The Detroit Lions had the number one seed in the NFC this season and were the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. However, they fell to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round, ending their hopes for a dream season. Is there value in betting the Lions to win the Super Bowl next season?
The Pick
- Detroit Lions to Win Super Bowl LX (+1000) (using current bet boost) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Strength in the Trenches
The Detroit Lions are a balanced team on both sides of the ball. The Lions win at the line of scrimmage. The Lions have the best offensive line in the league and one of the best defensive lines. In spite of multiple injuries on defense, the Lions continued to win, and most people expected to see them representing the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, quarterback Jared Goff was outplayed by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game and the defense could no longer keep up. The multitude of injuries the defense suffered during the season had finally caught up to them.
Hutchinson’s Return is Key
The Lions will come in next season healthy and the health of one man stands above all. That of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson was in the running for defensive player of the year before an injury ended his season. Hutchinson is up there with Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Micah Parsons, and TJ Watt as one of the most game-changing defensive ends in the league.
Hutchinson has the ability to rush the quarterback and get pressure even if he’s double-teamed. His return to the lineup will be a big boost for the Detroit Lions next season.
Coaching Changes
One of the biggest losses that the Detroit Lions suffered this season was not a player but 2 coaches. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to become the leader of the rival Chicago Bears. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left to become the head coach of the New York Jets. Ben Johnson has been praised for being one of the most innovative offensive coordinators in the league. Aaron Glenn has been praised for being one of the best leaders and it will be interesting to see what he does in New York.
It will be intriguing to see how much of the Detroit Lions elite roster was the reason for Johnson’s play-calling success. Detroit does have the best offensive line in the league and it’s easy to dial up plays when you are constantly being able to get big yardage pickups on the ground as well as give your quarterback protection to make the right throw. One thing to watch is how Johnson does with the Chicago Bears’ lackluster offensive line.
The Lions also lost defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who became the coach for the Jets. Lions head coach Dan Campbell is a CEO-type head coach who likes to delegate each side of the ball while leading the team with emotion, tenacity, and fiery work ethic. Dan Campbell’s ability to replace these elite coaches will be the key to the Detroit Lions next season.
Dan Campbell’s Leadership
I believe that Dan Campbell will be able to appropriately make these adjustments. First of all, it’s much easier to be seen as a successful coordinator when you have talented players. That is one of the luxuries the Detroit Lions have. Plus the roster will continue to improve. Players like RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, and DE Aidan Hutchinson should be even stronger this season than they were last year.
The Lions have one of the best home-field advantages in the league and were able to obtain the number one seed in the playoffs last season. Using this home-field advantage will be key, as it allows the Lions to tally up wins during the regular season and could be the difference in this season’s playoffs.
Last season, Detroit was first in the NFL with an average scoring margin of +11.6. The Lions were second in the league in yards per game at 415.7. However, they were 26th in the league in yards per game allowing 350.1. The Lions will need to improve that number next year to make the Super Bowl.
Betting Value on the Lions
Much will be made of the Lions’ loss of these coordinators, but the roster is still one of the best in the league. I have faith in Lions head coach Dan Campbell to find the right replacements and because of this, we are getting better value than usual on the Detroit Lions.
Take advantage of the sportsbooks overreacting to the loss of these coaches while the roster remains strong. There is good value in betting the Detroit Lions to win the Super Bowl 60.
NFL Pick: Detroit Lions to Win Super Bowl LX (+1000) (using current bet boost) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
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