For a lot of moons, the Detroit Lions have been the laughingstock of the NFL. They’ve been the Cleveland Browns of the NFC, the clowns on the circus, the Packers’ little brothers who simply need to get a seat on the grownup desk on Thanksgiving — however not anymore. By way of two weeks, the Detroit Lions have proven life. They’ve proven grit. They’ve been satisfying, and so they’ve impressed quite a few folks throughout America. After Week 1 noticed the Lions battle powerful in opposition to probably the greatest groups within the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles, Week 2 noticed the Lions bounce out to an enormous lead early on the Washington Commanders. Whereas the Commanders did claw their means again to deliver the rating inside single digits, most onlookers agreed that the Lions by no means actually misplaced management. They seemed stable.
Now, anybody who’s been watching the Lions lately may’ve instructed you that their file wasn’t indicative of how good the group truly was. In 2021, the Lions had the second-worst file within the league. Nonetheless, they have been additionally 1-6-1 in one-possession video games final yr. That’s not regular. You’d anticipate a group to be about .500 in these conditions. Detroit wasn’t wherever shut. Couple that with a extra wholesome offensive line, improved passing sport weapons, and an improved move rush, and it’s no marvel that the Lions are all of a sudden trying like kings of their jungle. They’ve additionally acquired one of many best schedules within the NFL, with 10 video games in opposition to groups that have been underneath .500 final season. Yeah, they’ll most likely get smoked on nationwide TV on Thanksgiving Day in opposition to the Buffalo Payments. That can most likely flip lots of people away from the Lions, however hey, the Rams additionally acquired smoked by the Payments on nationwide TV and I don’t see anyone fading the Rams proper now.
Sports activities bettors are essentially the most intrigued by the Lions to this point. This entire week, the Lions have been a favourite at sportsbooks. On Tuesday, the Lions acquired 16.7 p.c of bets to win the Tremendous Bowl. That tied them with the Payments for the second-most, behind solely the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, who acquired 25 p.c of all Tremendous Bowl bets. That is surprising. Relating to particular person video games, it’s regular to see bettors again the underdogs in hopes of large payouts. Nonetheless, that just about by no means occurs with regards to championship bets. The phrase is “any given Sunday,” not “any given season.”
Hell, the Lions nonetheless aren’t anticipated to even attain the playoffs. In response to OddsChecker US, the Lions are listed at -350 to overlook the playoffs, that means they’re being given a 77.8 p.c likelihood to overlook the playoffs altogether. Regardless of their scorching begin, they nonetheless have +10000 odds to win the Tremendous Bowl, placing them tied for twenty third within the NFL with the likes of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Commanders. Ought to these odds be greater? Completely, particularly given the truth that the Lions beat the Commanders convincingly of their dwelling opener final weekend.
That’s most likely why so many individuals are inclined to guess on the Lions this week. They observed how arduous the Lions laid the smack down on Washington, and the truth that they’re nonetheless tied with the Commanders when it comes to Tremendous Bowl odds is a slap within the face to Detroit’s early-season accomplishments.
G/O Media could get a fee
Alexa?
Has an 8″ HD touchscreen which might allow you to watch reveals, stream issues, and even make video calls because of the 13 MP digital camera, you may as well use it to regulate different good units in your house with ease, and even show photographs if you wish to as a digital photograph body.
It’s not simply the Tremendous Bowl odds that bettors love although. The Lions are essentially the most backed underdog to win this Sunday, receiving 66.7 p.c of moneyline bets as six-point underdogs to their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. Now, the Lions haven’t received in Minnesota since 2017, however I perceive why so many individuals may see Detroit strolling away with a victory this Sunday. The obvious motive is how every group fared of their video games in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles. Whereas neither group acquired out to a scorching begin, the Lions confirmed battle, clawing again to make it a detailed sport by the ultimate whistle. In the meantime, the Vikings couldn’t get something going. They seemed outclassed in opposition to Philadelphia, like a deer in headlights — or Sam Darnold in opposition to the Patriots. Primarily based on the transitive property, it’d be a slam dunk dwelling run guess, proper? Math has by no means failed us earlier than, however we all know higher. We all know that isn’t how soccer works.
The Vikings must be a favourite, however I’m additionally glad to see everybody giving Detroit the credit score they deserve. Detroit doesn’t have the identical protection that Philadelphia does, and everyone knows that Kirk Cousins struggles mightily in primetime video games. Thus we shouldn’t anticipate a repeat efficiency of final week. This sport must be a shootout, and so long as Irv Smith Jr. continues dropping certain landing passes, the Lions could have a fairly good shot at shifting above .500.
