Patriots Lions Betting – Lions Get True Test Against Powerful Patriots Saturday
When the Detroit Lions take the field for the first half of their third preseason game, there can be little doubt that it will be their biggest test heading into this sports betting season. Many fans have projected that the Lions have the talent to make a playoff run this year, and it will be interesting to see how they match up against one of the elite sports betting teams in the NFL.
- New England Patriots @ Detroit Lions
- Saturday August 27, 2011 – 8:00 PM ET
- Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
NFL Betting Lines: New England Patriots -4
The Patriots have absolutely steamrolled through their competition this preseason, blowing away the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in consecutive games to establish themselves as a dominant preseason presence. New England will prepare for this game as though it is the AFC Championship, and that means this could get ugly in a hurry.
NFL Betting Preview: New England Patriots
With Tom Brady and Chad Ocho Cinco in the lineup, the Patriots rolled to an easy 31-14 victory over the Buccaneers, improving their point differential for the season to 78-26. Brady and the first-team offense will open the season at the Miami Dolphins before welcoming the San Diego Chargers, so this third preseason game will be crucial to getting into a rhythm. The play of rookie running back Stevan Ridley has been a pleasant addition, and tight end Aaron Hernandez is continuing to develop into a top pass-catching threat. The defense has yet to reveal its new look with Albert Haynesworth on the sidelines for the first two preseason games, and it will be interesting to see if he gets some playing time in week three.
NFL Betting Preview: Detroit Lions
The Lions will argue that they are in a class of their own in terms of defensive lines, regardless of whether Haynesworth is in the Patriots’ lineup or not. Ndamukong Suh was fined $20,000 for nearly taking off Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Andy Dalton’s head, and will be looking to get some pressure on Brady to avoid allowing the secondary to be exposed. Detroit’s offense has looked strong with Matt Stafford continuing to show a strong sports betting bonus chemistry with Calvin Johnson, but more is still expected of both Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
The Patriots are among the Super Bowl favorites for obvious reasons, and the way that they have dominated so far this preseason is simply scary. Detroit is undoubtedly a better team now than they were a year ago, but this team still has a lot of work to do before it is able to keep up with a team as talented as New England. The hope for Lions’ fans is that they can keep this one close, but it could get ugly in a hurry if Brady and the boys get in to an early rhythm.
NFL Betting Pick: New England Patriots - 4
