The Detroit Lions had a rough week, losing to the Carolina Panthers on the road on “Sunday Night Football.” This week, they hit the road again to face a struggling Arizona Cardinals team that is in the midst of trading away its former first-round pick, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Detroit has this game to evaluate everything before their bye week rest; we’ll see if the team implements major changes or if they wait it out.
Last week we came back down to earth a bit, only hitting one of the three
bets. I was also expecting rain based on the forecast, so when it didn’t, that hurt my bets’ outlook.
Let’s jump back in the win column this week and make some money. The odds are with FanDuel Sportsbook.
1. Jared Goff over 2.5 passing touchdowns (+154)
The Cardinals’ secondary is struggling just as much as the Lions have. Both teams have allowed 11 passing touchdowns this season (2.75 per game on average). Arizona’s secondary struggles by giving up big plays, allowing 9.1 yards per pass, and multiple 80+ yard passes. While Goff’s passing yards can be a safe play too, I think the touchdowns are worth the risk.
With Arizona allowing almost three passing touchdowns a game, I think the Lions can take advantage of that with their offensive weapons. Wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams could be due for a big game, and if not, tight end Sam LaPorta could be used effectively. Goff has played very well this year, with nine touchdowns through four games and zero interceptions.
Bet potential winnings: $10 -> $25.40
2. Jameson Williams over 51.5 receiving yards (-114)
Speaking of the passing game, I mentioned Williams could have a good game this week. He’s coming off his best week of the season so far, getting 102 yards on six catches. Against a secondary worse than the Panthers’, Williams shouldn’t have trouble getting this line. This game will feature the passing attack heavily, and while the Cardinals could leave safety Budda Baker assigned to Williams if he goes deep, Williams can strike on short routes.
If he can get multiple in-breaking routes where he can quickly catch the ball and run, that is where he’ll do his damage. Williams can be a serious deep threat, but teams are starting to respect it. The thing is, though, he’s just as dangerous on short, quick routes that put the ball in space and let him run with it.
Bet potential winnings: $10 -> $18.77
3. Over 54.5 points (-108)
As I mentioned earlier, both teams are struggling to stop anything through the air. Detroit was averaging 31 points before scoring 26 against Carolina. The Cardinals have scored over 24 points in three of their four games, putting up 30 against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. With both teams scoring with ease, I think this could be another high-scoring game like last week.
Thankfully, the weather won’t be a factor, so this has a better chance of hitting. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs hasn’t broken out a 25+ yard run yet this season; he’s due for one, and that will only help the Lions’ passing attack. Detroit’s run defense has been hit or miss, showing both success and failure, so if the Cardinals can move the ball on the ground, this game could be a “who has the ball last wins” kind of game.
Bet potential winnings: $10 -> $19.26
If you want to turn these three single bets into a same-game parlay, the odds are +369 and $10 -> $46.94
Record: 6-6
Brandon’s Bold Bet
If you want to go bold and build a big parlay that could pay well, put these three bets together in a parlay:
- Jahmyr Gibbs Alt Rushing Yards: 100 (+126)
- Sam LaPorta anytime touchdown (+165)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown over 6.5 catches (-160)
With the passing attack stretching the field, I think Gibbs’ ground attack can come alive. Gibbs hasn’t had a 100-yard game since Week 1, falling one yard short in Week 3, and this could be his chance to do it again. LaPorta has found the end zone twice this season, coming off a solid performance against the Panthers. With contract talks on hold, I think LaPorta will do everything he can to prove to the Lions he deserves his money.
Finally, St. Brown has 31 catches on the year this year, averaging 7.75 per game. With the average higher than what is needed here, this is the safest play of the trio. This offense does better when St. Brown is heavily involved, and in order to put up points, he’ll need to be a major factor.
Odds +892 and bet $10 -> $99.24
Record: 0-4
Do-it-all parlay
If you want to combine all six plays into a parlay and go big, here are the odds:
- Jared Goff over 2.5 passing touchdowns
- Jameson Williams over 51.5 receiving yards
- Over 54.5 points
- Jahmyr Gibbs Alt Rushing Yards: 100
- Sam LaPorta anytime touchdown
- Amon-Ra St. Brown over 6.5 catches
Odds +3753 and bet $10 -> $385.38
Record: 0-4
Use this information however you like. You can ignore it and watch the game, or, if you want to risk some money, follow these recommendations or test your own luck. Whatever you decide, please gamble responsibly and bet only money you can afford to lose.
