Detroit Lions NFL Betting Odds

2010 Season

If there's one NFL team that could be described as the 'Cinderella' of the league, it's the Detroit Lions. Who can forget how the Lions hit rock bottom in 2008 when they finished on 0-16, but then dug deep to improve their record to 2-14 in 2009? And then after digging even deeper last season, they racked up a none-too-shabby 6-10, which begs the question of what they'll achieve this season?

2011 Off Season

Not a team to rest on their laurels, especially now that they're getting somewhere, the Lions went to work in the off season, concentrating on boosting their already much-improved defense. (Offensively, last year Detroit ranked 17th in the NFL with 339 YPG). Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, who joined the team in 2009, used the NFL Draft to snap up DT Nick Fairley, as well as ex-Dolphins LB Bobby Carpenter and ex-Browns CB Eric Wright. However, Fairley injured his foot which required surgery, while talented rookie RB Mikel Leshoure tore his Achilles to end his season.

2011 Preview

Last season the Detroit Lions showed so much pluck and determination to come back from 2-10 and end the season on 6-10, that NFL betting fans can see that the team is finally going places. Offensively, the Lions chalked up 339 YPG last season, but were only 17th in the NFL with 101 rushing yards per game. However, coach Schwartz no doubt worked on that aspect of the game in the off season, plus QB Matt Stafford has shown that he can deliver, and should continue to deliver, especially with the help of WR Calvin Johnson and RB Jahvid Best. Defensively, if DT Ndamukong Suh continues to fire on all cylinders, and the changes made in the off season stick, don't be surprised if the Lion's defense becomes one of the best in the league.

2011 Prediction

In the NFL, teams that are 'under the gun' can often surprise their critics by playing beyond expectation one season, and then buckle under the pressure of trying to replicate that success in the next. Hopefully that won't be the case with the Detroit Lions, who have flourished under coach Schwartz. As long as the Lions stay focused, keep their heads down and remember where they've come from in the last few seasons, they could be the team to watch this year.

**Our Pick

The Detroit Lions were a superb team to bet on last season with 12-4 ATS, and 10-5-1 in over/under, averaging 46 points per game. And for our NFL betting buck, we see no reason why the Lions should not exceed all expectations yet again this season, and perhaps chalk up a score of 8-8 or even 9-7.