Detroit Lions (1-10-1) vs. Denver Broncos (6-6)
December 12, 2021 4:05 pm EDT
The Line: Denver Broncos -8 / Detroit Lions +8; Over/Under: -43.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions square off Sunday in a week 14 NFL contest from Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
The Detroit Lions come into this one on the heels of their first win of the season after a 29-27 win over Minnesota last time out. Jared Goff has thrown for 2,576 yards, 13 touchdowns and 7 interceptions on 66.7% passing, while D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams have combined to rush for 1,014 yards and 6 TD’s on the ground this season. T.J. Hockenson leads the Lions with 61 grabs for 583 yards with 4 TD’s while Amon-Ra St. Brown, Swift and Kalif Raymond each have 400+ receiving yards as well this season. On defense, Alex Anzalone and Tracy Walker III each have a team-high 78 total tackles, while Charles Harris has a team-high 6 sacks and Amani Oruwariye has 5 interceptions to lead the Lions.
The Denver Broncos will try to bounce back after a 22-9 loss at the hands of Kansas City in their last game. Teddy Bridgewater has thrown for 2,775 yards, 16 touchdowns and 7 interceptions on 67.3% passing, while Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III have combined for 1,275 yards and 7 touchdowns this seasonin terms of rushing. Courtland Sutton leads the Broncos with 649 receiving yards while Tim Patrick has 558 receiving yards with 4 TDs and Noah Fant has 424 receiving yards and 3 scores as well this season. On defense, Kareem Jackson leads the Broncos with 68 total tackles, while Malik Reed has 5 sacks and Pat Surtain II and Justin Simmons each have 4 interceptions apiece this season.
Detroit is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games while the under is 5-0 in their last 5 games as a road underdog. Denver is 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games against a team with a losing record and 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a home favorite while the under is 24-11 in their last 35 games in December.
I get the case that could be made for Denver being at home, but I’m not sold on the Broncos if I’m being completely honest. I thought they may turn the corner against the Chiefs but were spanked and the Lions have some confidence brewing after getting their first win of the season. I think the Lions could have the Broncos on upset alert, so give me Detroit and the points here.
