Neither team is really expected to be in the playoff race in 2016, but Detroit showed some impressive offensive flashes in its first regular season game without star receiver Calvin Johnson, who retired in the offseason. The Titans had an early lead against the Vikings but lost it and couldn’t do anything offensively to rally.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 2 game is set for Sunday, September 18, 2016, at 1 p.m. ET at Heinz Field.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Titans +5.5
Lions -5.5
Over/Under 47
Odds Analysis
The Lions’ nice opener likely boosted up the line a bit, as they are now decent favorites to take care of business. The betting public took notice as most of the money is going on Detroit to cover.
The “over” is the more popular play, and this will be an interesting clash of styles. The Lions like to pass the ball around while Tennessee is a more ball control style offense. Whichever team controls the game should be able to heavily influence whether this game ends “under” or “over.”
Key Stat
39 -- The total points the Lions were able to put up in their season opener. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, finding Theo Riddick, Ameer Abdullah and Eric Ebron in the end zone.
The Lions talked about being more diverse offensively without Megatron, and it came to fruition in this one. Marvin Jones and Golden Tate are the proven receivers, and if the trio which scored can continue to be effective, it could heighten the expectations for the Lions.
The defense had some trouble keeping Andrew Luck and the Colts in check and will need to improve if the Lions can remain on the winning track.
Player to Watch
Marcus Mariota -- This could be an uphill battle for the Titans, and their best shot at remaining competitive is to have a standout game from their quarterback. Mariota had a promising rookie year and threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns in the opener.
The Lions have a few nice players on defense but it’s not an exceptionally strong unit. The Titans will look to establish the run game behind DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry but the onus will be on Mariota to move the chains effectively.
Tennessee didn’t have much luck offensively against Minnesota but faces a considerably softer unit in this one.
Free ATS Pick
The Titans played well early in their opener but fell off precipitously as the game went on, and the loss was a familiar feeling for the rebuilding franchise. Detroit, meanwhile, has to be feeling good heading into this one.
The Lions may have a little bit more firepower offensively and the home field advantage could be key in this showdown. Tennessee has the younger quarterback and a more positive long-term outlook. However, the Lions look like the slightly better team right now, and that’s all that matters in Week 2.
The Detroit passing game should help carry it to the victory in this one. The game should be closer than many expect, as the Titans have made enough strides to cover the spread. The Lions, though, should be able to eke out the win and improve to 2-0 on the season.
Don’t be fooled by Detroit’s offensive explosion in the opener as this will be a different kind of game, and the “under” is the correct choice.
NFL Odds: Lions 23, Titans 20
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