This Monday night’s showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens is a battle between two physical teams built on the ground game. Both squads have found their greatest success this season when rushing the ball 25+ times. For Detroit, establishing the run will be the most critical element of the game. Jared Goff will need a balanced attack to create opportunities against Baltimore’s suffocating secondary.
The Team closest to 30 or more Rushing Attempts will Win
Lions, Ravens look to prove sustainability – Bobby Kowmack via NFL.com.
We’ve already seen the blueprint: the Bills rushed 30 times for 108 yards and three touchdowns (with Josh Allen running 14 times), while the Browns picked up 115 yards on just 22 attempts. On the flip side, Baltimore dominated the ground against Buffalo, rushing 29 times for 238 yards and three scores, only losing due to a late fumble. If Detroit wants to hang in, “Sonic and Knuckles”: Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will have to set the tone.
Expect a ground-and-pound chess match.
Start ‘Em 🔥
Zay Flowers – WR, Ravens 🔥
Flowers has quickly become Lamar Jackson’s most consistent target. He drew 11 looks against Cleveland and 9 against Buffalo, and nothing suggests that changes Monday. Detroit has struggled to contain shifty receivers in space, and without safety help, their corners will be in trouble.
Projected Stat Line: 7 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
Jameson Williams – WR, Lions 🔥
The Browns’ and Bills’ number 2 receivers both found production against Baltimore. Jameson Williams’ evolving route tree, no longer just a deep threat, makes him a vital piece of Detroit’s plan. Expect the Lions to scheme him open on crossing routes and even in gadget plays to stretch Baltimore’s defense. He’ll need early touches to keep pressure off Goff, so he’s a solid flex play here.
Projected Stat Line: 5 receptions, 76 yards, 1 carry, 12 rushing yards
Ravens will see a very different Jameson Williams during MNF – Michael Colander via Sideline Report.
Jahmyr Gibbs – RB, Lions 🔥
Detroit must lean on Gibbs’ explosiveness to open things up. His versatility as a runner and pass-catcher will be vital, especially if Baltimore’s edge rushers get home on Goff. Expect him to be used creatively on screens and angle routes to punish blitzes.
Projected Stat Line: 11 carries, 62 yards; 5 receptions, 44 yards, 1 TD
David Montgomery – RB, Lions 🔥
Montgomery will provide the thunder to Gibbs’ lightning. A bruising presence between the tackles, he needs double-digit carries to keep the Ravens’ front honest. If Detroit can consistently stay ahead of the sticks, Montgomery should see goal-line opportunities.
Projected Stat Line: 13 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 12 yards
DeAndre Hopkins – WR, Ravens 🔥
NUKE has given Lamar the big-bodied, reliable red-zone target he’s been missing. With two touchdowns in his last two games, Hopkins’s size and catch radius make him a mismatch against Detroit’s corners. Even if volume is moderate, his scoring upside makes him a must-start flex option.
Projected Stat Line: 6 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
Sit ‘Em ❄️
Rashod Bateman – WR, Ravens ❄️
Bateman is healthy, but the production hasn’t followed. Four targets in back-to-back games with little yardage is not enough to trust in fantasy. Until he shows more consistent involvement, he belongs on the bench.
Projected Stat Line: 2 receptions, 18 yards
Mark Andrews – TE, Ravens ❄️
Andrews is always a dangerous weapon, but Detroit has done well limiting opposing tight ends (holding Kraft and Kmet to modest lines). With Baltimore’s offense flowing through the run game, Flowers, Hopkins, and Andrews are risky plays this week.
Projected Stat Line: 3 receptions, 29 yards
Sleeper Pick 🌙
Sam LaPorta – TE, Lions 🌙
LaPorta shouldn’t even feel like a sleeper anymore, but some managers remain hesitant. Detroit’s passing attack has been far more effective when feeding him, as seen with his 9-target, 80-yard performance against Green Bay. If Goff needs a safety valve under duress, LaPorta is the guy.
Projected Stat Line: 6 receptions, 64 yards
Wrap-Up
This Monday night clash will be decided in the trenches. Both teams are at their best when leaning heavily on the run, and whichever backfield controls the tempo will likely emerge victorious. For fantasy purposes, Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins headline Baltimore’s passing attack, while Gibbs, Montgomery, and Jameson Williams will be crucial for Detroit. Sam LaPorta provides sneaky value if Detroit falls behind and needs to throw. Sit Bateman and Andrews this week, as their roles won’t translate into enough fantasy production.
Expect a hard-hitting game where the rushing attack dictates not just the scoreboard, but fantasy matchups as well.
