Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets, 9/10/18 Week 1 Predictions

Jets vs. Lions Prediction

Can the Detroit Lions open the season under a new coach with a lopsided win at home when they host the New York Jets at 7:10PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

479 New York Jets at 480 Detroit Lions

Monday, September 10, 2018

7:10PM ET – Ford Field

TV: ESPN

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Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Lions are favored at home in this game, as they are getting odds of -7 points against the Jets. The over/under total has been set at 44.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 56 percent going on Detroit at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NFL Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Lions start Patricia era

The Detroit Lions went 9-7 last season, but just missed out on the playoffs. That caused the team to part ways with Jim Caldwell, who was 36-28 in four seasons with the team including two playoff appearances. The team hired Matt Patricia to take over the team. He had been the defensive coordinator for the Patriots from 2012-17. Along with the 9-7 record in 2017, the Lions were 8-7-1 against the spread and 10-6 with the over.

The Lions continued to have an offense that could score, putting up 25.6 points and 337.8 yards per game. However, they continued to be one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL. In, 2017, the team averaged just 76.3 yards per game on the ground. They drafted OL Frank Ragnow with their first pick and RB Kerryon Johnson with their second pick. They also added LeGarrette Blount from the Eagles. Matthew Stafford threw for 4,446 yards and 29 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 2017 to lead the offense. However, he was sacked 47 times. Defensively, the Lions gave up 23.5 points and 355.8 yards per game. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah had 12 sacks in limited action last year. The team is hoping he can stay healthy this season. Cornerback Darius Slay intercepted eight passes.

Jets debut Darnold

The New York Jets are coming off a 5-11 record last season which put it near the bottom of the NFL. The Jets were 9-6-1 against the spread and 8-8 with the over/under. Head coach Todd Bowles is entering his fifth season as head coach. He is 20-28 in four years with back-to-back 5-11 seasons.

New York lacked much offense last season, averaging just 18.6 points and 305.3 yards per game. The team is hoping that changes with rookie QB Sam Darnold, who was their first-round pick in the NFL Draft. He has an offense without much in the way of established skill players. Robby Anderson caught 63 passes for 941 yards and seven touchdowns last year. The Jets added Isaiah Crowell in the offseason to join Bilal Powell in the backfield. Powell had 772 rushing yards in 2017 to lead the team. Defensively, the Jets gave up 23.9 points and 352.3 yards per game in 2017. The unit had 28 sacks and 20 turnovers forced. Muhammad Wilkerson has left to leave the pass rush even weaker.

NFL Betting Trends

Detroit

The Lions have covered the spread in four of their last five season openers and in five of their last six Monday games.

New York

The Jets are just 9-2 against the spread in their last 11 games on fieldturf, but just 2-6-1 against the spread in their last nine road game.

Prediction:

The Lions had a poor preseason leaving many wondering if this will be a step-back season for Detroit. I don’t think that will show tonight. The Lions struggle up front on offense, but the Jets don’t have a defense that can really take great advantage of that. That should give Stafford time to throw the ball and make plays. The Detroit defense lacks much up front as well, which should allow the Jets to establish a run game. If Darnold can make some throws, this should be competitive. Still, I see Detroit pulling away late thanks to some rookie mistakes from Darnold. I like the Lions to win by two scores.

 

NFL Prediction: Detroit Lions -7

Related: Jets vs. Lions Total Prediction