Lions Season Win Total Prediction
Even though they didn’t make the playoffs last year, the Detroit Lions put together a successful season at 9-7. Even if they take a small step back under new head coach Matt Patricia, will the Lions still win at least eight games in 2018?
Detroit Lions Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers, the Lions have a win total of 7.5 for 2018. They’re also 60/1 long shots to win the Super Bowl, are 30/1 to win the NFC title, and are 13/2 to win the NFC North Division behind the Vikings (6/5) and Packers (8/5).
Offseason Additions
Patricia will take over as head coach after the team fired Jim Caldwell in the offseason. Patricia retained offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter but replaced defensive coordinator Tyrell Austin with former Boston College defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni.
General manager Bob Quinn wanted to upgrade the team’s running back position so Detroit signed free agent LeGarrette Blount and also drafted Auburn tail back Kerryon Johnson with the 43rd overall selection in April’s NFL draft. The team also drafted center Frank Ragnow of Arkansas in the first round and acquired Wesley Johnson and Kenny Wiggins in the offseason.
Other offseason additions included linebackers Christian Jones, Jonathan Freeny and Devon Kennard, as well as nose tackle Sylvester Williams and tight ends Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo.
Offseason Departures
Former 10th overall pick Eric Ebron signed with the Colts while the team didn’t retain the services of pass-rusher Dwight Freeney. Cornerback DJ Hayden signed with the Jaguars while defensive tackle Haloti Ngata inked a deal with the Eagles. Also gone are Greg Robinson (Browns), Travis Swanson (Jets) and Paul Worrilow (Eagles).
Lions Season Win Total Prediction
The Lions won nine games last season despite once again having the worst rushing attack in the league. Quinn set out this offseason to dramatically upgrade the team’s running game, specifically in short-yardage situations, which is an era Detroit failed miserably in a year ago. Whether or not those additions pay off is yet to be seen but I am optimistic.
Patricia’s schemes should also boost the defense and he was smart to retain Cooter, who has developed an excellent report with Matthew Stafford. The passing game has weapons and if Stafford can improve his success rate on early downs, this offense could really fire.
The problem is the Lions’ schedule. Not only will they face the Packers, Vikings and an improved Bears team twice apiece, but they also play the 49ers (road), Patriots (home), Panthers (home) and Rams (home). Still, this is a team that won nine games each of the last two years, has seemingly upgraded its roster, and hired a smart coach that will bring new energy to Detroit. I believe this team will get at least 8 wins in 2018.
Detroit Lions Season Win Total Prediction: Over 7.5