New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions
Thursday, 8/22/13, 7:30 PM EST, TV: N/A
Opening Point Spread: Detroit -1.5
Current Betting Line: Detroit -2.5
Opening Total: 45.5
Current Total: 46
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
New England is 2-0 straight up and against the spread in the 2013 NFL preseason, including a 25-21 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as three-point home favorites last Friday, while going OVER the betting total in each contest. The Patriots continue to be led by quarterback Tom Brady on the offensive end, who has completed 18 of 20 passes for 172 yards and a pair of touchdowns, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro football odds page. The franchise is 2-5 all-time against Detroit in exhibition play, including a 1-3 mark when playing in the Motor City.
The Patriots haven’t started a preseason schedule with a 3-0 record since 2003, but they’ll be more concerned about the tight end position on the depth chart, as Rob Gronkowski continues recover from offseason surgeries, while Aaron Hernandez is in jail. On the other side of the football, New England is hoping its defensive line can create pressure this season—starting with the play of second-year defensive end Chandler Jones. The unit registered four sacks on the first four drives against the Buccaneers.
Detroit has split its first two games, as it looks to bounce back from a 24-6 defeat to the Cleveland Browns as 1.5-point road underdogs last Thursday, while going UNDER the betting total of 42.5. The Lions have managed just one offensive touchdown and six field goals in two contests, which is important to consider when making your pro football picks Thursday night. Starting signal-caller Matthew Stafford has connected on 14 of 24 passes for 132 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Lions are hoping that star wide receiver Calvin Johnson can return to the lineup, as he’s been battling a bruised knee over the last week. Detroit may be more concerned with Stafford’s passer rating, which was 116.9 and 154.7 in the last two preseasons, but stands at 73.6 entering this affair. From a defensive standpoint, the unit wants to pressure Brady, with Ndamukong Suh likely leading the charge.
Sports bettors will likely play the OVER in this affair, as both quarterbacks will likely attempt 25-plus passes before giving way to their backups.
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