For the fifth week in a row, the Lions are featured in this article. In each instance, Detroit has been among the most popular NFL picks against the spread by Total Handle. Not always the most popular by number of bets, but more often than not in that group, as well.
The Lions are featured in both groups again this week. They’re one of two NFL spread picks featured among both Most Popular by Total Handle and Most Popular by Number of Bets this week, both of which we’ll get into below. In fact, we’ll start with the Lions and the other team featured on both lists this week, then get to the one-offs.
Detroit Lions
Total Handle Ranking: 1
Total Bets Ranking: 2
Opponent: Houston Texans
Opening Line: -3.5
Current Line: -3.5
There’s been a little spread movement here, but it’s all led us back to where things started. The peak was 4.5 and 3-even is the lowest it’s gone.
Detroit has seen 84% of this game’s handle, but on 88% of the bets. So, the splits are favorable toward Houston covering. A small difference carries a little more weight when we’re talking lower percentages, like the Texans have.
Still, it’s tough to go against the Lions, even with Nico Collins expected to make his return.
Buffalo Bills
Total Handle Ranking: 3
Total Bets Ranking: 1
Opponent: Indianapolis Colts
Opening Line: -4
Current Line: -4
While this spread is also the same as when it opened, there have been more fluctuations. This topped out at 5-even, and it’s going back and forth between 4-even and 3.5. Still, not enough movement to impact the value of the splits.
Similar to Lions, the Bills have seen 80% of the spread handle on 85% of the bets. So, like the Texans, there seems to be a sharp lean toward the Colts covering.
Philadelphia Eagles
Total Handle Ranking: 2
Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
Opening Line: -2.5
Current Line: -7.5
Nothing but upward movement with this play. Philadelphia may not be a perfect team, but this total tracks with everything going on in Dallas.
There is a slight sharp lean to the Eagles covering, with Philadelphia accounting for 84% of the spread handle on 81% of the bets. With the big jump, some of that sharp action may have come when this spread was much shorter.
Atlanta Falcons
Total Bets Ranking: 3
Opponent: New Orleans Saints
Opening Line: -3.5
Current Line: -1
Some of the action here is surprising. Largely an upward trend since opening at 1-even, with the peak being 4-even.
All the while, the Saints have gotten 27% of the spread handle on 15% of the spread bets. Of all the games that could go haywire, this would be the most likely of the four being highlighted. Still, surprising to see a significant sharp lean here with how things are in New Orleans.
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