Redskins vs Lions Odds - Mistake-prone Stafford not ready to lead Lions to victory
The Redskins vs Lions odds makers want to give the Lions a chance to win this football game at home but, right now, it’s tough to have faith in Matt Stafford. Online betting cappers know the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft is struggling and so the Lions can’t be trusted until we see him play more efficiently.
Redskins vs Lions odds: Redskins -6.5
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, September 27th – 1:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Ford Field – Detroit, MI
- KEY STAT: Redskins have won seven of last nine meetings
- PICK: Redskins -6.5, Over 38.5
Redskins vs Lions odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Washington Redskins were considered by some to be a sleeper in the NFC East but, after just two weeks, rumors of head coach Jim Zorn being fired are already swirling. The Redskins had an uninspiring 9-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams and they’ll have to do more than that to get their coach off the hot seat. The Lions are also feeling the heat; or, more specifically, Stafford is. His confidence appears to be shaken and he's shown little improvement in the first two weeks of the season. The coaching staff needs to see more from him or he might get a seat on the bench while Daunte Culpepper takes the reigns. Betting Edge: Even
Redskins vs Lions odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Redskins offense has been disappointing. The passing game has been efficient but lacks big plays and the running game has been very pedestrian. NFL betting fans know that this offense has to take the next step forward, or else the Redskins will remain a mediocre team in the East. As of now, we haven’t seen any indication that this is an improving unit. Against Detroit, though, that shouldn't be a problem. The Lions offense has looked good all around save for Stafford. The running game is working, as evidenced by the 129 rushing yards against the Minnesota Vikings last week, and the receivers are talented. The problem is Stafford is hurting this team. He’s thrown one touchdown and five interceptions in two games and he has to avoid the mistakes to give this team a chance to win. Betting Edge: Redskins
Redskins vs Lions odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Redskins defense has played well through two weeks. They held down the New York Giants in Week 1 and, outside of a big run by Steven Jackson in Week 2, the Redskins defense was again stifling. It’s fairly tough to run on them right now with Albert Haynesworth up the middle but one concern is their lack of pressure. The Redskins have just two sacks through two games. Sportsbook odds makers have noticed a marked improvement in effort from the Lions defense, but they are still limited by their talent. The defense did a good job of containing Adrian Peterson last week but they still gave up 27 points. Until the offense starts helping them out with longer drives and more points, the defense is going to struggle. Betting Edge: Redskins
Redskins vs Lions odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Redskins lost starting guard Randy Thomas for the season, which is a big blow to their offensive line. They’ll have to make some adjustments this week. For the Lions, they are without their best defensive playmaker, linebacker Ernie Sims, who is going to be out a while with a shoulder injury. Betting Edge: Even
Redskins vs Lions odds for total: 38.5
The Redskins offense should get their ground game going this week, which will open everything up for them. For the Lions, Stafford should play a little better since the Redskins don’t generate too much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That adds up to a higher-scoring contest than the pundits predict. Pick: Over 38.5
Redskins vs Lions betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Lions are desperate to end their losing streak but it won’t happen this week. The Redskins will create some lanes for Clinton Portis and they’ll play with the lead throughout most of this contest. Then, when Stafford makes a second mistake and turns it over, the Redskins will capitalize and get ahead of the spread. DJ’s PICK: Redskins -6.5
For more sports betting analysis, visit the BetOnline.com Betting Edge daily. There’s also plenty more numbers on the Redskins vs Lions odds in our stats center. D.J. Tomkins is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.
