Lions Remain NFL Playoff Longshot, But New Detroit Futures Markets Open
Jump straight to the main content.
July 27 marks the commencement of the Detroit Lions’ 2021 training camp, bringing us closer to the highly anticipated start of the 2021 NFL season. The countdown is almost over.
Is there any interesting betting options for Michigan sports bettors to explore, given the general prediction that the Lions will face challenges in their inaugural year under new coach Dan Campbell?
Super Bowl 56 remains a longshot
Despite entering training camp in 2021, the Detroit Lions are still considered one of the least likely teams to win the Super Bowl next season.
FanDuel Sportsbook states that the Lions have odds of +15000 to win the championship, making them one of the least likely teams to win. The only team with even longer odds is the Houston Texans at +18000.
The Kansas City Chiefs, who have been crowned AFC champions twice in a row, are favored by oddsmakers to emerge as the ultimate victors, with FanDuel placing their odds at +500. On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the current titleholders, are slightly behind with odds of +650.
The NFC Championship odds indicate that the Detroit Lions face the toughest challenge with the longest odds, as FanDuel lists them at +8000. Following closely are the Philadelphia Eagles at +4400. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the favorites with the lowest odds at +310.
Lions in back of NFC North pack
Not only have the Lions been forecasted as one of the worst teams in the NFL for 2021, but they are also expected to end up at the bottom of the NFC North.
BetMGM Sportsbook has the Lions listed with odds of +2200 to win the division this year. Initially, the Green Bay Packers were favored at -250, but due to the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team, their odds have fallen to -120.
In the division winner race, BetMGM assigns odds of +250 to the Minnesota Vikings and +325 to the Chicago Bears.
BetMGM is providing odds on the Lions’ precise placement within the division. Additional odds include:
- Second Place: +1200
- Third Place: +625
- Fourth Place: -650
The Lions stand out as a fascinating aspect in the NFC North for BetMGM, as they pose the greatest risk. With their remarkably low odds, a Lions victory in the division would result in substantial payouts.
Lions win total projections remain low
Oddsmakers aren’t favoring the Lions to win a significant number of games in the 2021 season, despite the introduction of 17 regular-season games.
The Lions regular season win total is set at 5, according to the oddsmakers at WilliamHill Sportsbook.
After concluding Matt Patricia’s tenure as head coach, the Detroit Lions finished the 2020 season with a 5-11 record. Throughout his abbreviated three-year tenure, the team struggled, accumulating a mere 13-29 record.
In six instances since 2000, the Lions have achieved a mere four wins or less. Notably, three of these instances took place during the inaugural season under a freshly appointed head coach.
Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year?
The head coaching position is definitely experiencing a fresh infusion of personality thanks to Dan Campbell.
Heading into his inaugural season at the helm of the Lions, the ex-tight end has generously furnished plenty of impressive sound bites.
Although Detroit is expected to place near the bottom in the NFL, Campbell is slightly more competitive in the coach of the year race.
According to PointsBet Sportsbook, Campbell and Sirianni are both listed at +4000 odds to win the honor. Meanwhile, Culley, Gruden, and Taylor have the longest odds at +5000. The favorite to win, with +1200 odds, is Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns.
If Campbell manages to guide the Lions to a winning record despite the season’s low expectations, he will undoubtedly receive greater recognition for his achievements.
DraftKings offering Lions NFL specials
DraftKings Sportsbook has exclusive NFL futures props available for those seeking more specific odds on the Lions this season.
- The odds of the Detroit Lions becoming the No. 1 seed are +30000.
- The odds for the Detroit Lions to achieve a winning record are +1000.
- The odds for D’Andre Swift to have over 51.5 regular season receptions and Breshad Perriman to have over 740.5 regular season receiving yards are +250.
- The odds for Jamaal Williams to achieve over 725.5 rushing and receiving yards in the regular season, combined with T.J. Hockenson to achieve over 5.5 receiving touchdowns in the regular season, are listed at +225.
- The combined outcome of Jared Goff throwing over 21.5 regular season touchdown passes, D’Andre Swift rushing over 7.5 regular season touchdowns, and T.J. Hockenson amassing over 775.5 regular season receiving yards is valued at +550.
- The odds are +275 for Romeo Okwara to achieve more than 8.5 regular season sacks and Amon-Ra St. Brown to accumulate over 500.5 regular season receiving yards.
As training camp approaches, the 2021 Lions’ passing game presents uncertainty due to the presence of numerous new receivers and a new starting quarterback in Goff.
St. Brown was chosen by the Lions in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, indicating a potential primary role in the slot for him this season. Goff has demonstrated a strong connection with slot receivers throughout his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams.
After a career-best 10-sack season with the Lions in 2020, Okwara has secured a new contract. Now, he enters a fresh defensive scheme focused on enhancing the pass rush.
