Detroit Lions NFL Season Betting Preview (Lions Moving Forward In 2022)

The Detroit Lions, who are forever in a rebuild, have a glimmer of hope with their season. They have a home-grown prospect as their No. 1 overall draft choice and even have one of the most talented wide receivers in the draft on ice. 

For once, it seems like the Lions are headed in the right direction. However, they always seem to get in their own way. Will the 2022 season be any different?

Detroit Lions 2022 Offseason Moves and Signings

• Drafted Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams in the 1st Round of the 2022 NFL Draft
• Signed DE Josh Paschal to a four-year deal
• Signed TE Devin Funchess

Detroit Lions 2022 Schedule

The Lions have the 5th easiest schedule in the league, which is another reason I’m excited about their season. Detroit has three games against teams that picked in the top 5 last season and still has two more games with the Chicago Bears built into the schedule. 

This is a pretty straightforward schedule. I don’t see the Lions pulling off any giant upset, but I do see them being at the top of the bottom tier of teams.

Detroit Lions 2022 Win Total Prediction

• OVER 6.5 Wins (-115)
• UNDER 6.5 Wins (-105)

I feel like I’m a little more bullish on the Lions than most people, so I have them hitting the OVER on this win total. Detroit for all of its tough losses last season, played hard and was in several games down the stretch. With Dan Campbell entering his second season, it’s clear the players are buying in, which always helps the rebuilding process. 

Detroit has playmakers on offense, as well. D’Andre Swift is one of the most versatile backs in the league, Amon-Ra St. Brown came on strongly at the end of last season and the Lions will get Jameson Williams in the second half of the season. Jared Goff, and I understand this might be a lot to ask of him, just needs to be even slightly below average and the Lions can surpass the win total. 

On the defensive side, Aidan Hutchinson should provide a boost to a nearly non-existent pass rush. The good news is that the Lions were so bad on defense last season that the only place to go is up. 

Pick: OVER 6.5 Wins (-115)

Detroit Lions 2022 Odds to Win NFC North, NFC, and Super Bowl

• To Make the Playoffs: +400
• Odds to Win NFC North: +1000
• Odds to Win NFC: +6000
• Odds to Win Super Bowl 57: +15000

I think the only bet that has merit here is the Lions to make the playoffs. The NFC is weak and is going to be wide open at the bottom of the playoff picture. Every season, a team goes from worst-to-first and while I don’t expect the Lions to go to the top of the NFC North, they could be in line for that type of turnaround. 

Detroit should win a few more games outright and have some of the close losses break its way this season. With solid playmakers and a chance to get better on defense, don’t sleep on the Lions. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.