Lions Get Slap in a Face for Week 1 Against 49ers
By Peter Dewey
It was expected that the Detroit Lions would enter their Week 1 matchup as the underdogs. But then the NFL released its schedule, and the Lions were at home in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers who won just six games last season.
Could the Jared Goff era actually get off to a good start?
Vegas says no. Actually, it’s a resounding no. WynnBET has the Lions as 7.5-point underdogs in Week 1, and it’s hard to not feel disrespected if you’re Detroit.
The 49ers are a solid team (if healthy), but the Lions aren’t getting any love even though they’re the home team. Detroit traded away Matthew Stafford this offseason, but they didn’t completely punt the quarterback position by acquiring Jared Goff in the deal.
WynnBET doesn't think the Lions will be any good in 2021, as they are projected just 5.5 wins in 2021 with the under (-180) as the favorite.
But damn, more than a touchdown underdog at home in Week 1? That’s a tough look. The Lions have never been known for winning, but this team isn’t at an extreme talent-deficit like the 0-16 Lions team in 2008.
The 49ers should have quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, star pass rusher Nick Bosa, running back Raheem Mostert and others ready to go in Week 1 after suffering injuries last season, and WynnBET has their projected win total at 10.5. San Fran is not a bad team, but they also aren’t the Green Bay Packers (with Aaron Rodgers of course) or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC.
Use this line as fuel Lions fans, and maybe your team will exceed expectations. But if Vegas has this one right, it’s going to be a long season in Detroit.