If the Lions are what we want them to be they should have an easy time in the Big Easy on Sunday. They are going to the playoffs for sure. The question is how is that going to look? Detroit is a road favorite with a chance to flex a little on Sunday. New Orleans lost last week and they are in a dogfight with Atlanta in the NFC South. That division is awful this season so any unexpected win could turn things.
Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Trends and Odds
Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 — 1 p.m. ET
Odds: Detroit -4, Over/under 47, Detroit -205 | New Orleans +170
Detroit is a solid favorite, that is the world we live in now. It all makes sense, especially with their ability to move the ball and score, even though we have not seen as much of that lately. Detroit has been really good in favorite roles this season, 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS. They are also 4-1 SUATS on the road so there is no reason for their backers to be shy.
Picks for Detroit vs. New Orleans
Detroit -4; Sam Laporta Over 4.5 Receptions (+130)
Of course a -3 is much easier to cover, but I like the Lions this week. We are probably getting them at the lowest they have been valued all season long because they have lost some luster over the last couple of weeks. Against New Orleans, I am looking for a strong offensive performance. The Saints will just not be able to match up and I think the Lions can extend a lead even if they get more conservative and run the ball a lot in the second half. They are a very strong running team and their backs make big plays. Lions QB Jared Goff excels in that kind of role too because play action gives him a lot of really good options to work with. Look for the Lions to win by at least seven points and not be pushed all that hard.
Laporta is the second-leading receiver on the team. Over the last 10 games he has averaged five receptions so it is not like we need him to go nuts in terms of production to cash. Situations like that are exactly what we are looking for in our props. In three of the last five games, he has had at least five grabs.
Detroit has grabbed the tickets and the money so far. This line has a long way to go before that makes much of a difference though. I see no way it gets to -6 or higher.