There was some optimism surrounding the Detroit Lions heading into the 2022 season. Despite going 3-13-1 last season, many people believed that they would take a step forward this year with some of the improvements made to the team.
Five of those losses were by four points or fewer. When you consider that, just a break or two going their way in any given game or a mental mistake getting cleaned up could result in a handful of more wins.
Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes are building something positive in Detroit and changing the culture over. There is some emerging talent on this roster and it would not be surprising to see them double their win total in 2022.
In Week 1, they fought right to the wire with the Philadelphia Eagles, losing 38-35. A ferocious comeback attempt fell just short in the fourth quarter, where the Lions scored two touchdowns. That performance garnered some attention, as Detroit is in a position heading into Week 2 that it hasn’t been in for a very long time.
If nothing changes, this weekend will be the first time since November 22nd, 2020 against the Carolina Panthers with P.J. Walker as the starting quarterback that the Lions are the betting favorites in a game. Detroit lost that game 20-0 and they have been the underdog at kickoff in 24 consecutive contests since.
That is the longest streak in the Super Bowl era as they were the only team to not be favored once in 2021. But, it could be snapped as the Lions are currently 2.5-point favorites over the Washington Commanders. Washington won their Week 1 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in come from behind fashion, picking up a 28-22 victory in Carson Wentz’s debut with the team.
Should the Lions remain favorites, the next longest streak belongs to the New York Giants, who have been underdogs in 15 consecutive games. However, that streak could also be coming to an end.
After defeating the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 1, the Giants are heading home to take on the Panthers, who lost their opener to the Cleveland Browns in Baker Mayfield’s revenge game. New York is currently 2.5-point favorites as well.
