Detroit Lions Betting Preview For 2019/2020 NFL Season

The Detroit Lions are set to celebrate their 90th season in the National Football League in 2019, and their fans are hoping that it goes better than it did a season ago. Matt Patricia was in his first season as head coach in 2018, and it was another disappointing year in Detroit. The Lions were 3-3 through their first six games, but the wheels fell off towards the end of the season. Detroit did manage to earn a couple of impressive victories over the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers, but they also suffered some bad losses.

Detroit finished the 2018 season with a 6-10 record and had another last-place finish in the NFC North Division. The Lions were actually one of the better teams to bet on in the NFL a season ago, finishing with a 9-7 record against the spread. Detroit has plenty of things to work on if they are going to improve upon their 6-10 record.

Key Moves in Offseason

The Detroit Lions made a handful of huge moves in the offseason in an effort to improve their team. Detroit signed Trey Flowers to a free-agent deal, and he should make a significant impact on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions also brought in running back CJ Anderson to give them some depth at that position.

Detroit will also have a new offensive coordinator this season, after hiring Darrell Bevell in the offseason. Bevell comes to Detroit after an incredible career in Seattle and should help out Matthew Stafford and the Lions offense.

2019 Schedule

Week 1: @ Arizona Cardinals

Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 3: @ Philadelphia Eagles

Week 4: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 5: Bye Week

Week 6: @ Green Bay Packers

Week 7: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 8: vs. New York Giants

Week 9: @ Oakland Raiders

Week 10: @ Chicago Bears

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 12: @ Washington Redskins

Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 14: @ Minnesota Vikings

Week 15: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 16: @ Denver Broncos

Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers

 

Key Players

Matthew Stafford: Matthew Stafford is without a doubt the most important player on the Lions team, but he needs some help. Stafford threw for 3,777 yards in 2018 but also was sacked 40 times. The Lions need to find a way to protect their star QB.

Marvin Jones Jr.: Marvin Jones Jr. was headed for a monster 2018 season before it was cut short with injury. Jones had over 500 receiving yards in just 9 games a season ago, and should easily clear the 1,000-yard mark this season if he stays healthy.

Kerryon Johnson: Kerryon Johnson played in just 10 games a season ago, but he looks to be the top running back for the Lions this season. Johnson averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2018 and ran for 641 yards. The Lions need to find balance on offense, and Johnson will be a huge key.

Rookie Class: The Lions selected tight end T.J. Hockenson in the first round, and he is expected to have a big impact on offense this season. The Lions went with defense with their next four picks in an effort to slow down the top quarterbacks in the NFC North Division.

 

Betting Props

Vegas Win Total: 6.5 Wins (Over -150/Under +130)

Odds to win Division: Detroit Lions +1000

Odds to win Conference: Detroit Lions +3500

Odds to win Super Bowl: Detroit Lions +8000

 

Predictions to Season/Bets to Make

The Detroit Lions should be much better this season, but they are not going to be a playoff team. There are just too many good teams in the NFC North, and the Lions are not going to be able to keep up. Detroit should win at least 7 games and betting the over 6.5 wins at -150 is the smart play. The rest of the future odds should not be touched, as the Lions are going to miss the playoffs again.