Ravens must control tempo and keep Jared Goff’s offense on the sidelines. That’s where Henry comes in. If he can dominate early downs, Baltimore sustains drives and limits the Lions’ explosive potential.
Oddsmakers have set Henry’s rushing line at 88.5 yards for Monday night. Now, that’s slightly below his season average of 96. Note the reality is that Henry has surpassed that mark just once this year. Through two games, he’s exceeded his prop line only once, while rushing for a touchdown in one outing. His inconsistency mirrors Baltimore’s challenge. The truth is that when Henry is bottled up, the offense leans heavily on Jackson. That narrows the playbook and increases pressure on the...
