There are finally no more bye weeks in the NFL. The playoffs are rapidly approaching and Week 15 brings some important matchups. One to take note of is the Detroit Lions hosting the Denver Broncos.
The Lions sit atop the NFC North with a 9-4 record. They have a bit of a cushion, with the Minnesota Vikings sporting a 7-6 record.
The Broncos, at 7-6 are one game behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West and in the hunt for a Wild Card spot.
Let’s dig into some of the top wagers to consider for this matchup. Also, be sure to check out all of our Week 15 predictions and best bets for the rest of the busy slate.
Broncos vs Lions Odds
NFL odds used for this Denver vs Detroit preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Lions (-230) • Broncos (+190)
- Spread: Lions -5 (-110) • Broncos +5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 47 (-110) • Under 47 (-110)
- Implied Score: Lions 26, Broncos 21
Broncos vs Lions Predictions
Score Pick: Lions 27, Broncos 24
After losing to the Houston Texans, the Broncos bounced back with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week. They limited the Chargers to just seven points, which can be somewhat attributed to Justin Herbert (finger) having to leave the game early. The win bumped them to 6-1 over their last seven games.
The Lions are coming off a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears, although the game was on the road. They are 4-2 at home this season, but they did beat up on some bad teams, including the Carolina Panthers and the Las Vegas Raiders.
As disappointing as last week was for the Lions, they have the more explosive offense and they have the advantage of playing at home. Look for them to emerge with the victory.
Broncos vs Lions Best Bets & Props
Over 46.5 (-114)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Lions have averaged 27.8 points per game at home this season. Regardless of location, they have scored at least 26 points in a game seven times this season. Four of those occurrences have come over their last six games.
The Lions have also struggled on defense, allowing 24.2 points per game. The Broncos haven’t been much better, giving up an average of 23.8 points per game. With the potential for plenty of points on both sides, let’s make this our NFL bet of the day.
Broncos Over 20.5 (-112)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
When the Broncos began the season with a 1-5 record, they scored 21 or fewer points in a game four times. During their 6-1 recent stretch, they scored at least 24 points four times.
They faced some difficult defenses, too, including when they hung 29 points on the Cleveland Browns.
Given how potent the Lions have been on offense at home, the Broncos might need to throw more than usual to keep pace. With the Lions’ defense struggling, that should afford the Broncos with enough opportunities to reach this Over.
Lions Win Race To 25 (+105)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Having already taken the Over for the game, this is an appealing wager at plus-odds. The Lions being at home should put them in a favorable position to win and the Broncos’ defensive issues should lead the Lions to score a lot of points.
In the seven games in which the Lions scored at least 25 points this season, they beat the opponent to that total five times.
Broncos vs Lions Same Game Parlay
Broncos vs Lions SGP (+156)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
- Broncos Over 19.5 (-148)
- Lions Over 23.5 (-166)
We are essentially on the Over 23.5 points for the Lions by already taking them to win the race to 25 points. We only need 24 points from them for this parlay, which feels like a conservative number given their scoring prowess at home.
We’re buying a point on the Broncos by just needing them to get to 20 for this parlay. That is a total that they have already reached nine times this season. We still get plus-odds, so taking the cushion might be worth it.
