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The Detroit Lions will be looking for a complete overhaul in 2021, especially after 2020. Detroit finished their season in 2020 with a 5-11 record, worst in the NFC North. This was much to the dismay of the Lions organization, who decided to start making significant changes. The first was letting go of the General Manager, Bob Quinn. The next was firing Head Coach Matt Patricia, and the last was the firing of Brayden Coombs. By moving on from the GM, the head coach, and the special teams coordinator, Detroit’s looking for a fresh start.
They might be able to get one with the new head coach Dan Campbell. Campbell brings 22 years of experience to the Lions, 11 as a coach and 11 as a player. It isn’t just his experience that has fans excited, and it’s his ability to motivate players. The Lions are a team that hasn’t had much hope in the past seasons; Campbell brings exactly that. They’ve got a new face at quarterback this season and some fresh faces from the draft. The only question now is whether or not the Lions can claim a winning season in 2021.
2021 Detroit Lions Futures Betting Odds
Detroit Lions Super Bowl Champion Odds: +10000
Detroit Lions NFC Championship Odds: +6000
Detroit Lions Win Totals Odds: Over 5 (+125) / Under 5 (-155)
Detroit Lions NFC North Champion Odds: +2800
When looking at the odds, you’d likely say that the Lions have no chance of getting near the playoffs. Although it’s likely they don’t, we still feel like some of the oddsmakers are selling the Lions short. Currently, they’re +2800 to win the NFC North, that’s the fourth-best by a mile. The closest team to the odds is the Chicago Bears at +550. The Lions recently won the NFC North in 2016, so it’s not impossible. The fact is, a lot has changed about the Lions this year, and we shouldn’t count them out of the conversation.
They’ve made signings in the offseason to bolster the teams’ offense and defense. More importantly, they’ve learned that sometimes you need to drop the baggage and fire people. That was something the previous group didn’t do. This year, the Lions mean business, and with Dan Campbell at the helm, they’ll get it done. Now, we aren’t saying this is a Super Bowl-winning team already, only that we shouldn’t underestimate them so easily.
2021 Detroit Lions Offseason Grade: B-
Key Additions: (QB, Jared Goff), (TE, Darren Fells), (WR, Breshad Perriman)
Key Departures: (QB, Matthew Stafford), (RB, Kerryon Johnson), (CB, Quinton Dunbar)
The Detroit Lions made significant moves on both sides of the ball during the offseason. The question now is will Jared Goff work out as the starting quarterback? We’re all aware of the shortcomings Goff has faced over the course of his career. For a time, it looked like he’d be the main man in Los Angeles. However, Los Angeles decided to move on from Goff and pursue Stafford. Goff can make a strong starting quarterback if he learns to settle down in the pocket. Without a good offensive line, though, we’ll have to see how he improvises.
The loss of Matthew Stafford is a huge hit to the Lions. Stafford was a formidable starter, but most importantly, he rarely missed a game. Without him at the helm, consistency is immediately called into question. Kerryon Johnson was another strong running back for the Lions that has since moved on. It’s unclear as to why he was let go, but the Lions got Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, a great duo.
Detroit Lions 2021 Preview
We shouldn’t expect this team to take the field and go 17-0 this year. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t put together a winning season. Each of the players on the team is talented, and the important part is the coaching. If Dan Campbell can build this team up together, they could be a force in the NFC. Unfortunately, we’ll have to give him a couple of seasons to see what he can do.
Detroit Lions Futures Best Bets
The only bet worth taking on the Lions is the over on the win total. They only need six wins to go over, and the odds are +125, giving you a great chance at winnings. The schedule isn’t incredibly hard, and they’re known to split games with teams in the NFC North. If you’re looking for a good bet on the Lions, take the over at five wins for +125.
