Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints NFL Predictions, NFL Odds & NFL Picks: The new look Detroit Lions will attempt to get off the regular season snide today as they face the high scoring New Orleans Saints in Louisiana. Kickoff in this NFC North versus NFC South match up is set for 1:00pm ET at the Superdome. The game will televised live on FOX. NFL Predictions at online bookmaker Bodog.com have the Saints listed as a heavy -13.5 against the spread home favorite.
Lions Breakdown: Regardless of today's result, Detroit has to feel 
good about where they might be headed down the road. A winless season certainly brings a great deal of pain, but it also makes the prospect of improvement a foregone conclusion. With all of the changes this off-season, Lions fans, as well as the Lions themselves, can feel confident the future will not be as dark as the past.
Adding to the optimism is rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, the number one overall pick in this year's draft. New Head Coach Jim Schwartz has elected to take the reins off of the Georgia product, naming him the starter for the 2009 season.
Stafford, as expected, had his ups and downs during the team's 3-1 preseason, and he most certainly will experience some highs and lows during the regular season. Today could be a high as he faces a Saints team that ranked 23rd in passing yards allowed and 22nd in sacks last season.
Saints Breakdown: No team in the league looked more impressive this exhibition season than New Orleans. Sean Payton's squad seemingly scored at will in compiling a 3-1 record, racking up 107 points (second only to the Jets) while allowing a mere 38 (second fewest – Steelers 37).
The question is, can the team translate that success to the regular season? By all accounts the Saints have underachieved the past two years, missing the playoffs in both 2007 and 2008 with a combined 15-17 record.
Call it a hunch, but today could be a statement game (yes, even against the Lions) from a team that has dabbled in mediocrity while occasionally teasing greatness. Look for a big day from Drew Brees and company as they abuse Gunther Cunningham's blitz happy defense.
NFL Predictions Betting Trend: The Lions are 8-2 against the spread (1-9 straight up) in their last 10 games as a road dog with a spread between 11 and 13.5.
Bodog.com Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints NFL Predictions, Odds & Picks:
Detroit Lions +13.5 (-110), Over 49 (-110)
New Orleans Saints -13.5 (-110), Under 49 (-110)
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