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The Detroit Lions are in the midst of a remarkable comeback story for the ages. Just a couple of years ago, they were arguably the worst team in the entire NFL, but throughout the last couple of campaigns, they have emerged into genuine heavyweights.
Last season, they made it to the NFC Championship game, ending a 31-year wait for a postseason victory in the process. This year, they are aiming to go one better by reaching — and perhaps winning — the Super Bowl for the first time.
With a league-best 12-1 record, they’ve transformed from a team often synonymous with mediocrity into serious championship contenders. Now, bettors and fans alike are watching the futures markets closely to see if the Motor City outfit can cash in on some exciting end-of-season outcomes.
Super Bowl Favorites?
The Lions are currently the favorites to win February’s Super Bowl in New Orleans, with the bookies making them a +280- frontrunner, something simply inconceivable barely two years ago. They find themselves ahead of the reigning back-to-back champion Kansas City Chiefs (+450) and the Philadelphia Eagles (+500), and it is beginning to look very much like they will shed their underdog status once and for all and climb their way to the promised land.
Their success starts with a high-powered offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and a two-pronged rushing attack featuring second-year sensation Jahmyr Gibbs and power back David Montgomery. The Lions rank first in the league in offensive efficiency while also boasting the NFL’s second-best defense, a unit anchored by impressive contributions from Za’Darius Smith and Jack Campbell.
However, winning the Super Bowl is always the most challenging futures bet, especially while the Chiefs stand on the brink of history. The reigning champions are currently 12-1, although their record certainly flatters to deceive somewhat. Their recent walk-off victory against their divisional rival Los Angeles Chargers was the latest in a long line of razor-thin victories.
After the California outfit took the lead with just two minutes remaining, the live betting odds made the Arrowhead side a +105 underdog. But as he so often does, Patrick Mahomes led his side down the field and into field goal position. There — via the assistance of the upright — they managed to kick the three points required for victory. But surely they can’t keep getting away with these narrow victories and underwhelming performances… Can they?
Clinching the NFC’s Top Seed
One factor that could increase the Lions’ Super Bowl odds is securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Detroit currently holds a 58% chance of finishing atop the conference, according to Pro Football Network, and is the betting favorite to do so at -360. Home-field advantage and the coveted first-round bye that comes with the top spot are within Detroit’s grasp, and perhaps only the 11-2 Eagles can stop them.
Yet, the path won’t be easy. The Lions face a challenging remaining schedule as they host the Bills and the Minnesota Vikings, with the latter being their divisional rival and just one win off the pace. Outside of that, they also face trips to both San Francisco and Chicago. The top spot is by no means guaranteed, but judging by their campaign so far, they should have enough in the tank to get over the line.
Dan Campbell’s Case for Coach of the Year
One of the most compelling stories behind Detroit’s success has been the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell. A perennial candidate for Coach of the Year, his ability to galvanize this team into a title contender is a testament to his motivational style and tactical improvements. His brave play-calls have put the Ford Field side in the position it currently finds itself, with the decision to go for the first down on fourth and short in the win against the Green Bay Packers rather than kicking the three points needed for victory proving to be a masterstroke.
The Lions’ 11-game winning streak, a franchise record, speaks volumes about his impact. Once known for his fiery speeches, Campbell has evolved into a coach who balances inspiration with sharp game management. After once being somewhat of a laughing stock, he now finds himself as a -150 betting favorite, with Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell thought to be his closest rival.
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