NFL Opening Day Lines: Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints

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The Detroit Lions head to New Orleans to open the 2009 NFL season. The game is scheduled for Sunday, September 13th at 1:00 P.M. (EST). The Saints are currently a 12 point favorite and the over/under is set at 48.5. Both teams have enjoyed a certain level of success on opening day as the Saints are 3-1 in their last four openers and the Lions are 4-2 in their last six.

The Lions will be licking their chops to get this season started to try and erase the bad memories of last year’s campaign. They earned the dubious distinction of being the only team in NFL history to compile a 0-16 record and dating back to the 2007 season are currently riding a seventeen game losing streak.

During the off-season, they hired a new front office and coaching staff with the hopes of turning things around. The Saints are also coming off a disappointing season losing three out of their last four games to miss the playoffs. Third year Coach, Sean Peyton will look to generate more consistency from a team that has still has a wealth of talent.

On paper this game does not match up well for the Lions. Last season they were dead last in the league in points allowed per game (32.3) and total yards allowed (404). On the other hand, the Saints offense was ranked number one in points per game (28.9), total yards per game (410), and passing yards per game (311).

This all adds up to a long day for Detroit’s secondary, and explains why the over is set so high at 48.5. The Lions may look to start rookie QB Matthew Stafford, the first overall pick in this year’s draft. This could add up to a long day for Detroit’s offense. While not as bad as their defense, they only averaged 16.8 points per game last season. Over all this game sets up as a romp for the Saints as they present a very difficult challenge to keep the Lion’s losing streak from hitting 18.

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