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NFL Preseason Pick – Week 2

Game Overview

Detroit lost its opening preseason game to Cleveland 19-17 this past Friday night on a late field goal. The Lions closed as three-point home favorites and the total ended as a ‘push’ with the line set at 36. Matthew Stafford started the game at quarterback but was unimpressive in limited action. Look for him to play a longer stint against the Ravens to try and shake off the rust after failing to produce any points in three drives against the Browns.

Fortunately, Detroit came out of Friday’s game relatively healthy, which is every team’s plan for the preseason. Safety Louis Delmas had minor surgery on his knee but is expected to be back in time for opening day. A bigger concern is the lingering concussion symptoms that have kept running back Javid Best out of the lineup since last October. At this point, there is no definite time table for his return.

Baltimore rolled to a 31-17 victory over Atlanta as a one-point road underdog last Thursday night in its first preseason game. The total went ‘over’ the 34-point line. Despite the win, there could be some cause for concern on defense, after Atlanta’s starters moved the ball at ease and tagged the Ravens with two touchdowns on two drives to open a 17-7 lead at the half.

Joe Flacco started the game for Baltimore and completed nine of 12 attempts for 88 yards including a nine-yard scoring strike to Ed Dickson to put his team on the board midway through the second quarter. Look for the Ravens’ first-team offense to play most of the first half on Friday night as it continues to prepare for its regular-season opener against Cincinnati. The only substantial injury reported from last Thursday’s game was to back-up defensive tackle Ryan McBean, who was carted off the field after hurting his leg.

Prediction

Right now, Baltimore appears to be ahead of the Lions on the offensive side of the ball. Flacco should be able to pick-up where he left off and put some points on the board in the first half, while Stafford continues to work out the kinks. The Ravens’ overall team depth gives them the edge in the second half as they move to 2-0 in the preseason with the win. Baltimore 24 Detroit 13