The Detroit Lions hit the road today in NFL action when they take on the Cleveland Browns. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start time and it will be televised live on FOX. The odds for the game currently have the Lions favored anywhere from 1 to 3 points, depending on the book.
Detroit is looking to improve with their fourth win of the season in this one. It was obvious last week in a loss to Green Bay that the Lions aren't the same team when Calvin Johnson isn't on the field. Detroit looked sloppy and ineffective on offense in their loss last week to the Packers, but Johnson is expected to play in today's game.
This will be Detroit's fourth time on the road in the last five weeks. A win would go a long way for both teams. The Lions have failed to cover in five of their last six road games, most of the time playing outside on grass, which is where they aren't comfortable.
Brian Hoyer was put on injured reserve this past week for the Browns. He was a pretty bright spot so far this season but went down with a knee injury recently. Brandon Weeden is now the quarterback for the Browns, and he was the main guy at the beginning of the year. He may get booed in this game if he doesn't play well, and Detroit's defense could cause that if they are allowed to get pressure up front. Weeden has tossed five TDs in the last eight games, which just isn't going to get it done in the NFL.
And in mentioning the Detroit defense, it's worth noting they only held the Packer offense to a single touchdown in Lambeau Field last week. Sure, they lost the game but Detroit didn't exactly play terribly on defense. Can they replicate that type of effort in tonight's contest?
Cleveland has won an covered in three straight games. They're also 3-2 for the first time since the 2001 season and they can thank their defense, which comes into this game ranked third overall in the league.
Here's an interesting stat: the Lions have not covered in their last 12 occurrences when they were favored by less than a touchdown on the road. In other words, when they go on the road against inferior teams and are favored, they don't get the job done.
Today, however, we like them to get that job done.
Free Pick: Detroit 24, Cleveland 20
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