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This fall, Football Sundays in Michigan are even more exciting with the launch of the first full NFL season for the online sports betting industry. Specifically, the attention will be on the Detroit Lions as the primary focus of the NFL odds in the state.
Are you prepared for some football, as they often ask?
BetMGM Sportsbook promptly unveiled the lines for the initial 16 Lions games, which notably featured the anticipated face-off against former teammate Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams on October 24. Additionally, DraftKings Sportsbook has already published odds for the majority of the NFL’s regular season games.
Both books have an intriguing similarity in their spread for the initial 16 games of the Lions season.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the final week of the regular season, BetMGM has not yet released odds for Week 18, the 17th and final game of the season.
Unsurprisingly, odds-makers have little faith in the Lions this season. In fact, it would be an understatement to say so.
Although it is not recommended to immediately bet your bankroll, if you believe a line is significantly off, there might be an early advantage for you. Additionally, we will be monitoring these line movements throughout the season as first-year coach Dan Campbell guides his team into a new era.
Highlights of the 2021-22 Detroit Lions season
The Lions’ Stafford return game is set to be the highlight of their schedule, generating significant national attention and buzz.
For the upcoming game scheduled at 4:05 p.m. in LA, Detroit is the team predicted to lose by 12 points.
On September 12th, the Lions will face the San Francisco 49ers as 7.5-point underdogs, making them the largest Week 1 underdogs on the schedule.
The Lions’ history with Thanksgiving is well-known, and it appears that Detroit might have a disappointing game on November 25 when they face the Chicago Bears. The odds favor the Bears, with Detroit being considered a 3.5-point underdog even when playing at home.
The Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers are currently entangled in an uncertain subplot in the NFL. It will be intriguing to observe how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks and how it will impact the odds of the Green Bay team.
Currently, the Lions are considered 8-point underdogs for their game at Lambeau Field on Sept. 20, which happens to be their only Monday night game in Detroit. However, BetMGM has not yet provided any betting lines for the return game at Ford Field on Jan. 9 to close the season. This is mainly due to the unpredictable circumstances that may arise in Week 18.
Lions underdogs in first 16 games
If you have high hopes for the 2021-22 season, it’s advisable to shield your eyes.
The Lions, along with the Houston Texans, have been listed as underdogs in every game this season.
Once again, Week 18 is currently not listed due to the prevailing uncertainty.
Is it likely that the Lions will repeat 2008 and fail to win any games? It’s highly unlikely.
There are a few favorable opportunities for victories according to oddsmakers, particularly when they are considered 1-point underdogs at home in Week 6 against Cincinnati and two weeks later against Philadelphia at home once more.
Lions 2021 schedule and lines
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | Broadcast | Summer (Lions) | Game week (Lions) | Kickoff line (Lions) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun. Sept. 12 | vs. San Francisco 49ers | 1 p.m. | FOX | +7.5 | +7.5 | +9.5 | L, 41-33 |
| 2 | Mon. Sept. 20 | at Green Bay Packers | 8:15 p.m. | ESPN | +8 | +10.5 | +11.5 | L, 35-17 |
| 3 | Sun. Sept. 26 | vs. Baltimore Ravens | 1 p.m. | CBS | +7.5 | +9 | +7.5 | L, 19-17 |
| 4 | Sun. Oct. 3 | at Chicago Bears | 1 p.m. | FOX | +5.5 | +3.5 | +3 | L, 24-14 |
| 5 | Sun. Oct. 10 | at Minnesota Vikings | 1 p.m. | FOX | +8.5 | +8 | +10 | L, 19-17 |
| 6 | Sun. Oct. 17 | vs. Cincinnati Bengals | 1 p.m. | FOX | +1 | +3.5 | +3.5 | L, 34-11 |
| 7 | Sun. Oct. 24 | at Los Angeles Rams | 4:05 p.m. | FOX | +12 | +15.5 | +16.5 | L, 28-19 |
| 8 | Sun. Oct. 31 | vs. Philadelphia Eagles | 1 p.m. | FOX | +1 | +3 | +3 | L, 44-6 |
| 9 | Bye week | |||||||
| 10 | Sun. Nov. 14 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 p.m. | FOX | +7.5 | +9 | +6 | T, 16-16 |
| 11 | Sun. Nov. 21 | at Cleveland Browns | 1 p.m. | FOX | +10 | — | — | |
| 12 | Thu. Nov. 25 | vs. Chicago Bears | 12:30 p.m. | FOX | +3.5 | — | — | |
| 13 | Sun. Dec. 5 | vs. Minnesota Vikings | 1 p.m. | CBS | +4 | — | — | |
| 14 | Sun. Dec. 12 | at Denver Broncos | 4:05 p.m. | FOX | +7.5 | — | — | |
| 15 | Sun. Dec. 19 | vs. Arizona Cardinals | 1 p.m. | FOX | +6.5 | — | — | |
| 16 | Sun. Dec. 26 | at Atlanta Falcons | 1 p.m. | FOX | +7.5 | — | — | |
| 17 | Sun. Jan. 2 | at Seattle Seahawks | 4:25 p.m. | FOX | +9.5 | — | — | |
| 18 | Sun. Jan. 9 | vs. Green Bay Packers | 1 p.m. | FOX | N/A | — | — |
Please note: NFL lines are constantly changing and are subject to adjustments. If accessible, you can find live odds displayed in the chart below, which can be utilized for betting purposes.
Lions 2021 Week 1 odds: vs. San Francisco 49ers
On September 12, the Lions kick off their season at Ford Field against the 49ers. Detroit enters the game as a 7.5-point underdog, facing San Francisco, a team that had also expressed interest in trading for Stafford.
Lions 2021 Week 2 odds: at Green Bay Packers
The Lions are returning to Green Bay for their sole Monday Night Football game, revisiting the location where the controversial flags against Trey Flowers occurred during last year’s game. It’s worth noting that this game also took place on a Monday night.
On September 20, the Lions began the game as underdogs with an 8-point deficit.
Lions 2021 Week 3 odds: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Detroit is returning home for their third game of the season, where they find themselves once again as underdogs by more than a touchdown. This marks the third consecutive game, including two at home, where they face this situation.
On September 26th, the Detroit Lions were initially considered as 7.5-point underdogs at home against the Baltimore Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson.
Lions 2021 Week 4 odds: at Chicago Bears
Hey, at least the Lions are predicted to keep the score within a touchdown in this game.
Despite this, they remain the second-best team in their second NFC North matchup, being considered as 5.5-point underdogs against the Bears on Oct. 3.
Lions 2021 Week 5 odds: at Minnesota Vikings
Once again on the path, once again labeled as an underdog by more than a touchdown.
On October 10th, the Lions entered the game against the Minnesota Vikings as underdogs by 8.5 points, mainly due to the anticipation of Dalvin Cook’s impressive performance on the field.
Lions 2021 Week 6 odds: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Despite playing a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Lions were unable to secure their first opportunity as a favorite.
On October 17th, Detroit started the game as the underdog by a single point against Joe Burrow & Co.
Lions 2021 Week 7 odds: at Los Angeles Rams
Many eyes will be fixed on this highly anticipated game, as the Lions are expected to arrive in LA with Stafford likely nursing injuries.
On October 24th, the Rams initially had Detroit listed as a 12-point underdog.
While the Lions’ largest opening spread of the season in NFL odds may be significant, it falls short compared to the top spreads across the entire league. The most substantial opening-line spread at BetMGM this season is when the Buffalo Bills were favored by 14 points against Houston in Week 4.
Lions 2021 Week 8 odds: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
On October 31st, at Ford Field, the Lions returned home and began the game against the Philadelphia Eagles as underdogs with a 1-point disadvantage.
Lions 2021 Week 9: Open
The Lions have a bye week coming up. If the predictions of the oddsmakers are correct, Detroit will have a winless record of 0-8 before the break.
Lions 2021 Week 10 odds: at Pittsburgh Steelers
On November 14th, Detroit will face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers once again.
The Lions were expected to be heavy underdogs, starting with a 7.5 point disadvantage, in this matchup against the storied franchise.
Lions 2021 Week 11 odds: at Cleveland Browns
On November 21, the Lions are scheduled to pay a visit to the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns, led by Baker Mayfield, were favored by 10 points as Detroit entered the game as the underdogs.
Lions 2021 Week 12 Thanksgiving odds: vs. Chicago Bears
On November 25th, Thanksgiving Day, the Lions were initially labeled as underdogs by 3.5 points in their matchup against the Bears.
Please hand me the turkey, along with the potential of starting the season with a record of 0-11.
Lions 2021 Week 13 odds: vs. Minnesota Vikings
On December 5th, the Vikings will face the Lions once again, this time at Ford Field.
On the road, Kirk Cousins, a former Michigan State player, and his team were initially favored by 4 points.
Lions 2021 Week 14 odds: at Denver Broncos
The Lions were initially listed as 7.5-point underdogs against the Denver Broncos for their 4:05 p.m. game on December 12.
Who is expected to be the Denver quarterback? Teddy Bridgewater will begin the season in that role, however, Drew Lock, a former starter with an impressive preseason, is ready as a backup option.
Lions 2021 Week 15 odds: vs. Arizona Cardinals
On December 19th, the Lions commenced their game against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals as 6.5-point underdogs at home, following their previous season’s tie.
Lions 2021 Week 16 odds: at Atlanta Falcons
The day after Christmas marks a thrilling rematch between the Lions and the Atlanta Falcons, following a wild victory for Detroit in their previous encounter.
Detroit started the Dec. 26 road game as a 7.5-point underdog.
Lions 2021 Week 17 odds: at Seattle Seahawks
With the arrival of a new year, the Lions eagerly face the Seattle Seahawks on Jan. 2, fueled by the opportunity to secure a victorious outcome.
Despite this, Seattle was initially favored by oddsmakers with a 9.5-point advantage for the 4:25 p.m. start.
Lions 2021 Week 18 odds: vs. Green Bay Packers
On January 9th, the Lions will conclude their season by hosting the Green Bay Packers.
According to the book, BetMGM has not posted any lines for Week 18 NFL games “due to uncertainty.” Similarly, the lines are also unavailable at DraftKings Sportsbook.
