5 Other NFL Teams For Michiganders To Root For With The Lions Failing Us (Again)

Written By Julie Walker on November 12, 2021Last Updated on November 13, 2021
Super Bowl Odds Favorites 2021l

Can you please rephrase this?

An idyllic break to support the sorrows, free from worries of memorable field goals, late defeats, or surprising demolitions to jolt one’s soul.

As the NFL season reaches its midpoint, the Detroit Lions, with a record of 0-8, are undoubtedly excluded from any potential postseason excitement, intensifying the focus on their quest to avoid a winless 0-17 season.

What options does a fan have? In the world of sports, particularly in the elite American league, loyalty is highly valued. The rules for fans, especially in Detroit, are clear: No joining the bandwagon.

The lovers of the Leos are the fan base that truly deserves a loophole, if any.

We know you’d never, so we did

Instead of Lions fans choosing a new forever team, the guide below provides suggestions for a temporary side team until the current season’s nightmare comes to an end.

There are teams with high chances of making it to the Super Bowl, while others may have lower probabilities. However, their playing style seems to align well with the preferences of those from the Mitten State. To assist you in assimilating and to give you an idea of the distance you would cover if you choose to support The Other Team in person, we have provided a brief historical background.

Make sure to enjoy yourself now and return next season, as Detroit is absolutely going to win the Super Bowl. You can bet your kneecaps on it.

5. Green Bay Packers (7-2, 1st in NFC North)

Aaro- … No, not the right choice.

A stands for Absolutely Not.

No genuine Lions fan should ever support a move to the NFC North division. It goes against everything we stand for. Even with our Michigan native Matt LeFleur at the helm, this decision is particularly troubling. To make matters worse, No. 12 of the North may have jeopardized his chances of getting a decent State Farm rate.

5. Cleveland Browns (5-4, 3rd in AFC North)

Indeed, we made the journey. We ventured to that very state. Which other group of supporters comprehends the depths of despair akin to the Lions? The Browns encountered their fair share of hardships prior to their winless season, managing a mere three victories in 2015 and only one in 2016, culminating in the grand spectacle of going 0-16 in 2017.

Under the leadership of Kevin Stefanski, the current reigning NFL Coach of the Year, the team has flourished. In his inaugural season with the Cleveland franchise, he guided them to their first playoff appearance since 2002. (For Michigan readers who may not be familiar, a “playoff game” occurs after the regular season to determine the league champion.)

The Browns have the potential to vie for the Lombardi Trophy, but even if their passes don’t succeed, they have a special bond with their fans. They provide solace for Lions supporters, serving as a comforting presence. Cleveland’s team embodies not only agony but also a beacon of hope.

If you’ve had enough of those endless Ohio drives this year, consider checking out Browns Backers Worldwide for a local spot to show your support. Meanwhile, we’ll examine the statistics.

Michigan oddsmakers give 30-1 odds for a Cleveland title

Browns bettors can now avail +3000 odds to win the big game through Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet Sportsbook, and BetMGM Sportsbook.

After the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns are favored to win their division by almost all Michigan sportsbooks. The odds at most sportsbooks are +450, while FanDuel Sportsbook offers slightly lower odds at +420.

According to oddsmakers, the Browns have a moderate likelihood of winning the conference. PointsBet currently offers the highest payout at +1500, while Caesars has the lowest at +850.

Extra points

  • Some of the Browns players who attended college in Michigan include DT Malik McDowell from Michigan State, WR Donovan Peoples-Jones from Michigan, and T Jack Conklin from Michigan State.
  • The stadium is located in Cleveland, Ohio and is known as First Energy Stadium.
  • Ford Field is located 172 miles away, which would take approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes to reach.
  • The franchise was granted in 1944 as a charter member of the AAFC. They played their first season in 1946 and later merged into the NFL in 1950.
  • Title: NFL Championships Won in 1950, 1954-55, and 1964
  • In their historical matchups, the Lions have a record of 5 wins and 19 losses against the Cleveland team. Notably, Detroit emerged victorious over Cleveland twice, securing two out of their three championships in 1952 and 1953. However, Cleveland managed to defeat Detroit and claim the championship title in 1954.
  • The remaining games are as follows: playing against New England, facing Detroit at home, traveling to Baltimore, followed by a bye week, competing against Baltimore again, hosting Las Vegas, going to Green Bay, then to Pittsburgh, and finally, finishing the season at home against Cincinnati.

4. Dallas Cowboys (6-2, 1st in NFC East)

Keep your annual Thanksgiving Day plans intact and make a team switch, as Detroit and Dallas continue to be the dynamic hosting duo for this holiday.

Have we mentioned that Dallas is leading its division?

After suffering a humiliating 30-16 defeat against the Broncos in Week 9, the Cowboys are expected to come back with a vengeance that matches the size of Texas. Additionally, were you able to witness Cooper Rush filling in for Dak Prescott in the previous week? The former Central Michigan player showcased his skills by completing 24 out of 40 passes, accumulating 325 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception to secure a 20-16 victory over the Vikings in Minnesota.

Why wouldn’t the newest members of Dallas Cowboys United love it? We have shared traditions, familiar faces, and a real chance to win a championship ring!

Feeling concerned about running out of conversation topics with your new friends? Just remember: Calvin, Dez, Catches. Unity!

Go and get yourself a hat and polish those cowboy boots, partner!

Cowboys definitely have a chance at Super Bowl title

The Super Bowl odds for Dallas are set at +1200 by all Michigan sportsbooks.

Choosing your new team as the divisional winner yields lesser profits, with the numbers exhibiting significant discrepancies. The most advantageous wager for an NFC East divisional victory is available at DraftKings Sportsbook, offering odds of -1600, closely trailed by FanDuel’s -1700 proposition.

BetMGM and PointsBet are highly confident in their predictions, as indicated by their latest odds of -3333 and -4000, respectively. Placing a $100 wager on either platform would result in a potential win of $2.50 or $3, respectively.

The Cowboys are ranked among the top five teams with a chance to win the conference according to oddsmakers. Caesars provides the highest payout at +1300, while FanDuel offers the lowest payout at +500.

Extra Points

  • CB Jourdan Lewis and TE Sean McKeon, both hailing from Michigan, showcased their skills in college for the Wolverines. Additionally, QB Cooper Rush represented Central Michigan on the field during his time as a Cowboy.
  • The venue where the event takes place is AT&T Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas.
  • The distance to Ford Field is 1,204 miles, which takes approximately 18 hours and 8 minutes to travel.
  • The league’s history dates back to its establishment in 1960.
  • Super Bowl Victories: 1972, 1978, 1993, 1994, and 1996
  • Head-to-head record: Lions vs. Cowboys stands at 17-12-0. Notably, the Lions have made sporadic postseason appearances, three of which were against the Cowboys. In 1992, Detroit emerged victorious with a resounding 38-6 win in the divisional round. However, in 1970, they suffered a defeat with a score of 5-0, also in the divisional round. More recently, in 2015, the Lions faced Dallas in a Wild Card game but unfortunately lost 24-20.
  • The remaining matches are as follows: facing Atlanta, playing at Kansas City, going against Las Vegas, competing at New Orleans, visiting Washington, traveling to New York, hosting Washington, facing Arizona, and playing at Philadelphia.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3, 2nd in AFC North)

Although Sunday might become uncomfortable, fans from Detroit will seamlessly blend in with the people from Pittsburgh, another industrious city renowned for its resilience. Interestingly, Pittsburgh is even more synonymous with blue-collar work than Detroit!

Do you recall the incredible excitement that metro-Detroiters experienced when the Steelers visited for Super Bowl XL? These two sets of fans are like football relatives, and interestingly, the Steelers boast several players who played college football in Michigan.

Despite claims that Pittsburgh is facing challenges and their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with three injuries this week, it would be unwise to underestimate a team guided by head coach Mike Tomlin. Throughout his 14 seasons, the Steelers have consistently performed well, making the playoffs on nine occasions, participating in two Super Bowls, emerging victorious in one, and never having a losing record.

Newbie of Steelers Nation, get hold of that Terrible Towel and get ready for a potential significant payout.

Pittsburgh bandwagon bettors stand to win big

The most potentially lucrative bet on this list is to wager on Pittsburgh winning the whole thing. Michigan sportsbooks provide a variety of odds, ranging from +4500 at FanDuel to +5500 at PointsBet. Meanwhile, Caesars, BetMGM, and BetRivers Sportsbook offer odds of +5000.

The odds for the Steelers to win the AFC North are currently +550, with DraftKings and Caesars offering the highest price. On the other hand, PointsBet has the lowest offer at +450 for a divisional win.

The Steelers hold a conference-title odds ranking of approximately 10th place, with odds ranging from +2000 at Caesars to +2500 at BetMGM, PointsBet, and BetRivers.

The Steelers are predicted to have an advantage of 7.5 to 9 points in Sunday’s game against the unnamed team. As of Wednesday afternoon, BetMGM provided the Lions with 8.5 points and offered a +300 moneyline for the Lions, while the Steelers had a -385 moneyline.

The game is projected to have a total score of either above or below 42.5, according to BetMGM and FanDuel.

Extra Points

  • The following Steelers players who participated in college football in Michigan include LB Devin Bush from Michigan, DE Taco Charlton from Michigan, TE Zach Gentry from Michigan, and CB Justin Layne from Michigan State.
  • Chukwuma Okorator, a Offensive Lineman from Western Michigan, Robert Spillane, a Linebacker also from Western Michigan, Cody White, a Wide Receiver from Michigan State, and Chris Wormley, a Defensive Lineman from Michigan.
  • The stadium in Pittsburgh is called Heinz Field.
  • Ford Field is located approximately 285 miles away, which typically takes around 5 hours to travel.
  • The league’s history dates back to its establishment in 1933, initially known as the Pirates until the 1940 season.
  • The following titles were achieved: Six Super Bowl victories in the years 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2006, and 2009.
  • Head-to-head record against the Lions: 17 wins, 14 losses, and 1 tie.
  • The remaining opponents include a game against Detroit, away games against Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati, a home game against Baltimore, an away game against Minnesota, a home game against Tennessee, an away game against Kansas City, a home game against Cleveland, and another away game against Baltimore.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2, 1st in NFC South)

Undoubtedly, the Bucs are a clear secondary option, even though approximately half of football fans hailing from Michigan may find themselves rolling their eyes to continue reading.

The current champions of the Super Bowl are in first place in their division, and of course, we cannot forget about the legendary Tom Brady. Despite the negativity from detractors, Brady is determined to emerge victorious.

Tampa Bay takers are expected to experience an initial period of excitement this week as they join the fan base after a surprising 36-27 defeat against the Saints.

The game concluded with Brady’s interception during a thrilling comeback drive, leading to a New Orleans touchdown and ultimately, a heartbreaking loss.

Oh no! Seek shelter, Washington Football Team.

Join the Bucs bandwagon to enjoy Brady’s dad jokes and stick around for Bruce Arians’ humor.

While you’re occupied making avocado ice cream and locating sunblock in Detroit, we’ll take care of conducting the odds research.

Bucs top Michigan sportsbooks’ choice for Super Bowl win

In recent times, oddsmakers predict that Tampa Bay has a slight advantage over Buffalo in winning Tom’s eighth ring. Both FanDuel and BetRivers offer odds of +550, while the other bookmakers have set it at +600.

Tampa Bay is highly expected to emerge victorious in the NFC South, with odds varying from -650 on FanDuel to -800 on DraftKings. BetMGM stands at -667, while BetRivers sets it at -670.

Recent odds ranging from +260 to +300 indicate that the Bucs are strong contenders to win the NFC this season. Caesars Sportsbook holds the highest bid, while BetRivers has the lowest bid.

Extra Points

  • The Buccaneers have a notable group of players who honed their skills in Michigan during their college years. Among them are quarterback Tom Brady from the University of Michigan, wide receiver Antonio Brown from Central Michigan University, defensive lineman William Gholston from Michigan State University, defensive lineman Patrick O’Connor from Eastern Michigan University, and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting from Central Michigan University.
  • The stadium in Tampa, Florida is called Raymond James Stadium.
  • The distance from Ford Field is 1,178 miles, which would take approximately 16 hours and 34 minutes to travel.
  • The league’s history dates back to its establishment in 1974, with its inaugural season taking place in 1976.
  • Title: Super Bowl Victories: 2003 and 2021
  • In their history, the Lions have a record of 29 wins and 31 losses against their opponents.
  • The remaining teams to face are as follows: playing away against Washington, playing at home against New York, playing away against Indianapolis, playing away against Atlanta, playing at home against Buffalo, playing at home against New Orleans, playing away against Carolina, playing away against New York, and playing at home against Carolina.

1. Los Angeles Rams (7-2, 2nd in NFC West)

You can’t deny your secret obsession with devouring every Matthew Stafford stat, secretly begging your superiors: If not for the Lions, just let Matthew have that coveted ring.

Stafford & Co. have a genuine shot at the Super Bowl, and No. 9 is thriving. As we enter Week 10, Stafford is the leading passer in the league with 2,771 yards, surpassing Brady (2,650), Derek Carr (2,565), and Patrick Mahomes (2,534). It’s the right call to acknowledge their potential.

Stafford is considered a top-five candidate for the MVP award, with his odds falling within the range of +300 to +800. He is ranked behind Brady, Jared Allen, and Kyler Murray.

In recent seasons, the Rams’ fan base has seen a significant increase, offering you the opportunity to connect with an exciting new group of friends while enjoying the vibrant West Coast scene. Additionally, it seems that Mr. Stafford and the Rams will be welcoming a new teammate in WR Odell Beckham Jr. Let’s not overlook the fact that the Super Bowl contenders also made a trade for linebacker Von Miller last week.

As you search for the distinctions between DisneyWorld and Disneyland, we’ll explore the most recent Rams odds provided by Michigan sportsbooks.

Rams trail Bucs, Bills as Super Bowl favorites

The Rams have been assigned odds of +750 (at Caesars, FanDuel, and PointsBet) to +800 (at BetMGM and BetRivers) for winning the Super Bowl, according to oddsmakers.

The Cardinals are currently the favored team to win the NFC West crown, with the Rams being the second-favorites. If you place a bet on this outcome, FanDuel offers the highest payout at +195, followed closely by DraftKings at +190. However, for the lowest payout, you should consider BetMGM’s offer at +150.

In terms of conference title odds, L.A. trails only Tampa Bay. FanDuel and BetMGM offer odds of +350, Caesars offers +650, and all other sources provide odds of +400.

Extra Points

  • Michigan State’s Brian Allen and Michigan’s David Long Jr. are Rams who honed their skills in collegiate football in the state of Michigan.
  • The Los Angeles Coliseum is a stadium.
  • Ford Field is located 2,287 miles away, which would take approximately 32 hours to travel.
  • The league’s history dates back to its establishment on February 12, 1937, when it was known as the Cleveland Rams. The team then relocated to Los Angeles in 1946 and later moved to St. Louis in 1995. Finally, in 2016, they returned to their original home in Los Angeles.
  • The NFL Championships were won in the years 1945 and 1951, while the Super Bowl victory came in 2000.
  • Head-to-head record between the Lions and all-time: 45 wins, 41 losses, and 1 tie.
  • The following are the remaining opponents in the schedule: <br><br>- Away game against San Francisco.<br>- Bye week.<br>- Away game against Green Bay.<br>- Home game against Jacksonville.<br>- Away game against Arizona.<br>- Home game against Seattle.<br>- Away game against Minnesota.<br>- Away game against Baltimore.<br>- Home game against San Francisco.

Can you please rephrase this?

Could you please rephrase this?

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