Gambling NewsSports Betting NewsSports Betting Picks

Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions Betting Preview

As you prepare to dive into your Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy an NFL appetizer as the Buffalo Bills (7-3) take on the Detroit Lions (4-6) in the first of three NFL games on Thursday. Kickoff for this one is scheduled for 12:31 pm ET from Ford Field.

Buffalo comes into this one on the heels of a 31-23 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. In the win, Josh Allen threw for just 197 yards and a touchdown. Both Devin Singletary and James Cook rushed for 86 yards apiece, with Singletary adding a rushing touchdown.

Detroit has now won three in a row after dismantling the New York Giants on the road 31-28. Jared Goff threw for 165 yards, but the big story of the day was Jamaal Williams, who rushed for 64 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bills are heavy favorites despite playing on the road. They are -420 to win, while the Lions’ moneyline sits at +330. The spread features Detroit +9.5 (-115), and the over/under for total points is 53.5.

Bills Look To Get Right Versus Lions

After losing two in a row, the Bills have to be relieved to have beaten Cleveland on Sunday. Still, Buffalo doesn’t completely look like they are firing on all cylinders, and Josh Allen is part of the reason why.

Allen is currently dealing with an elbow injury. While he was limited at practice Monday, he is expected to play Thursday. Still, after throwing for just 197 yards last week, it seems to be hampering his play a bit.

In 10 games this season, Allen has thrown for 2,930 yards, 21 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. That production has helped the Bills rank second in scoring, averaging 28.1 points per game (24.2 on the road).

Allen’s favorite target to date has been Stefon Diggs. He has 76 receptions for 1,033 yards and eight touchdowns. Greg Davis has also had a nice season with 612 yards receiving and five scores.

Defensively, the Bills rank fourth in scoring defense, allowing an average of 17.4 points per game to opponents (19 on the road).

Can Lions Win Fourth In A Row?

Having won three games in a row coming into play Thursday, the Lions have propelled themselves to second in the NFC North. While they still sit several games behind the Vikings, they will look for their fourth win in a row on Thanksgiving.

Under center for the Lions is veteran quarterback Jared Goff. He has thrown for 2,442 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this season. Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be Goff’s guy, as he has amassed 56 receptions for 594 yards and three scores this season.

On the ground, Jamaal Williams continues to be a force. He has 668 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns this season. They also have De’Andre Swift, who has rushed for 273 yards and three scores of his own.

The problem for Detroit comes in their defense. They rank dead last in the league, allowing an average of 28.2 points per game to opponents. With that being said, they have allowed just 19 per game over their last three.

Take Detroit And The Points

It seems unfathomable to say it, but there is some value in taking Detroit at home on Thanksgiving to cover.

Buffalo’s offense is absolutely elite when they are healthy, but at the moment, it doesn’t appear that health is on their side. Allen’s injury has made them less explosive, and that lack of explosion could help the Lions limit the damage.

Conversely, Detroit has produced on offense this season, averaging 25 points per game and 31.6 at home.

This has the potential to be a shootout, and if it does, taking Detroit and the points seems like the right play.

Take Detroit +9.5 (-115).

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also
Close