2010 Detroit Lions: Predictions, NFL Odds and Picks

The good news for the 2009 Detroit Lions was that they doubled their win total from the 2008 season. The bad news was that meant a 2-14 straight up record and just 4 payouts in NFL odds to gamblers for the 2009 season. It was the first for the new front office regime of general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz. Detroit has opened at online sportsbooks as a 110-1 longshot in NFL predictions to win the Super Bowl with an over/under win total at 5 OVER (-130). Playing in the tough NFC and the even tougher North Division with top contenders Minnesota and Green Bay along with an underachieving Chicago team poised for a comeback, the Lions may struggle to make the 5 win total during the 2010 Detriot NFL schedule.

Detroit ranked 26th overall in NFL betting for total offense and dead last for total defense. They also had the worst turnover margin in the NFL. In fact, outside of being a middle of the road punt return team the Lions were near the bottom of the NFL in all major categories as a team. While that was bad it is also a sign that there is nowhere to go but up. It is a tragedy that such a talented wideout as Calvin Johnson is stuck in Detroit, where he is often triple covered as the only legitimate threat. He still managed 67 catches and almost 15 yards per catch with 5 touchdowns.

Rookie quarterback Matt Stafford had a rough on the job training season with a 13/20 TD/INT ratio. Stafford missed time due to a shoulder injury but is ready to lead the huddle for 2010. The defense will be helped by 2nd overall NFL pick in the 2010 draft Ndamukong Suh, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist as a nose tackle who almost willed Nebraska to the Big 12 title. Suh is a force to be reckoned with and will drive many offenses to unwanted sides. Matt Millen basically destroyed the Lions as the former GM and it will take years for this franchise to recover.