The Detroit Lions are drawing plenty of attention from NFL bettors, and particularly those in Michigan.
Oddly enough, if it weren’t for the uncertainty surrounding star quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Detroit Lions would have the worst odds to win a Super Bowl heading into the 2021-22 season.
With the Texans expected to start journeyman Tyrod Taylor this season, Houston currently wears that unfavorable crown.
In second to last place?
You’ve Guessed It: The Detroit Lions
The Lions are heading into the first year of an extensive rebuild. With a new management regime in place, plus a completely new and inexperienced coaching staff taking over, it has the makings of a long season. In the past, through the many lengthened rebuilds, the organization could always lean on Matthew Stafford. Unfortunately, Stafford is no longer with the organization, and Detroit is forced to roll with Jared Goff.
I have never felt that Goff is as bad as many make him out to be, but there is one thing for certain, he is not on the same level as Stafford. If the Detroit Lions hope to rebuild not around Goff but with Goff, they need to do so in a similar fashion as Baltimore did for years with Joe Flacco. Or more recently, the way Philadelphia rallied behind Nick Foles.
History proves that you can win football games and even a Super Bowl with the right pieces surrounding an average quarterback. The key is making sure the offensive is catered to the average signal-caller. The Lions showcased this strategy in week 1, despite losing 41-33 to the San Francisco 49ers.
Lions’ Offensive Coordinator Can Get Goff To Overachieve Once Again
In the past, Anthony Lynn prided himself on being committed to the run. Detroit adds a stellar rookie offensive tackle, Penei Sewell, to an already stout offensive line. Second-year running back D’Andre Swift is poised to become a franchise-type running back. The organization also signed a perfect complementary back to him in free agency. Jamaal Williams gives Detroit a legitimate one-two punch in the backfield.
Detroit is expected to run the football and try to control the clock. If the offensive line can keep Goff upright in a clean pocket, he will exceed our expectations.
On the defensive side of things, it can’t get much worse.
Detroit is coming off of two of the worst defensive years in NFL history. General manager (GM) Brad Holmes made a conscious effort to improve the club, starting in the trenches. The Lions added veteran defensive lineman Michael Brockers, plus spent two premium draft choices on interior linemen, Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike. Holmes also addressed a glaring need within the second level of the defense drafting linebacker Derrick Barnes.
I don’t expect Detroit’s defense to be excellent in 2021, but they certainly won’t be as bad as they’ve been the past two years.
The Detroit Lions Are Becoming A Hot Ticket
According to BetMGM, the wager getting the most action of late is the win total surrounding the Lions. Most of the bettors are selecting the over 5 total wins.
A staggering 84% of the bets on Detroit are being placed on the over, and a whopping 90% of those wagers are coming from Michigan per John Ewing of BetMGM.
This may be because the organization finally rid itself of Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia. Or perhaps Michigan bettors are buying what head coach Dan Campbell is selling; whether it is his coffee order or his recent press conference where he explained his previous jobs before getting into football, it seems for the moment, Campbell has Lions fans wrapped around his finger.
The bigger question is, can head coach Dan Campbell win football games? Only time will tell.
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