Lions vs. Patriots: 3 Best Bets for Detroit's Germany Showdown

I hope you’re ready to wake up early, because the Detroit Lions are set to take on the New England Patriots in Germany for their first overseas game in 11 years. Due to the time difference, kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had to wake up this early to watch my Lions play, but I’d wake up anytime, any day, to watch the Detroit Lions take the field.

Detroit enters the matchup as a 2.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 49.5 points. Last week, there was just one touchdown scored between the Lions and Dolphins, with Jahmyr Gibbs accounting for it. I expect this week to look much different, with more points on the board and plenty of opportunities for our favorite players to find the end zone.

With that said, here are my three favorite bets for the Lions’ matchup against the Patriots.

1. Amon-Ra St. Brown anytime touchdown (-130)

Amon-Ra St. Brown might be one of the most overdue players in the NFL to find the end zone. He has now gone five consecutive weeks without scoring a touchdown after opening the season with five touchdowns through his first three games.

This five-game scoring drought marks his longest since 2022, and I think he’s due for a breakout performance. Last week, the Patriots allowed both of Green Bay’s starting wide receivers, Matthew Golden and Christian Watson, to find the end zone. With St. Brown’s ability to create separation and make plays in the red zone, I like his chances of getting back into the scoring column this week.

2. Jameson Williams longest reception OVER 24.5 yards

Williams has recorded six receptions of at least 25 yards this season, including a 31-yard reception against Miami last week.

The Patriots have struggled to contain explosive passing plays. Last week, New England allowed six receptions of at least 25 yards and seven receptions of at least 24 yards. On the season, the Patriots have surrendered 15 receptions of 25-plus yards, 18 of 24-plus yards and 22 of 23-plus yards.

It’s clear that New England has had trouble defending receivers who can stretch the field vertically. Williams is averaging 16.7 yards per reception this season and has recorded multiple games averaging more than 23 yards per catch. With his big-play ability, I like him to break off at least one reception of 25 yards or more.

3. Detroit Lions -2.5

Detroit has been on a roll against the spread lately. After failing to cover in three of its first four games, the Lions have now covered in each of their last four weeks.

Although Detroit is technically playing overseas, this is still considered a Lions home game. I also expect there to be a strong Detroit presence in Germany. Lions owner Sheila Hamp has already expressed her belief that there will be a big blue wave when kickoff arrives.

Detroit has covered the spread in three of its four home games this season, with the lone exception coming in Week 1 against the Saints. While this matchup will obviously have a different atmosphere, I believe Lions fans will make their presence felt in Germany.

Detroit has been playing some of its best football lately, and I expect that momentum to carry over into this matchup. Give me the Lions to cover the 2.5-point spread.