Detroit Lions 2009 Odds: Can Matthew Stafford Make Impact?

Written by:
Mary Montgomery
Published on:
Aug/22/2009
Matthew Stafford

The hapless Detroit Lions, what more is there to say?  While fans of Detroit may have reason to keep their heads held low, sports bettors should hop on board what could be a golden opportunity. 

First, expectations are quite low following an 0-16 season.  Let's face it, they can't get any worse.  Fans and bettors alike know there is hope after both Atlanta and Miami bounced back from their horrendous seasons to make the playoffs last year.

Gambling911.com isn't suggesting the Lions will make the playoffs, and the idea of Detroit winning is Super Bowl (at 150/1 odds mind you) may be about as remote as a hurricane striking North Dakota.  Still, in a tight NFC North division with questionable quarterbacks, +1850 odds of the Lions winning the NFC North might be worth a small bet.  A $10 bet pays $185.  A $100 bet pays $1850.

A better wager might be on the OVER/UNDER 4 ½ regular season wins.  The OVER might actually be a good bet at -125.

The offense might actually be pretty good this year behind quarterback Matthew Stafford, who many believe is expected to start.

From ESPN.com News Services:

Stafford, the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL draft, backed up Daunte Culpepper in the team's first preseason game. This week, Stafford will start, Culpepper will play the second quarter and Drew Stanton will handle the second half.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz wouldn't use the word "start" in terms of Stafford. He told Detroit-area media members that Stafford will "begin the game."

"You see, starter has a different connotation," he said, according to The Detroit News. "And I don't have any starters. We don't have any starters right now."

Stafford was 7-of-14 for 114 yards and a touchdown in his professional debut against Atlanta. He also threw an interception.

That isn't enough to convince Schwartz that Stafford is the starter.

"He has played one preseason game, played a few snaps," Schwartz said. "We have a long way to go to decide if anybody's ready or not."

Aside from Stafford there is Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith.

On defense there is new coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who brings with him his tough attitude.  He'll have his work cut out for him as the Detroit Lions defense has ranked last in the league for two consecutive seasons.  The defense will be the focus of a massive overhaul this season but unfortunately it may take a whole season to repair.

We still say that OVER 4 ½ games (Detroit has won 5 or more games three of the last five seasons) is worth a bet.  You can bet the Detroit Lions and all other NFL team futures/games at SBG Global.  Ask about their FREE CASH BONUSES when opening an online betting account.

Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com 

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