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Monday Night Football Picks: Las Vegas Raiders vs Detroit Lions

by Mike Allen - 10/26/2023

Monday Night Football picks for Las Vegas Raiders vs. Detroit Lions Josh Jacobs

The Detroit Lions put a screeching halt to their hype last week when they took a massive drubbing, as the Baltimore Ravens gnawed them clean to the bone. They were coming off 4 straight wins by 14 or more points, and then they ran into Baltimore. The final score was 38-6, but it felt even worse than that for Lions fans, I imagine.

If you were a bettor on Detroit last week, I imagine you didn't keep watching through the second half. It was ugly for Jared Goff. The weather wasn't brutal for the "Dome quarterback", but he did have his worst performance of the season.

You don't have to be a sharp bettor to project the Detroit Lions to be fired up for this game and likely bounce back for a big win. That said, this may be one of those games where the public and the smart money are one and the same.

I guess you don't have to be that sharp to feel that way, either, because I just looked at where the money is coming from, and 87% of the tickets and 86% of the public are on the Detroit Lions to cover.

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Raiders vs Lions Betting Odds

Point Spread

Raiders: +8.5 (-120)

Lions: -8.5 (-110)

This number is big. Anything over a touchdown should be about our limit. The more I research and think about this Monday Night Football matchup, however, the more I think the betting odds should be even wider.

The word coming out of Las Vegas regarding the future of head coach Josh McDaniels isn't good. He is a prime example of a guy who can't handle the job. That's nothing against him. It is one of the most demanding and difficult jobs in the world.

Their QB, Jimmy Garappollo, is uncertain to play because of an issue with his back. The Raiders have played a few good quarters of football this year, but that's it. They haven't been able to put it together over the course of 60 minutes.

The line is wide, but it is also tempting.

Moneyline

Raiders: +345 (-110)

Lions: -425 (-110)

I want nothing to do with either.

Point Total

Over 45.5 (-115)

Under 45.5 (-105)

We are passing on the point total. I would lean under, but I think I like playing a side more in this game.

Raiders vs Lions Betting Analysis

The Raiders offense is scoring 16 points per game through the first 7 weeks of the season, and their quarterback’s playing status is uncertain. They’re definitely a better team with Garoppolo on the field, but his playing status doesn’t move the betting line a great deal, in my opinion.

Why is this line even under 10 points? They're 1-3 on the road, losing by blowout in two of those games. Last week, their backup quarterbacks combined for 3 interceptions against a weak pass defense.

They were beaten by an undrafted rookie quarterback from Shephard University. The front office is bailing on Josh McDaniels. And, as we learn more every day, the players aren't happy with their head coach, either.

The Raiders have the 32nd-ranked rushing offense. Last week, they let their backups split time at QB. That's not a good sign, because it shows they don't have confidence in their No. 2 guy to be a difference maker. The Raiders don't need a Trent Dilfer type of guy under center.

They need a Joe Montana.

Seriously, the Las Vegas Raiders might not score in the first half. Detroit does have those 4 wins of two touchdowns or more, and the only reason the Packers and Panthers score 20+ is because of second half garbage points.

I like the Lions (-8.5), but they have shown they don't mind letting opposing defenses score if they chew up a ton of second half clock.

Raiders vs Lions Betting Prediction

Prediction: Lions 1st Half (-4.5)

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