Two teams at opposite ends of the NFL spectrum in terms of 2021 prospects meet in a preseason opener on Friday night, as the Buffalo Bills head to Detroit to take on the Lions. The Bills are fresh off an AFC Championship loss in Kansas City but have taken steps to shore up issues with their lines and with their pass rush. The Lions have a new head coach in Dan Campbell and a new starting quarterback in Jared Goff, as the team has pushed the rebuild button.
Let’s take a look at this matchup as you consider your NFL preseason sports betting.
NFL Preview: Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions
When: Friday, August 13, 2021, 7:00 PM ET
Where: Ford Field, Detroit
TV: NFL Network
Radio: WGR 550 AM Buffalo / WJR 97.1 FM Detroit
Live Stream: FuboTV
NFL Odds: Buffalo -2 / O/U 37 ½
Why should you bet on the Bills?
Josh Allen just inked a mammoth extension, which should mean that the Bills do not want their franchise quarterback exposed to too much risk in the preseason opener. If he does play, he should not be on the field for more than a couple of possessions. Allen did put up almost 5,000 total yards and threw 45 touchdown passes (against just 10 picks) a season ago, so he may not need all that much fine-tuning in this game.
One group that should see more significant time for the Bills is their crew of running backs. Devin Singletary and Zack Moss did not do a lot for the Bills a year ago, as Allen led the offense in touchdowns on the ground. The team added Matt Breida via free agency, and you can expect to see all three backs get plenty of carries to see which one will get the early leg up as featured running back. Even so, the Bills do not have as much invested in getting as many of their starters extended time in this opener.
Why should you put your money on the Lions?
According to head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit plans to use their starters for a quarter or so in this game. This is an unusual amount of time for starters to be on the field in a preseason opener, but the team has gone through a ton of changes up and down the roster, as well as to their coaching staff. The preseason has also decreased from four games to three, so other teams may make similar strategic changes to their roster decisions for the preseason.
This means that new quarterback Jared Goff will play a quarter, and rookie Penei Sewell will make his debut at offensive tackle. The offense that Anthony Lynn has installed is a new one, as is Aaron Glenn’s defense. Playing the starters this long could give the Lions an edge in this game — if they have gelled and if their talent is enough to get the Lions out to an early lead. Home field advantage is not as much of a factor in the preseason, but it is true that Detroit will not have to go through the rigors of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic for this opener. The Lions also have an underrated offensive line, with Taylor Decker joining Sewell in protecting Goff and opening up holes in the running game.
Final Score and Betting Prediction
Normally, I would not expect the Lions to stay competitive in a matchup with Buffalo, even at home. However, the Lions should stay with their starters longer, except in the running game. I see the Lions doing more to try and win and get a charge out of this preseason opener. I predict a final score of Lions 17, Bills 13.
NFL Betting Odds
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