Detroit Lions 2011 Season Odds
(The Spread) – A lot would have to go right for them this season but the Detroit Lions look like early sleepers in 2011.
Oddsmakers have made the Lions 30/1 to win the 2012 Super Bowl and 16/1 to win the NFC this season. They also have the second-best odds to win the NFC North at +450 on the money line, right behind the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, who are –220 favorites to win the division.
The Lions didn’t sign any big-name free agents this offseason but that doesn’t mean that they weren’t busy. They agreed to terms with former Browns’ cornerback Eric Wright and also signed linebacker Justin Durant, formerly of the Jaguars. They re-signed cornerback Chris Houston and safety Erik Coleman, while also adding Montavious Stanley (Dolphins) and Keyunta Dawson (Colts) to their defensive line.
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But where they made the most noise is in the draft. The Lions were shocked when defensive tackle Nick Fairley fell all the way to them at pick No. 13 seeing as how he was regarded as a top-5 pick (if not No. 1 overall). If guys like Ndamukong Suh can keep him motivated, the Lions will have one of the fiercest interior defensive lines in the league. Detroit also nabbed Boise State receiver Titus Young in the second round and running back Mikel Leshoure, although Leshoure suffered a season-ending Achillies’ tendon injury in practice that will wipe out his entire rookie campaign.
Outlook: The Lions certainly aren’t without talent. Quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to make strides and they have one of the most feared receivers in the league in Calvin Johnson. The offensive line is a question mark and Jahvid Best seems to be injury-prone, but there’s enough on that side of the ball for Detroit to be somewhat dangerous. Defensively, the line looks outstanding but there are question marks at linebacker and in the secondary. Realistically this team is still another year or two away from making the playoffs but they’ll be competitive at the very least. You never know, if they can catch a few breaks the Lions could be one of the surprise teams this season.
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