The 2020 NFL season kicks off Sunday afternoon for the Detroit Lions in a Week 1 home game against the NFC North Division-rival Chicago Bears. Kickoff at Ford Field is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we make our 5 best props bets for the Lions in their season opener, with our NFL picks and best bets.
5 NFL prop bets to make on the Detroit Lions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m.
Lions Under 22.5 points (-121)
I like what the Lions did in adding rookie RB D’Andre Swift in the draft, while also grabbing veteran RB Adrian Peterson for leadership. They’re deep in their backfield. When QB Matthew Stafford was healthy last season, the Lions were marching up and down the field, posting 27 or more points in five of the first seven games. They averaged 16.5 points per game in two games against the Bears in 2019, but those were games started by Jeff Driskel and David Blough.
They’re likely to be without one of their big guns Sunday with WR Kenny Golladay doubtful to play, and a more conservative approach might mean less scoring.
Matthew Stafford Under 36.5 passing attempts (-115)
The Lions offense will have to get creative, with Golladay not expected to play. This might cause the Lions to run the ball more than usual, and they have Swift, Peterson and Kerryon Johnson among their stable of running backs to make life difficult for Chicago.
Obviously, a more ground-based attack means fewer passes for Stafford.
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Marvin Jones to score a touchdown (+115)
Normally, Golladay would easily be the best receiver on the field for the Lions, but he is likely going to be inactive. Jones is expected to step up and fill the void. The veteran is a solid play at plus-money, and really he is the only veteran worth playing since Danny Amendola is also nicked up and listed as questionable.
If you REALLY want to go out on a limb for a potential big payday, check out Quintez Cephus (+500). The fifth-round rookie might see a larger than expected workload right out of the gate, but he is only worth a small-unit flyer.
Detroit Lions first-half moneyline (-121)
Even without their top receiver, the Lions are going to get off to a quick start in their rivalry game against the Bears at home. Detroit was leading at halftime in four of its first seven games with Stafford at the helm last season, going 4-1-2 on the first-half moneyline during the span.
Detroit Lions 1st quarter points (Under 3.5)
The Lions are going to have to change on the fly, going to a more ground-centric game plan instead of airing it out. That means they’ll likely get off to a slow start. The Bears are a stout defense, too, so that won’t help Detroit fly high early on.
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