The Detroit Lions will hit the road to take on the New England Patriots in Week 5, and here are early odds with a prediction for the game.
The Detroit Lions suffered a deflating loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, as the defense invited all the negative adjectives by allowing 555 yards and 41 points to an offense led by Geno Smith.
At this point, the Lions could be 3-1 if they only had a bad defense. Aaron Glenn is on the hot seat this week, but a soft landing seems to be coming in Week 5. The New England Patriots are now to rookie Bailey Zappe under, with Mac Jones (ankle) and Brian Hoyer (concussion) out.
The also 1-3 Patriots of course have a familar face to Detroit fans on their coaching staff. Former Lions head coach Matt Patricia is now New England’s de facto offensive coordinator.
As the Lions prepare to head to Foxboro for what some may call the “Matt Patricia Bowl”, here are early odds and a prediction for Sunday’s game.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Detroit Lions at New England Patriots Week 5: Odds and prediction
Point Spread:
Lions: +3 (-110)
Patriots: -3 (-110)
Moneyline:
Lions: +140
Patriots: -166
Over/Under (45.5)
Over: -110
Under: -110
The Lions will hope to get some offensive weapons back in Week 5, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark missing last week’s game and not seeming to be facing lengthy absences. Running back D’Andre Swift (shoulder/ankle) is more likely to miss a second straight game, with the Lions’ bye coming in Week 6 for some extra rest to make sure he’s as close to fully healthy as possible.
The Patriots will want to run the ball, bleed clock and keep the Lions’ offense off the field with Zappe making his first NFL start (though they’ll surely be a Belichick facade that Jones could play).
Prediction: Lions 24, Patriots 20. The Lions go on the road and win, as under bettors sweat a little but ultimately cash in.