The Oakland Raiders have been on the short end of a pair of games that played just the opposite of each other. They lost a defensive struggle to Dallas 3-0, and then a shootout in Arizona 31-27. In his first year, Dennis Allen is needs to get his critics under control, especially after starting 0-2. That way he and his team can open the season with something to feel good about, and ease the tension. It has been a long time since the Raiders have contended, but they are close. They were 7-4 a year ago before collapsing down the stetch to miss the playoffs once again. Detroit has been great here under Jim Schwartz at 11-3, but much like Dennis Allen he had much to prove, inheriting a team that had not won in quite some time. The Lions got over the top and into the playoffs, and this game is not as important anymore. I think the Raiders are a bargain here as a home dog. The Lions have performed very badly in recent years vs. teams that are in need of a win to get off the schneid (teams off back-to-back straight-up losses). In this situation, the Lions have losing seven of their last eight ATS. Play on Oakland.
TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF SPORTS BETTING
Get my free NFL picks and predictions.
Join 413,965 Subscribers!