NFL Week 13: Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints
The Lions Dropped 3 of 5 Games ATS, Saints 2-8-1 ATS in 2023
The Detroit Lions (8-3) are headed to New Orleans with their tails between their legs after a Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers (29-22) as an 8.5-point favorite. The Saints (5-6) are in desperate need of a win after another bad performance against the Atlanta Falcons (24-15) as a 1-point dog. It was the third straight game that the Saints have failed to cover. Oddsmakers have made the Lions a 3.5-point favorite, a number that has reached -4.5 with 91% of the public money on Detroit. The total is 45.5 after opening 44.5. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT and can be seen on Fox. We start our Lions vs Saints betting preview with a look at the Detroit Lions.
Loss Was Not A Good Sign For Lions
We can clearly see that the betting public is willing to overlook what they saw against the Green Bay Packers, but we think it may be worth noting before placing your wagers. The Packers forced three Detroit turnovers, which has been a story that hasn’t been told all season because the Lions continued to win. On the season, Dan Campbell’s team is a -5 when it comes to turnover ratio, and that usually equates to a losing season without making the postseason.
Detroit is 8-3 but they haven’t exactly had a schedule that featured teams that would make the Lions pay for their sloppiness. Since week three, Detroit has only played one team with a winning record and the Ravens pulled them down to earth while handing the Lions a 38-6 loss. Campbell’s team is back to playing less-than-average teams, but there will be a week when Detroit won’t be able to overcome against the poorer teams in the league.
The Lions are currently third in the NFC playoff standings but with two games against the second-place Minnesota and two others against the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys, perhaps a top-three position isn’t guaranteed in the final NFL playoffs bracket. We continue our Lions vs Saints betting preview by turning our attention to New Orleans.
Carr, OL Need To Be Better
Last week against Atlanta, quarterback Derek Carr never looked comfortable. The Falcons pass rush was in the face of the veteran within seconds and the New Orleans receivers weren’t getting separation. Very few moments did Carr get it out of his hands early, indicating that the hot route was open early in the pattern. We’ll have more opportunities against a Detroit defense that has been nonexistent since a week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Detroit has given up an average of 31 points a game, but the offense has covered up their defensive shortcomings by winning two of the three games by scoring 94 total points. NFL odds history shows the Saints with a 1-8-1 AYS record as a favorite, but with a cover in their lone game as an underdog against New England (34-0) as a 1.5-point dog. We conclude our Lions vs Saints betting preview with our official selection.
Bettors In For A Massive Loss
If the betting patterns that we outlined continue, the books are in for a great day. You watch this game long enough to know when you see a number that is baiting the public and this is one of the numbers that has the public jumping in on.
The Lions are among the leaders in many of team offensive leaders but the Saints are second in the league in completion percentage against (58.9%) and third in QB rating against (73.1). This week they won’t have to worry about a signal caller who can beat them with their legs. We’re taking the New Orleans Saints plus 4.5 points.
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