Online Michigan Sportsbooks Set Low Win Total for Detroit Lions

Similar to the other professional sports teams in Detroit, expectations are low for the Lions.

Sportsbooks in Michigan have begun posting sports betting win totals for each of the NFL teams. Unsurprisingly, the Lions have one of the lowest totals. The majority of sportsbooks in Michigan list the Lions’ win total at five, which is just a half-game better than the Houston Texans, who have the lowest listed win total at 4.5.

The low win total for the Lions becomes even more embarrassing when you consider the NFL added an extra game to the regular-season schedule. This season will mark the first year each team will have 17 regular-season games.

The sportsbooks feature various odds at the total set at five. The over at DraftKings is at +100 with the under at -121.

At BetMGM, the over and under is -110 for each.

PointsBet has the over on five wins at +100 with the under at -120.

William Hill has the highest juice for an over of five at -140 while the under is at +120.

FOX Bet is the only sportsbook at this point to have a different win total from five for the Lions. Detroit’s win total line at Fox Bet is currently at 5.5 with the over at +135 and the under at -175.

This is the first time residents in Michigan can wager on win totals online. Michigan launched its mobile sports betting and online casino platforms on Jan. 22.

New Head Coach, New QB For Lions

New head coach Dan Campbell walked into a rebuilding project in Detroit. For a demoralized fanbase, it can be hard to find excitement for another rebuild, hoping a failing organization can correctly turn it around.

But if Campbell’s introductory news conference was any indication, the Lions have a head coach who is ready to bring a different sort of energy to the team. Campbell’s press conference was highlighted by him explaining how his team will be prepared to figuratively bite kneecaps.

"I can sit up here and give you coach-speak all day long,” Campbell said. "I can give you how many games we will win, but none of that matters and you don’t want to hear it anyways. You’ve had enough of that (stuff).

“Here’s what I do know. This team is going to take on the identity of this city. This city has been down and found a way to get up and found a way to overcome adversity. We’re going to kick you in the teeth. When you punch us, we’re going to smile at you. When you knock us down, we’re gonna get up, and when we get up, we’re going to bite a kneecap off."

Campbell went viral online with those quotes. Depending on how his tenure ends up will dictate how that moment will be remembered. If the Lions have success, it could mark the turning point of an organization that hired the correct person to rejuvenate the franchise. But if the Lions continue their losing ways, it’ll just be the latest joke added to their struggles and another punch line their fans will use to bemoan more losing.

In addition to Campbell, the Lions will feature a new quarterback to lead the franchise. Jared Goff is set to take over after coming to Detroit via trade. The Lions sent Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Goff, first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 and a third-round compensatory draft selection in 2024.

Goff led the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance in 2018 but had a falling out with head coach Sean McVay after just average performances in the seasons after.

“What I feel every day being here so far is how badly this city wants and needs to win,” Goff said at his introductory press conference. “I’m the quarterback here and I’m excited to provide that.”

The next step for Detroit’s rebuild will come on April 29. The Lions have the No. 7 draft pick in the first round. Whatever direction the Lions go with their first-round pick will give a better indication of the direction the franchise is prepared to go with Campbell.