The Oakland Raiders are playing catchup to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, and if they are going to make a move, now is the best time, with the Chiefs missing Patrick Mahomes. The Raiders eye to get a win at home in Week 9 against the visiting Detroit Lions, who are also in dire need of a win. The Raiders and the Lions are both +15000 to win Super Bowl 54.
Although Daniel Jones had a big game against them, the Lions should still feel good about their defense following that 31-26 home win over the New York Giants last Sunday. That’s primarily because of their pass rush that sacked Jones three times. Detroit’s pass rush has been inconsistent, but if defensive end Trey Flowers play the way he did against the Giants in all their games, Detroit will be a more lethal team. Flowers sacked Jones twice, and his presence will be a huge factor against the Raiders, who have one of the best pass protections in the league. It was also a very good sign for the Lions that they held Giants running back Saquon Barkley down to only 64 yards on 19 carries. On offense, the Lions will look to take advantage of Oakland’s leaky pass defense that is 30th in the league in yards allowed per game. Matthew Stafford had 342 passing yards and three touchdowns (two to WR Kenny Golladay) in the Giants game.
The Lions are 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last six road games.
Betting on the Oakland Raiders (3-4)
The Raiders fell short in Week 8, losing to the Houston Texans on the road, 27-24, to drop down below .500. Derek Carr passed for 285 yards and three touchdowns without an interception while completing 18 of 30 passes, but as good as he was in that game, the Raiders’ defense wasted all his efforts. The Raiders were not able to slow down Deshaun Watson and the Texans’ rushing attack. Over their last two games, they have allowed 69 points. Moreover, the Raiders were flagged 11 times for 100 yards. Fortunately for the Raiders, discipline is something that can be fixed and requires no talent at all. One thing the Raiders can be proud of is their pass protection. Oakland’s Carr Insurance has allowed just eight sacks on the season, the second fewest in the NFL. They also have Josh Jacobs, who has a bright outlook against Detroit’s defense that is just 26th in the NFL against the run.
