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The Detroit Lions have undoubtedly experienced a significant surge of positive momentum during the offseason.
Many sports bettors are considering 2022 to be a promising year for Detroit due to a successful NFL Draft and a positive experience with HBO’s Hard Knocks.
As we near the start of Week 1 of the season, what changes have occurred in the odds and numbers for the Detroit Lions?
Percentage of bets on Detroit Lions dip after Hard Knocks
Since the debut of Hard Knocks five weeks ago, there has been a slight decrease in the number of bets and overall handle that the Lions had in NFL futures markets, which comes as a bit of a surprise.
Prior to delving into the recent statistics regarding Detroit Lions odds, it is important to consider a few possible factors contributing to the decline.
As the NFL season approached, an increasing number of sports bettors showed their commitment by placing their futures wagers.
Furthermore, the Lions attracted a significant amount of early bets, particularly when their odds were higher. However, with the improvement in their odds, there might be a decrease in the willingness of some people to place bets on them.
The numbers at BetMGM Michigan Sportsbook experienced a shift as follows:
Super Bowl Odds
- Before Hard Knocks, only 2.1% of the tickets and 1.5% of the handle were recorded, resulting in a gain of $12,500.
- After the intense Knocks experience: 2.2% of tickets, amounting to 1.4% of the handle, showed an impressive increase of +12500.
NFC Championship Odds
- Before Hard Knocks: 13% of tickets, 10% of handle (plus 5000).
- After the intense trial on the field, the team’s victory resulted in a significant boost in ticket sales by 12.3%. Additionally, they managed to secure an impressive 9.6% of the total handle, amounting to a staggering (+5000) increase.
NFC North Championship Odds
- Before Hard Knocks, the team held 57.4% of the tickets and 51.9% of the total amount wagered, with odds set at +850.
- After the intense training, the Post-Hard Knocks team secured 50.1% of the tickets and 42.4% of the handle, resulting in a significant (+850) increase.
No matter what the statistics indicate, it is evident that sportsbooks will face significant financial losses if the Lions manage to surprise the world.
Lions still longshots, but moving up NFL odds boards
Before the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions had slim chances of winning the Super Bowl, the NFC Championship, and the NFC North.
Although Detroit remains a longshot, there has been a positive shift in the right direction for the Lions.
BetMGM Michigan has observed a different perspective on the Lions compared to most NFL odds.
On April 28, BetMGM made its mark on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.
- The Lions have odds of +15000 to win the Super Bowl.
- The odds for the NFC Championship are +6600 for the Lions.
- The odds for the Lions to win the NFC North Championship are +1200.
- The Lions have +500 odds to make the playoffs.
As of September 7th, here are the current odds.
- The Lions have a +12500 chance of winning the Super Bowl.
- The odds for the NFC Championship are +5000 for the Lions.
- The odds for the Lions to win the NFC North Championship are +850.
- The Lions are listed at +350 to qualify for the playoffs.
Lions most bet on win total, making playoffs
Not only are the Lions increasing their chances, but they are also accumulating optimistic bets on reaching the playoffs and surpassing their projected win count.
The majority of sportsbooks predict that the Lions will have a regular season win total of 6.5.
The opening odds at BetMGM Michigan were initially +120, but they have now shifted to -145.
At present, the Lions hold the highest betting popularity among all teams at BetMGM. The majority of wagers, accounting for 88% of the tickets, are being placed on the over, while the market’s handle sees 87% of the total bets being placed on the same outcome.
According to BetMGM, an overwhelming majority of 95% of tickets in the Lions market are being placed on them to make the playoffs. This significant portion also accounts for 97% of the handle.
The Lions hold the highest number of playoff tickets at BetMGM, mirroring their win total. Additionally, they rank as the sportsbook’s second biggest liability.
Dan Campbell the Coach of the Year favorite
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has experienced a substantial increase in his respective odds, making him one of the NFL members with the greatest boost.
Heading into the upcoming season, the NFL fanbase has wholeheartedly embraced the leader of the Lions, who is currently in their second year.
Campbell, who initially had odds ranging from +1600-2000 depending on the sportsbook, has now become the favored contender in certain books and is considered one of the top favorites across the board.
One of the main factors for this is the significant amount of money being placed on him by sports bettors.
The Coach of the Year markets at two of Michigan’s leading sportsbooks recently shared the latest betting data on Campbell.
- Currently, BetMGM Michigan holds 27.4% of the tickets and 27.3% of the handle with odds of +1000.
- As of now, DraftKings Sportsbook MI has a handle of 22% and bets of 11%, with odds currently set at +1600.
