A Very Serious Headline: Detroit Lions Lead Over Bets On BetMGM NFL Win Totals

As a Detroit Lions fan, we may often find ourselves adopting a defeatist or gallows-humor mentality. However, when the NFL win totals are released, it seems impossible for everyone to resist the excitement.

One obvious observation from the initial betting splits for the upcoming 2021 National Football League season can be made. BetMGM Sportsbook recently provided an early update on the predictions made by bettors regarding the outcome of the season, and a certain fact stands out.

You might be surprised to learn that there is a significant amount at stake for first-year Detroit head coach Dan Campbell this season.

Detroit Lions could be sweat for sportsbooks on win totals

According to the report published by BetMGM on Monday morning, the Detroit Lions have received the highest number of bets for surpassing a five-win season (based on the new 17-game schedule) compared to all other 32 teams in the league. The betting odds provided by BetMGM stand at -105 for the over option, whereas the under option is set at -115.

It is intriguing to note that, despite a relatively balanced distribution of ticket volume between both outcomes for the Lions, the report still shows a notable trend. According to BetMGM, 60% of the tickets are placed on the over. To put this into perspective, around 10 other teams had similar season futures splits in the 50% range.

The distribution of bets on the handle is slightly imbalanced, as 84% of the money is being placed on the Lions’ over. Only six other teams have a more extreme split in bets than Detroit on the BetMGM books.

Your Lions optimism stretches to other sportsbooks

One factor contributing to this situation is the significant presence of BetMGM in Michigan. The casino brand has been dominating the competition in the state and its sportsbook operation is consistently among the top three in terms of volume. Therefore, to some extent, this could be considered a geographical phenomenon. We have observed similar occurrences with BetMGM in the past, such as when the Cy Young Award market tickets for Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize experienced a sudden surge.

It is important to remember that the Lions are considered underdogs in all 16 listed games, except for Week 18 which is not included. It will be quite challenging to secure the six necessary wins to surpass expectations.

However, the Motor City is now filled with optimism thanks to the arrival of a new coaching staff and front office. They have also introduced a fresh perspective on the quarterback position with Jared Goff.

If you have a strong belief in the Lions having a successful season, you can also find favorable odds on their over from other popular sportsbooks. For instance, FanDuel Sportsbook offers even money (+100) on the Lions surpassing five wins.

DraftKings Sportsbook has further lowered the number to an astonishing 4.5 wins, but it comes with a substantial -155 profit margin (with the under option available at +125). At PointsBet Sportsbook, the 4.5-win split is even more pronounced, with a -170 over option and a +130 under option.

WynnBET Sportsbook offers the highest stake for the most optimistic bettors. They have established a win total of 5.5 for Detroit, with a +140 payout for betting over and a -200 payout for betting under.

Other nuggets on 2021 NFL win totals

Next up on the BetMGM “over train” are the Denver Broncos, who are projected to exceed 8.5 wins (-135), and the Philadelphia Eagles, who are expected to surpass 6.5 victories (-130).

You don’t need to go beyond Philadelphia to discover the highest-volume under trend on the BetMGM board. The Pittsburgh Steelers (8.5, -130) are leading the way as they head into what might be Ben Roethlisberger’s last season as their starting quarterback. Other teams to watch out for are the Jacksonville Jaguars (6.5, -110) in Urban Meyer’s inaugural coaching season and Trevor Lawrence’s debut as a rookie quarterback, as well as the New York Jets (6, -120).

The Houston Texans hold the record for the lowest projected wins total in football, with only four wins anticipated across various markets.