Can the Lions put last year’s collapse behind them and get back to being the team that started off the 2007 campaign 6-2? Oddsmakers clearly don’t think so considering they’ve made Detroit an 80/1 long shot to win the 2009 Super Bowl.
The Lions didn’t add a bunch of marquee names, but they did get some depth during the offseason. The team signed Dwight Smith to compete in the defensive backfield, while also inking cornerback Brian Kelly to possibly start or provide depth. Detroit also brought back running back Tatum Bell and cornerback Travis Fisher, while also adding offensive tackle Goster Cherilus and running back Kevin Smith via the draft.
Football enthusiasts have seemed to cool on the Lions heading in 2008 after they collapsed to 7-9 following a 6-2 start in 2007. The Lions didn’t bring back offensive coordinator Mike Martz, so there seems to be some concern whether or not they’ll have the firepower on offense again this year. The defense also lost a Pro Bowler in defensive tackle Shaun Rodgers (traded/Browns) and still has issues in the secondary. Still, the defensive line is stout and the linebacker corps seemed to improve.
Detroit is considered a long shot at all of the major bookmakers. Current prices on the Lions’ chances to win the 2009 Super Bowl range from 50/1 at SBG Global, to 65/1 Bodog, to 80/1 at Sportsbook.com.
Oddsmakers have also set the Lions’ over/under total for wins in 2008 at 6.5, but clearly think Detroit will win more than 6.5 games considering the over pays out at –150 compared to +120 for the under.
The Lions seemed to have taken a step back on paper, but head coach Rod Marinelli won’t allow his team to take a step back on the field. Marinelli has done a great job of cleaning up some of the in-house issues that have plagued the Lions over the years, and most of the players on the roster like his no-nonsense approach. Detroit is one of those mystery teams this year, but one could see the potential they have after starting last year 6-2. The NFC North seems to be up in the air and the Lions could turn into a decent value pick if the loss of Martz doesn’t hurt their offense.
Detroit Lions Odds to Win 2009 Super Bowl
SBG Global 50-1
Bodog 65-1
Sportsbook.com 80-1
Detroit Lions 2008 Regular Season Win Totals Odds
Detroit Lions Over 6.5 Wins (-150)
Detroit Lions Under 6.5 Wins (+120)