Falcons vs Lions Odds - NFL gets first taste of Matt Stafford
The Falcons vs Lions odds matchup means that we’ll get our first look at the No. 1 pick overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, Matt Stafford. Online betting sharps should know that Stafford has looked sharp in preseason, and starting the year with a preseason win will be a priority for the Lions (who lost all of their games last season).
Falcons vs Lions odds: Lions -3
- WHO: Atlanta Falcons @ Detroit Lions
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Saturday, August 15 – 4:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Ford Field
- PICK: Lions -3
Falcons vs Lions odds maker breakdown: Offense
The sportsbook surprisingly has the Lions favored, but that’s because they have a younger offense and their first stringers should get more playing time. The Falcons know what they have in guys like Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez, and after they knock some rust off, they’ll be back on the bench.
For the Lions, Stafford should see a good amount of time, as will fellow rookies Derrick Williams and Brandon Pettigrew. With new wideouts like Dennis Northcutt, Keary Colbert and Bryant Johnson being infused into the lineup, the Lions starters should see more action than the Falcons’.
Betting Edge: Lions
Falcons vs Lions odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Falcons clearly have the better defense and they’ll look to put forth their best effort – at least for a quarter – before pulling the starters. First-round pick Peria Jerry will be on display, as will a number of new starters like cornerback Von Hutchins, linebacker Mike Peterson and safety Thomas Decoud.
But the Lions defense is greatly improved from last year, and that will be evident. With the additions of tackle Grady Jackson, cornerbacks Anthony Henry and Philip Buchanon, linebackers Larry Foote and Julian Peterson, this squad is much better.
Betting Edge: Even
Falcons vs Lions odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
The Falcons get the edge on special teams because of their return teams. Jerious Norwood is one of the better return men in the NFL while Aveion Cason is so-so. Both teams have steady kicking and punting games.
Betting Edge: Falcons
Falcons vs Lions odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Both teams have a couple of injuries, although nothing too serious. The Lions are without defensive end Jared DeVries, who is out for the season, and the Falcons are without wideout Harry Douglas, who is also out for the year. DeVries was a starter but he was being pushed by Cliff Avril and Douglas was the Falcons’ third wideout.
Betting Edge: Even
Falcons vs Lions betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The matchup is fairly even across the board but NFL betting fans know that with a new coach, the Lions will be looking to make a good impression early on. They’ll get the job done and also cover the spread.
STAN’S PICK: Lions -3
For more news and analysis on football sports betting lines, check out the betonline.com Betting Edge daily.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
