Ravens’ defense may flourish against Lions’ offense

As of now, the Baltimore Ravens hold a significant advantage in health. Weird to read, isn’t it?

Currently, the Ravens are only down OG Jermaine Eluemunor. Meanwhile, the Lions have held multiple players out of practice this week.

Detroit is missing:

• RB Ameer Abdullah (neck)
• C Travis Swanson (knee)
• G T.J. Lang (foot)

These are three significant players the Lions may need, and without them, Stafford could be in trouble.

Along the line, both Swanson and Lang are good players, capable of handling their own against NFL defenses. Both are starters and keep Matthew Stafford clean. Without them, this puts back-up players up against Brandon Williams, Michael Pierce and Willie Henry.

This could be the difference maker in this game. Stafford is a great quarteback, but when they become one-dimensional against the best secondary in creating turnovers, it pins the Lions up against the Ravens’ best weapon.

With Ameer Abdullah out, this also leaves Theo Riddick to receive the bulk of the carries. He’s done well in his change-of-pace role, but I don’t suspect his yards per carry of 3.6 to grow against Williams, C.J Mosley and the Ravens well-known, run-stopping safeties.

The receiving unit and the quarterback of the Lions are talented. While the Ravens are struggling offensively, it doesn’t leave them out of the game. The defense has an advantage as of now, and they are capable of giving Justin Tucker enough room to kick the game-winner, just like 2013.