With just one victory this season the Detroit Lions shook up their coaching staff hoping to infuse some life into a stagnant offense. While the Super Bowl trophy is named in honor of his grandfather, offensive coordinator Jim Lombardi was let go along with two offensive assistants in a move that smells of desperation. Detroit can become the third team to win two International Series games with a victory over Kansas City across the pond on Sunday.
ODDS
Kansas City opened as a 5.5-point favorite with a total of 45.5. Detroit made a few changes to its coaching staff prior to the trip and it’s hard to imagine those taking effect right away. While some of the coaching responsibilities have changed, the roster hasn’t and the Lions are 1-6 ATS this season. The line moved to -6 with the total holding firm.
KEY INJURIES
Matthew Stafford – Was banged around by the Vikings last week and sustained an injury to his left hand. X-rays taken were negative and the Lions’ quarterback should play Sunday, though he likely will be a little gun shy after getting sacked seven times.
Jeremy Maclin – Was inactive last week as he deals with concussion-like symptoms. Maclin has missed the last two games but is eligible to play after clearing the league’s concussion protocol. Rookie Chris Conley has started in his place the last two weeks.
KEY MISMATCH
Detroit’s offense has been so stagnant this season, coach Jim Caldwell came down hard on offensive coaches, firing three from his staff, including Lombardi after last week’s loss to the Vikings where the Lions produced only 19 points. Detroit has the worst rushing offense in the league with just 68 yards per game, and the inability to run the football forced the Lions to pass more than they would like. While the numbers are decent through the air, the toll the extra drop backs have taken on quarterback Matthew Stafford is noticeable. Stafford has been banged around all season with some spotty protection from an offensive front that just hasn’t done the job. Last week Stafford was sacked seven times and hit countless others, sustaining an injury to his non-throwing hand. The Chiefs played their best defensive game of the season in a win over Pittsburgh last week, holding the Steelers to 339 yards and forcing three turnovers. Pass rushers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston are looking over game film, coming up with ways they can put the pressure on Stafford.
KEY STAT
19.9 – Detroit’s points scored per game. The Lions are 29th in the NFL in scoring and have scored more than 20 points in a game just twice. Kansas City allows 24.6 points per game but has allowed fewer than 20 in each of its last three games.
BETTING ANGLE
For a team that won 11 games and reached the playoffs last season, a 1-6 start this year was unacceptable. And the axe fell Monday when the Detroit Lions fired Lombardi, offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn and assistant line coach Terry Heffernen, in what could be the first of many changes if things don’t improve. The Lions mustered just 19 points in a loss to the Vikings last weekend when Stafford was battered. Through seven weeks the Lions rank last in the NFL in rushing with 68 yards per game and 29th in scoring at 19.9 points per game. Last week’s loss was the fifth time in seven games the Lions failed to score 20 points. Stafford has been sacked 16 times and has thrown nine interceptions. Quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter was elevated to offensive coordinator in hopes of turning things around.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
One day after Caldwell said there would be no changes to his coaching staff, the plug was pulled on three offensive assistants. The once explosive Lions’ offense was anything but this season under Lombardi, prompting the moves. It’s possible we could see results similar to what’s happened in Miami under interim head coach Dan Campbell, but the situation is a bit different in Detroit. The head coach remains, making mid-season changes to his staff that wreaked of desperation. The Chiefs lost a couple close games before finally breaking their losing streak at five with a convincing win over Pittsburgh. It came against a third-string quarterback, but hey, a win’s a win. And the Chiefs definitely needed one. KC’s defense has looked good and there shouldn’t much of a problem slowing down the Lions, who are in a transition period.
Kansas City 27, Detroit 20
BookMaker sent out the NFL odds for this Sunday game at Kansas City -5.5 with a total of 45.5. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! Bet on the NFL today as the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs square off Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. ET at Wembley Stadium in London. The contest will be broadcast live on FOX.
