The NFL kicks off a Saturday tripleheader with the Detroit Lions hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and the game airs on NFL Network.
The Bucs enter the game with a 9-5 record and have a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a win. They can no longer win the NFC South title following the Saints Friday win, but they can still climb as high as the fifth seed. They’ll be without cornerback Carlton Davis, who is doubtful with a groin injury.
Meanwhile, the 5-9 Lions are playing out the string and just looking to get through the season and find a new head coach. They’ll be without tackle Tyrell Crosby (ankle) and wide receiver Kenny Golladay (hip). Additionally, center Frank Ragnow (throat), tackle Taylor Decker (groin), and linebacker Jamie Collins (neck) are all questionable for the game.
With all that being said, where are the bettors placing their money as we get closer to game time? Let’s check it out below! All the odds and info were provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Point Spread
The Bucs opened as 7.5-point favorites and the line has climbed to 9.5 as of Saturday morning. The betting public has backed the favorites, with 60 percent of the handle and 57 percent of the total bets on Tampa Bay.
Is the public right? The injuries are concerning for Detroit. Their offensive line is an absolute wasteland right now. 9.5 points is a lot to lay with Tampa Bay, but at least you get the hook underneath ten. I’d back the favorites.
Over/Under
The point total opened at 53.5 and has settled at 54 as of Saturday morning. The betting public is backing the over in a big way, with 82 percent of handle and two-thirds of total bets.
Is the public right? The Lions injuries are concerning. Their offensive line is banged up in a big way, Matthew Stafford is banged up, and he’ll be without his top pass catcher. They’ve put up 24+ points each of the past four weeks, but this Bucs defense is no joke. I think the injuries catch up with them and they’re not able to hold up their end of the bargain to get this game over.
Moneyline
The Bucs opened as favorites at -360, while the Cardinals opened at +275. On Saturday morning, the Bucs sit at -435 while the Lions are +360. The public is all about the Bucs in this one, betting them on the moneyline to the tune of 93 percent of handle and 92 percent of bets.
Is the public right? The Falcons gave the Bucs a whole lot of trouble last week. I’m inclined to think they bounce back with an effective showing. Whether it’s enough to cover is not a simple question, but I think they can get the win with relative ease.
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