After Week 1’s 38-35 loss to the Eagles, the Detroit Lions are 3-14-1 under coach Dan Campbell, but they appear to be headed in the right direction. How can we tell? Because for the first time since Week 11 of the 2020 season, the point spread for a game favors the Lions. This week snaps a 24-game streak in which Detroit was the underdog.
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When the Commanders vs. Lions betting odds opened, Michigan online sportsbooks listed Detroit as a 2.5-point favorite. The line has since moved to -1.5 points, but the Lions are still the favorites. However, being favored means little. The last time the Lions were favored, they lost to Carolina, 20-0.
Commanders vs. Lions Betting Odds
| Sportsbook | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Lions -1.5 (-110) Commanders +1.5 (-110) | Lions -125 Commanders +105 | Over 48.5 (-110) Under 48.5 (-110) |
| DraftKings | Lions -1.5 (-110) Commanders +1.5 (-110) | Lions -125 Commanders +105 | Over 48.5 (-110) Under 48.5 (-110) |
| FanDuel | Lions -1.5 (-115) Commanders +1.5 (-105) | Lions -126 Commanders +108 | Over 48.5 (-110) Under 48.5 (-110) |
| Caesars | Lions -1.5 (-110) Commanders +1.5 (-110) | Lions -125 Commanders +105 | Over 48.5 (-110) Under 48.5 (-110) |
Being on Hard Knocks helped make the Lions a team many want to succeed. It helped make Campbell a popular bet at many Michigan sportsbooks for Coach of the Year. But positive vibes do not necessarily equate to on-field success. While they gave the Eagles a good fight, they still lost the game.
Washington, on the other hand, beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 28-22. The Commanders trailed early in the fourth quarter, 22-14, but closed the gap to 22-20 with over nine minutes left to play. Had Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence not thrown an interception late in the game and given the Commanders a short field, Washington might be 0-1 as well.
A lucky break helped the Commanders beat the team with the worst record in the NFL last season. Such a victory is not exactly one to be proud of. However, it counts the same as every other win, no matter how it came to be.
So, is there any reason to believe Detroit can win?
Ahead of the Pack: Detroit Lions odds to win the NFC North
Betting Analysis
This matchup could play right into the strengths of the Lions.
They struggled to stop the run last week against the Eagles, and Washington had 85 yards on the ground against Jacksonville. If last week is any indication, the Commanders could have a respectable passing game this season. Based on last week, Detroit may have a solid pass defense. They held Jalen Hurts to just 243 passing yards and no touchdowns.
Look for the Lions to lean on the run game for as long as possible. The more they run the ball, the less time Washington QB Carson Wentz will have to get the passing game on track. If they can keep Wentz from getting on the same page as his receivers, the possibility of a Detroit win increases.
The Lions have won five of the last six games they’ve played against Washington dating back to 2009.
Our Pick: Lions -1.5
AP Photo/Rick Osentoski
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