NFL Playoff Prediction and Odds: What to Expect from Lions in Postseason

While other teams battle it out on Wild Card Weekend, the Lions are focused on recharging and addressing their injury woes as they prepare for a Divisional Round matchup at Ford Field.

5 Betting Angles to Know About Lions

1. ATS Kings: Detroit Thrives After a Bye

If you’re into NFL betting trends, here’s a stat to love: the Lions have the best ATS record after a bye since 2015 (8-2) and are 4-1 ATS since 2020. Dan Campbell’s meticulous preparation and ability to keep the team sharp during downtime are paying dividends both on the field and for NFL bettors.

2. Injury Bug Bites Hard in Detroit

Unfortunately, not everything is sunshine and touchdowns in the Motor City. The Lions are limping into the postseason and the injury report is a mixed bag.

• David Montgomery is expected to return for the Divisional Round after missing three weeks with a knee injury. This is huge for a team relying on Montgomery’s power running and leadership in the backfield.
• Terrion Arnold (foot) and Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) are questionable but trending in the right direction, with Campbell calling their injuries “better than expected.”
• Pat O’Connor (calf) is doubtful while Carlton Davis III (jaw) and Derrick Barnes (knee) are officially ruled out for the postseason.
• Aidan Hutchinson remains the wild card. Despite suffering a season-ending leg injury in October, Hutchinson insists he’s on track for a Super Bowl return if Detroit makes it. Campbell, however, is tempering expectations, calling it “unlikely but not impossible.”

With several starters sidelined or banged up, Campbell’s “next man up” mantra will be tested.

Continue to monitor the NFL injury report for updates on their status.

The Lions refusing to give up and fighting with everything they’ve got despite all their injuries pic.twitter.com/spJUm1CymG

— detroit tigers baby (@dtigsb) January 6, 2025

3. Rest vs Rust: Campbell’s Balanced Approach

Managing a bye week can be tricky, but Campbell plans to keep his team sharp. Players lifted weights and held meetings early in the week before being given time to rest. A light, situational practice on Thursday will be a tuneup before a long weekend off.

Campbell emphasized the importance of keeping the “engine idling,” balancing much-needed rest with maintaining rhythm. His experience with playoff byes as both a player and coach gives him confidence in the approach, even as the Lions wait to learn their Divisional Round opponent.

Campbell is the second favorite in NFL futures odds at +350 to win NFL Coach of the Year.

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up! @eminem pic.twitter.com/UJRszD58O8

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 7, 2025

4. Coordinators on the Move?

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are hot commodities in the head coaching market. Johnson and Glenn are conducting interviews during the bye week, which Campbell believes is an ideal time for such distractions.

With the Lions excelling on both sides of the ball, their coordinators’ stock is soaring. Neither assistant can be hired while Detroit is still alive in the postseason.

5. Looking Ahead to Playoff Road

The Lions will face the lowest remaining seed after Wild Card Weekend. Whether it’s a familiar NFC North foe like the Packers or Vikings or a less-known quantity like the Washington Commanders, Detroit’s dominance this season makes them a favorite. For NFL predictions, it’s clear: The road to the NFC Championship runs through Ford Field.

While injuries are a concern, the Lions have shown resilience all season. With a well-managed bye and a strong track record against the NFL spread, this team is poised to make a deep postseason run.

Stay tuned for more NFL odds and picks as Detroit’s journey continues.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets

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