Lions vs Saints Odds - Saints’ offense beats young Lions in Week 1

In your largest offshore sportsbook spread of the NFL’s opening week, New Orleans is the only double-digit favorite as they host lowly Detroit, who has lost 18 straight games. Look for the Saints to make it 19, and under a barrage of points with most of their injured weapons from 2008 back and healthy this season.

Lions vs Saints Odds: Saints -3

• WHAT: NFL Week 1 odds
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 1:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: The Superdome, New Orleans, LA
  
• KEY STAT: New Orleans won 42-7 in Detroit last year
  
• PICK: Saints

Lions vs Saints Odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Lions have some good young parts, such as No.1 overall pick Matt Stafford, receiver Calvin Johnson and rookie tight end Brandon Pettigrew, but it takes time to gel, especially behind an offensive line that was 31st in sacks allowed. Meanwhile, the Saints’ offense is what will give them a lift in your offshore sportsbook, as Drew Brees led the league’s top-rated unit last year, and that was with running back Reggie Bush, tight end Jeremy Shockey and receiver Marquees Colston all missing time.

Betting Edge: New Orleans

Lions vs Saints Odds maker breakdown: Defense
It’s hard to decide where the Lions were worse in 2008, but they were dead last in the league on defense, and it was almost humorous to watch at times. Tackling leader Paris Lenon left for New England, and safety Daniel Bullocks is out for the season with a knee injury, although rookie Louis Delmer appears to be a solid replacement for the moment. The Saints were 23rd, and they’re looking for rookie Malcolm Jenkins to make an impact, either at corner or safety. However, first, the Saints need some semblance of a pass rush so they don’t leave their secondary in coverage for too long. Veteran safety Darren Sharper brings leadership in from Minnesota.

Betting Edge: New Orleans

Lions vs Saints Odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
The Lions didn’t return a kick or punt back for a touchdown in 2008, but at least they still have kicker Jason Hanson, who has been in Detroit since 1992. Between Bush and Pierre Thomas, the Saints are set for returns, but they’ll have to find a way to replace kicker Garrett Hartley, who is suspended for four games for taking a stimulant. The Saints will turn to John Carney, who split the uprights for New Orleans between 2001 and 2006.

Betting Edge: New Orleans

Lions vs Saints Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Detroit’s Pettigrew (thigh) and Johnson (thumb) should be ready for this game, but they had to miss some time in the preseason. The loss of Bullocks (knee) is a huge blow for an already-dreadful secondary. For New Orleans, Bush (calf) and Thomas (knee) also had niggling injuries in the preseason.

Betting Edge: Draw

Lions vs Saints betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Sports betting players should remember last year’s 42-7 rout in Detroit as the Saints hung 532 yards on the Lions. Detroit most of their upgrading on offense, which leaves the defense sorely exposed. If it’s a shootout they want with the Saints, they’ll get it, and it won’t be pretty, whether it’s Stafford or Daunte Culpepper under center. The Saints’ offense mauled Oakland in the preseason, and their defense is better than Detroit’s, so it’ll be fun to see what Brees and company does to the Lions.

STAN’S PICK: New Orleans

For more online betting tips and analysis before the big games, check us out in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com. For more on the Lions vs Saints matchup, check out our stats section.

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? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.