Week 2 resulted in a lot of significant injuries across the NFL. The running back position was hit especially hard with Saquon Barkley (ankle) expected to miss multiple games and Nick Chubb (knee) lost for the remainder of the season.
As we turn our attention towards Week 3, let’s dive into the betting market for the Falcons vs Lions matchup. These two teams have a combined 3-1 record heading into this week’s tilt at Ford Field in Detroit, but surprisingly, the Falcons are the team that is undefeated, not the Lions squad that had playoff aspirations entering the season.
Let’s take a look at some wagers that could be profitable for Atlanta vs Detroit in Week 3.
Falcons vs Lions Odds
NFL odds used for this Atlanta vs Detroit preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Sept. 19, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Lions (-162) • Falcons (+136)
- Spread: Lions -3 (-112) • Falcons +3 (-108)
- Total Points: Over 46 (-110) • Under 46 (-110)
- Implied Score: Lions 24.5, Falcons 21.5
Falcons vs Lions Predictions
Score Pick: Lions 27, Falcons 24
After pulling off a win against the Chiefs in their opener, the Lions fell to the Seahawks in overtime in Week 2. The Detroit offense didn’t disappoint, scoring 31 points in the defeat.
However, they gave up 37 points, which included Geno Smith throwing for 328 yards and two touchdowns. They also gave up two scores on the ground to Kenneth Walker III.
The Falcons pulled out a close win over the Packers, dominating on the ground with 211 rushing yards. Rookie Bijan Robinson led the way with 19 carries for 124 yards. Desmond Ridder provided a modest stat line, throwing for 237 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
As good as the Falcons have been on the ground, Ridder limits their offensive ceiling. The same can’t be said about the Lions with Jared Goff at the helm. Look for the home team to come away with the victory in this one.
Falcons vs Lions Best Bets & Props
Lions (-155)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Heading into the fourth quarter last week, the Falcons were losing to the Packers by 12 points. However, they scored 13 unanswered points in the final frame to earn the win. The Packers were decimated by injuries on offense, so it was impressive that they even kept the score close on the road.
This will be the Falcons’ first road game of the season. Last season, they went 1-7 away from Atlanta. Don’t expect them to be able to defeat the Lions in Detroit, making this moneyline our NFL bet of the day.
Over 46 (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Lions are the main reason to like this Over. They combined with the Seahawks to score 68 points in Detroit last week. They will likely play without David Montgomery (thigh) this week, but they have explosive rookie Jahmyr Gibbs waiting in the wings to take on a larger role.
Another key injury to note with the Lions is that safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) could miss multiple weeks, if not the entire season. With how dominant the Falcons have been running the ball, they can score enough to help push this total past the Over.
6 or More Touchdowns (-115)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
Since we’re already on the Over, this is another unique way to bet on a lot of points – and touchdowns – being put on the board.
The Lions scored three touchdowns against the Chiefs in Week 1, then provided four more last week against the Seahawks. The Falcons have five total touchdowns over their first two games.
Falcons vs Lions Same Game Parlay
Falcons vs Lions SGP (+105)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
- Lions (-165)
- Lions Over 23.5 (-140)
The Lions to win this game is our best bet of the week, so it’s the first thing to add to the parlay. Taking the adjusted team total of 23.5 points for the Lions means we only need three touchdowns and a field goal to hit the Over, but we also still get plus odds for the parlay.
Detroit played nine home games last season and scored at least 25 points in eight of them. They had six home games in which they scored at least 34 points. A somewhat conservative parlay with plus odds is very appealing.
