Last Updated on July 22, 2010 7:00 am by Anthony Rome
Lions Season Odds
The lowly Detroit Lions are looking to take another step forward now that quarterback Matthew Stafford is heading into his second season as the starter.
General manager Martin Mayhew was active this offseason, signing free agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (formerly of the Titans), receiver Nate Burleson (Seahawks), safety C.C. Brown (Giants) and cornerback Dre’ Bly (49ers), a former Lion.
The team’s notable losses were linebacker Larry Foote, who returned to the Steelers after a one year hiatus from Pittsburgh, cornerback Phillip Buchanon, who was released and signed a free agent deal with the Redskins, and defensive back William James, who signed with the Niners.
Heading into the draft, the Lions were targeting the offensive and defensive line, the running back position, safety and linebacker. Mayhew did extremely well to address those needs with the selection of Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh with the No. 2 overall pick, explosive Cal running back Jahvid Best with the 30th pick in the first round, and cornerback Amari Spievey from Iowa in the third. The Lions also took offensive tackle Jason Fox of Miami in the fourth.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com, the Lions are 90/1 to win the 2011 Super Bowl and 50/1 to win the NFC. They’re also +1500 on the moneyline to win the NFC North Division and have an over/under total for wins in 2010 of 5 games.
Are the Lions in better shape than they were a year ago? One could certainly make that argument. Stafford has almost a full year under his belt as a starter and now has more weapons at his disposal in Best and Burelson. The defense also added a great prospect in Suh, a solid veteran presence in Vanden Bosch, and if Chris Houston ever plays up to his potential, then Detroit may have gotten a steal when they traded a late round pick for the former Atlanta corner this offseason.
That said, the offensive line, linebacker and secondary positions are huge question marks. Kevin Smith didn’t have much room to run last year and he and Best might have the same problem again this year. Stafford and Pro Bowler Calvin Johnson can only do so much in the passing game if the offensive line can’t protect the young QB. And chances are, Houston and Bly aren’t going to get the job done as starters in the secondary this season.
What we’re trying to say is that at 90/1, the Lions’ odds are appropriate. That doesn’t mean they won’t show improvement from last year, but don’t expect them to surprise this season.
2011 Super Bowl Odds: Detroit Lions 90/1
Odds to Win NFC: Detroit Lions 50/1
Odds to Win NFC North: Detroit Lions +1500
2010 Season Win Total Odds: Detroit Lions O/U 5
Posted: 7/22/10 7:00AM ET