NFL Odds: Best bet to win each division in the 2020 season
By Lucas Schuh
NFC North Best Bet: Detroit Lions +550
- Minnesota Vikings: +160
- Green Bay Packers: +180
- Chicago Bears: +360
- Detroit Lions: +550
Yes, the Detroit Lions posted an abysmal 3-12-1 record in the 2019 season. But as they come into this year, things could turn around in a big way and the team has dark horse potential. And one major reason for that is the return of Matthew Stafford.
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Stafford only played in eight games last season before the Lions quarterback went out due to injury. However, he was playing the best football of his career. According to PlayerProfiler.com, Stafford was a much more aggressive player under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell as he threw 55 deep ball attempts (6.9 per game) during the 2019 season, five more than he threw in 2018 — even though he played the entire 2018 season. His return in an offense that plays to his strengths is key.
Meanwhile, the Lions benefit from a lack of improvement within the NFC North. The Chicago Bears, at best, remained stagnant with their offseason additions while the Green Bay Packers lost a key player in Bryan Bulaga while adding only a much-criticized draft class and fringe free agents. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings suffered a ton of losses with multiple defensive backs, Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph leaving. They did sign Michael Pierce and trade for Yannick Ngakoue but they have a young, potentially weak secondary and now a lack of continuity.
Admittedly, the Lions will have to get somewhat lucky to win the NFC North as it remains a quality overall division. With the roster they have and with Stafford back under center, though, Detroit could possibly win the division for the first time this century. And with the worst odds in the division, that makes them a phenomenal value bet.