Once again the NFL Odds put the Patriots as the favorites.

NFL Preseason Odds & Analysis on New England at Detroit

Written by on August 24, 2017

It’s not unusual for a Super Bowl champion to enter the preseason a little foggy, as the starters struggle to get motivated to work hard and the decisions down the depth chart have often already been made in the minds of the coaching staff. We see that in New England, as the Patriots have given up 58 points in their first two preseason tilts, losing to Jacksonville and Houston. The Detroit Lions knocked off the New York Jets last week and have a 2-0 preseason record. However, this week in the NFL Preseason marks the real dress rehearsal for both teams. Can the Patriots get back to regular season form? New England are betting favorites against Detroit for Friday.

NFL Preseason Odds & Analysis on New England at Detroit

When: Friday, August 25, 2017, 7:00 PM ET Where: Ford Field, Detroit TV: Local Affiliates Only Radio: WBZ 98.5 FM (New England) / WJR 760 AM (Detroit) Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Preseason Odds: New England -1, O/U 44

Weather Forecast

  • Clear: 21°C/69°F
  • Humidity: 48%
  • Precipitation: 0%
  • Wind: 6 mph E
  • Cloud Cover: 13%
  • Type of Stadium: Indoor

Why should you bet on the Patriots?

New England had leads in the third and fourth periods against Houston last week but couldn’t hold the Texans off when it counted — albeit with reserves on the field. The Patriots rolled up 339 yards of offense against a solid Houston defense — but coughed the ball up three times, leading to 10 Texan points. Their last turnover came in the Houston red zone in the last minutes of the game. So some sharper play on both sides of the ball — a typical improvement between Weeks 2 and 3 of the preseason — should give the Patriots the win here. Tom Brady looked ready for the regular season in Week 2, going 6 for 9 for 67 yards and a touchdown during his time on the field. Jimmy Garoppolo had more exposure, going 15 for 23 for 145 yards and a touchdown and an interception. Dion Lewis (7 carried, 34 yards) and Brandon Bolden (8 carries, 33 yards) both looked capable carrying the ball. So there’s a lot to like about the Patriot offense going into this matchup — but they need better ball security. Holding onto the football and playing better defense are the Patriots’ keys to victory this week.

Why should you put your money on the Lions?

Detroit has made hay on offense the past few years, but they have struggled mightily to put points on the board in their first few games. Given the fact that their defense has had some real problems in recent seasons, the solid play that they are giving so far — which has been the reason for both of their wins — is something that the coaching staff has to be pleased with. Are the Lions a safe bet in this week's NFL Preseason matchup? It’s true that the Jets don’t have much going on offense, but the Lions did force a pair of turnovers in that game. The Patriots are likely to bring a much sharper offense, so the Lions must prepare for even better pass coverage down the field. Matthew Stafford continues to look impressive as he prepares to enter his contract season. Against the Jets, he went 8 for 10 for 84 yards and a score. Behind him, though, Jake Rudock (8 for 13, 84 yards, 1 INT) and Brad Kaaya (4 for 7, 38 yards) both failed to make a convincing case as to which should be the #2 quarterback. The Lions did spread the ball around, as a dozen players caught one or more passes. If the Patriots haven’t fixed their defensive issues, Stafford & Co. could do some torching on Friday night.

New England vs Detroit Game History

  • Total Meetings: 11
  • First Meeting: September 26, 1971. Schaefer Stadium. Foxborough, Massachusetts.
  • Last Meeting: November 23rd, 2014. Gillette Stadium. Foxborough, Massachusetts.
  • All-Time Series: New England 7-4-0
  • Largest Margin of Victory: New England 34-7 (1971)
  • Longest Win Streak: New England 4 (2002-2014)
  • Current Win Streak: New England 4 (2002-2014)

Expert NFL Preseason Pick and Final Score Prediction

I’m a big fan of the potential that Matthew Stafford has. However, few coaches can make adjustments better than Bill Belichick. I see the Patriots fixing their issues, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and coming into Detroit looking more like their regular season selves. I predict a final score of New England 27, Detroit 20.