Everyone loves Detroit. It’s probably not the most popular phrase heard outside of an NFL setting, but the Lions caught everyone’s eye last year and throughout this offseason. They are a public darling with huge expectations to possibly win the NFC North this year. They have a loud coach and a high-scoring offense, just one of the worst defenses in the league. They also open up against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs to start the season. How does all of this factor into Week 1 of the preseason? Take a look below at the best Giants-Lions pick for tonight!
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Best Giants-Lions Pick: Everyone Loves Detroit
These teams with all of the public attention — be it discussion or betting — don’t fare well early in the preseason. The Lions have a huge look-ahead game to start the regular season campaign and won’t be testing many starters. They are already horrific on defense when it comes to giving up points, so it stands to reason their backups won’t have any better chance no matter who they face. The Lions have lost four straight preseason openers and are just 15-19 in Game 1’s over the past 34 years. Meanwhile, the Giants boast some pretty strong numbers, including 9-3 last 12 preseason games as a road dog. Dan Campbell needs to preserve as much as they can for their first game — no doubt circled and highlighted since the schedule release. The Giants are deeper and have one of the best backups in the game in Tyrod Taylor. That’s enough to get Big Blue cooking early and establish a lead they won’t give back. While the Giants are just 1-6 in their last seven first games of preseasons, they are still 12-7-1 against the spread overall in away preseason openers.
The Lions defense didn’t magically get any better, nor will they put an emphasis on getting starters a lot of work. Taylor is good enough to lead multiple scoring drives against backups, so expect points from the New York Football Giants.
Best Giants-Lions Pick: New York Giants Over 18.5 Points Team Total (-110, DraftKings)
