Detroit Lions NFL Postseason Betting Analysis

Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions (9-7 SU, 8-8 ATS) have had a fine 2016 season in winning nine games to reach the playoffs. However, the Lions struggled down the stretch and hit the playoffs desperately looking to get back to playing winning football. Thanks to the expert online betting analysis that you’re about to get, you’re going to have a great idea of just what to expect out of the Lions this postseason. Let’s get started.

Here’s A Closer Look At The Detroit Lions NFL Postseason Betting Analysis

   

Super Bowl 51 Odds: +8000

NFC Championship Odds: +4000

Why Bet on the Lions

Despite their late-season swoon, there are a handful of great reasons to bet on the Detroit Lions this postseason, starting with the improved play this season of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Detroit’s strong-armed signal-caller passed for a stellar 4,327 yards this season to help the Lions finish the regular season ranked 11th in passing (256.9 ypg). The Lions also have talent at the skill positions in the form of wide receiver Golden Tate and veteran wideout Anquan Boldin (8 TDs). Another good reason to bet on the Lions this postseason is the team’s solid, if not overwhelming, defense. Detroit finished the regular season ranked a respectable 13th in points allowed (22.4 ppg), but that’s about where the good news ends for Detroit as they get set for their playoff opener.

Why Bet Against the Lions

There are probably more good reasons to bet against the Lions this postseason than to bet on them. Detroit finished the regular season ranked a modest 20th in scoring (21.6 ppg) and had major problems running the ball, finishing 30th in rushing at just 81.9 yards per game. Detroit was also mediocre in finishing 19th against the pass (248.4 ypg) and 18th against the run (106.3 ypg). The Lions also don’t have any stud defensive players that are capable of changing the outcome of a game and have a head coach in Jim Caldwell that I don’t think is quite as good as his NFC counterparts, except New York’s Ben McAdoo. Last but not least, the Lions have put together a slew of discouraging ATS trends that make them an attractive team to bet against this postseason. Detroit has gone 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games and a winless 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall. In addition to that, Detroit has given up a whopping 73 points in their last two games and is just 3-8 ATS in their last 11 road games against a team with a winning home record.