Masses Are Betting Detroit Lions to Beat Win Total in 2022
By Ben Heisler
The Detroit Lions OVER is the most popular NFL bet in the month of July.
No, this isn't a headline for The Onion, nor is it Opposite Day on the calendar.
Over at Caesars Sportsbook, the NFL's long-time bottom feeder has gotten the most action from bettors to clear their projected win total so far this month.
A season ago, the Detroit Lions' projected win total was set at 3 wins in 17 games. They ended up pushing across the board, finishing 3-13-1, but winning all three games in the final six weeks of the season. After starting the season 0-8, the Lions went to Pittsburgh as more than two touchdown underdogs and tied the Steelers 16-16 in overtime. Following two single-possession losses against the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, Detroit captured their first victory of the season at Ford Field against the Minnesota Vikings by a 29-27 final.
Perhaps their most impressive victory of the year came two weeks later; demolishing a playoff-bound Arizona Cardinals squad 30-12 at Ford Field where they were also home underdogs by more than two touchdowns.
Detroit Lions Projected Win Total for 2022
- OVER: 6 (-160)
- UNDER: 6 (+140)
With an improved offensive and defensive line, as well as more playmakers to compliment veteran quarterback Jared Goff, the perception of the Lions is changing for the betting public. Caesars is still sticking to the 6 wins, but the over is juiced heavily to -160 odds, compared to +140 on the under.
Detroit Lions' Prop Bets for Dan Campbell, D'Andre Swift Very Popular Preseason Picks
In addition to Detroit having plenty of support to clear their win total, their head coach Dan Campbell, along with running back D'Andre Swift have also gotten the markets behind them.
The most popular NFL wager by handle in July at @CaesarsSports has been... Lions OVER 6 wins
— Max Meyer (@TheMaxMeyer) July 20, 2022
Additionally, Dan Campbell has drawn the most money overall to win Coach of the Year and D'Andre Swift has drawn the most money overall to lead the NFL in rushing yards.
Campbell enters his second year at the helm for the Lions following his 3-13-1 season. He's currently seventh on the board at Caesars at +1700 to win Coach of the Year. That's a much lower consensus number than at several other books where Campbell comes in at +2200.
As for Swift, if he were to lead the NFL in rushing yards at +5000 odds, there's a great chance that both of the previous two props hit easily!
Swift finished with just 617 rushing yards a season ago, but had just under 1,000 all-purpose yards; catching 62 passes for 452 yards through the air. He's tied for the same odds as Devin Singletary of the Buffalo Bills, Saquon Barkley with the New York Giants, and Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints to lead the league in rushing.
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