Saints vs. Lions props and best bets

The Detroit Lions travel to face the New Orleans Saints in a game where both teams are trying to prove they are better than recent history.

This might be the most downtrodden the Saints fanbase has been in a very long time going into a game. The Detroit Lions visit the New Orleans Saints in week 13, and Saints fans are not wondering “what if” but instead “how bad.” The Lions are one of the best teams in football when they play well, and it is likely that the Saints are getting an angry opponent. After their Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Lions will come into the Superdome with extended rest and a chip on their shoulder. Expectations for the Saints are low and fan sentiment is likely to continue to deteriorate. Each week, CSC will preview and highlight some wagers for every Saints game. Thanks to our friends over at DraftKings sportsbook for the lines for the Saints at Falcons week 13 best bets.

NFL Week 13 Saints vs Lions best bets

Lions game line -3.5

This feels like one of those games where picking the Lions against the spread is too obvious. All signs from the Saints camp are pointing down with injuries completely hampering a roster that is already playing poorly. Last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons was one of the worst regular season losses in recent history. Both teams looked even going into the game, but the Falcons just completely smashed the Saints physically. The Lions are going to try and do the same. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are going to grind on this weakened Saints defense all game and there is not likely a Saints defender who can stop Amon-ra St. Brown. The Lions win easily and cover the spread.

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Saints under 21.5 points(-120)

One of the worst stats for the Saints is their redzone inefficiency and touchdown rate with Derek Carr. Carr does not have a touchdown in the Saints last two games while also turning the ball over three times. This version of Carr is hindering the Saints offense while yells for Jameis Winston to be the starter grow louder. With injuries to the Saints receiving unit, Derek Carr’s play, and the uninspiring play-calling by Pete Carmichael, the Saints look to be moving towards another disappointing offensive performance and will not go over 21 against a hungry Lions team.

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Jahmyr Gibbs over 43.5 rushing yards(-115)

This is not the Saints defense that fans expected. Head coach Dennis Allen had this unit carrying the team the last couple of years, but it looks like even that has collapsed. In their last three games, the Saints defense have given up the second-most yards per game on the ground. The Saints used to be a top-5 unit yearly but lately they have surrendered a whopping 170 yards per game. This is great news for the Lions running back and especially Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is the type of quick and elusive rusher that has given the Saints issues this year. With Jared Goff struggling, expect a big early dose of Gibbs and a late surge of David Montgomery. Both should go over their yardage prop, especially Gibbs at just 44 yards.

Long shot of the game

Juwan Johnson anytime TD scorer(+320)

If Chris Olave is unable to suit up, the Saints pass-catching crew is going to be extremely thin. It is likely why there is almost no props available for Derek Carr nor a single Saints receiver this week other than touchdown scores. Not even Alvin Kamara has a reception prop, which would likely go over. That leaves Juwan Johnson to pick up some of the slack if the Saints can get into the red zone. The Lions have allowed the second-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends in the league this season at five. Several teams are tied for first with six and also with five. The lack of touchdowns for the Saints offense is alarming so even +320 might not be good enough odds to act on.