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In past seasons, this might have been a game that you looked at and thought very little of in terms of fantasy and overall entertainment value. The Lions have enjoyed a double-digit victory in two consecutive seasons against the Cardinals. But with the addition of an exciting rookie quarterback and number one overall pick, Kyler Murray (DFS salary $5,600,) as well as a passing-focused rookie head coach, Kliff Kingsbury, this game isn’t expected to follow the same old script.
Don’t get me wrong, I still think Detroit will come out on top of this one. I also think they’ll cover the +2.5 point spread. But even if the Lions are up double-digits at any point in the game, I think Murray, Kingsbury and the Cards will want to keep their foot on the gas. With that said, don’t expect the Lions to have an offensive explosion, as they ranked in the bottom-10 of total and scoring offenses last season. Matthew Stafford ($5,400) will look to continue to build his chemistry with second-year wide receiver, Kenny Golladay ($6,300,) after linking up for 70 receptions, 1,063 yards and 5 touchdowns over 15 games.
Both fan bases should see this game as an opportunity to take a step in the right direction, especially since Detroit has missed the playoffs the past two seasons and Arizona the past three. While the Cards will showcase some flashy moments, I’m predicting the Lions cover the spread with Kerryon Johnson’s ($5,800) first 100+ rushing yard performance since Week 7 of last season.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
Lions at Cardinals
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Cardinals +2.5
Total Points: 46
Money Line: Lions -139; Cardinals +118
Records
Overall 2018: Lions 6-10; Cardinals 3-13
ATS 2018: Lions 9-7; Cardinals 7-9
O/U 2018: Lions 6-10; Cardinals 7-9
Notable Prop Bets
Lions
- Kenny Golladay to score a TD and team to win: +225
- Marvin Jones to score a TD and team to win: +325
Cardinals
- David Johnson to score the 1st TD: +600
- Kyler Murray to score a TD: +225
Betting Trends
- The Lions have won each of their last five season openers against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have covered the spread in six of their last eight road games.
- Each of the Lions’ last eight season openers have gone OVER the total points line.
- Marvin Jones Jr. has scored the first touchdown in each of his last two appearances with the Lions as favorites against NFC West opponents.
- David Johnson has scored a touchdown in each of the Cardinals’ last three Week 1 home games.
- The Lions’ Defensive/Special Teams have scored a touchdown in each of their last two games against the Cardinals.
- Matthew Stafford has scored a touchdown in two of the Lions’ last three September games as favorites against NFC opponents.
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Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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