Bills vs. Lions Odds, Preseason Preview, Picks, & Prediction

by Nick Galaida (nickgalaida) Last Updated 2021-08-13 13:39:54

NFL betting analyst Nick Galaida previews the Week 1 preseason matchup between the Buffalo Bill and Detroit Lions. Follow along as he breaks down the odds and gives two free picks for Friday night’s game.

Bills vs. Lions Odds

Tonight, the Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions will open their preseason at Ford Field. Oddsmakers have Detroit listed as slight favorites in this matchup. Yet, the uncertainty surrounding exhibition action in the NFL means that sportsbooks often have very little insight into how the game will play out—evident by the fact that underdogs have won two of the first three preseason games so far.

Let’s take a look at the rosters for each of these teams and who is expected to see action, to see where bettors can find value in this matchup.

Buffalo Bills Preview

Earlier this week, quarterback Josh Allen officially signed a six-year, 258 million-dollar extension with a 100 million-dollar signing bonus, which is the highest signing bonus in NFL history. However, Head Coach Sean McDermott confirmed a few days ago that Josh Allen will not play in the Bills’ preseason opener. Mitchell Trubisky is likely to receive a significant amount of playing time under center tonight as he tries to get acclimated to a new organization for the first time since his rookie year in Chicago.

Buffalo has Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, and Matt Breida as their primary backfield options, but it would be surprising if any of these three names saw extended playing time on Friday. Antonio Williams could be a candidate for an expanded workload, especially in the second-half.

McDermott has instilled a completely new culture in Buffalo since taking over as head coach. His intensity and passion for winning football games extends to the preseason as well, evident by a 4-0 exhibition performance in 2019. Although Buffalo will play their starters less than Detroit tonight, they should still be able to keep this game competitive.

Detroit Lions Preview

This fall, all eyes will be on quarterback Jared Goff, who will be looking to get his career back on track after an unfriendly break-up with the Los Angeles Rams. Many pundits have commented that Goff has not lived up to expectations during his NFL tenure thus far, and that his mortal arm-talent and lack of fiery leadership will continue to manifest in the Motor City. All of Detroit’s starters, including Goff, are expected to see at least a full quarter of action on Friday night. Head Coach Dan Campbell also hinted at the idea of letting his starters play into the second quarter, if he judges that his new quarterback and revamped wide receiver group need additional game reps together.

Second-round draft pick, DE Levi Onwuzurike is not expected to be back at practice for Detroit until next week, making it highly unlikely that he will suit up in this one. However, the rest of the Lions’ picks from this past summer should see the field tonight.

Detroit is not expected to make much noise in 2021, but Goff seemingly has a chip on his shoulder and could be more motivated than ever to have an excellent season. Given that the starters will be afforded plenty of playing time in this one, the exhibition slate could get off to a positive start for this group.

Picks

Of the three preseason games already complete, two of them have seen the underdog win outright and two of them have gone under the total. However, the public comments from both coaching staffs in this game differ tremendously compared to the already completed games. Both McDermott and Campbell seem willing to open up their playbook and give their team real game reps tonight. The market price on the total in this game is still in-line with other matchups that have spent the majority of the contest calling safe, conservative plays. Expect more offensive action in Detroit this evening, and thus, a higher-scoring affair. Take the over.

Pick: Over 36.5 (-110)

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