NFL Preseason Week 1: The Detroit Lions are probably foaming at the mouth for tonight's game. Yes, it is just the preseason, but for a team that has not tasted victory since August of 2008, it might as well be the Super Bowl. The Lions welcome the Falcons for what they hope to be a feast at Ford Field this afternoon. The game is scheduled for a 4:00pm ET start and will be broadcast live on the NFL Network. Odds maker BetUS.com has Detroit listed as a -3 against the spread favorite in their NFL Preseason Week 1: Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions NFL Picks, Odds & Predictions.
Atlanta Falcons: Mike Smith begins his second season with the Falcons today after guiding the team to a surprising 11-5 record in 2008. Despite the great debut and Playoff appearance last year, Smith's squad has plenty of things to look over and work on during the preseason.
The Falcons defense, while ranking 11th in points per game allowed a season ago, was not particularly strong. The unit ranked in the bottom third of the league in both passing and rushing yards allowed. Smith, who is considered one of the better defensive minds in the game, will no doubt want to see those numbers drop this year.
Five starters from 2008's defense either left or were cut in the off-season, so it will be imperative for the team to improve during the exhibition games. Atlanta's first five draft picks were defensive players, including Mississippi defensive tackle Peria Jerry and Missouri safety William Moore. Expect the young blood to see a lot of time on the field.
Detroit Lions: When a team fails to win a single regular season game, it is a guarantee that change is just around the corner. The Lions did not rest on their lack of laurels and fired general manager Matt Millen as well as Head Coach Rod Marinelli.
Former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was brought in to oversee a massive rebuilding effort, and, at least for this season, he can be confident that the team has nowhere to go but up.
Detroit, as expected, had more roster turnover than any team in the league and they added several defensive pieces that should move them out of the league cellar in terms of numbers. Linebackers Julian Peterson and Larry Foote, corners Anthony Henry and Phillip Buchanon, and defensive tackle Grady Jackson all joined the team in the off-season.
The Lions also snagged what they hope will be their franchise quarterback with the first overall selection in the draft. Matthew Stafford will make his Lions debut tonight as will fellow first round pick, tight end Brandon Pettigrew.
BetUS.com NFL Preseason Week 1: Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions NFL Picks, Odds & Predictions
Atlanta Falcons +3 (+100), Over 34 (-110), +145 (Moneyline)
Detroit Lions -3 (-120), Under 34 (-110), -165 (Moneyline)
Bet on sports at online sportsbook BetUS.com and receive up to 145% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
