Baltimore Beatdown's Ravens-Lions prediction

If you never play any games, the Lions would appear to be a matchup nightmare for anyone.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford has one of the strongest arms in the NFL. He has the game's best receiver to throw the ball to in Calvin Johnson. Reggie Bush has seen a resurgence in his career as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Joique Bell, Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew are also complimentary pieces as well.

On defense, the Lions boast one of the best defensive tackle duos in Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley. Ezekiel Ansah has proved his worth as a top five draft pick.

It just seems like a tough group to battle against. But that's why you play the game.

Somehow, the Lions are just 7-6 when it would appear they have the talent to be in the 10-3 range. Part of the issue is the fact the Lions are not that good against the pass, in a league where it's become important for offenses to strike teams with big plays in the passing game.

The Lions are 26th against the pass, giving up an average of 255.8 yards per game. The secondary is vulnerable and prone to getting beat.

On offense, despite the playmakers they have, the Lions are the fourth-worst team in turnover margin at minus-10. Only the Broncos have lost more fumbles (16) than the Lions (14).

Talent alone at specific positions won't win games. Despite the Lions having the better roster on paper, this game will likely come down to which team wins the turnover battle.

Somehow, some way, the Ravens find a way to win this one.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Lions 24