Of all the matchups in Week One of the NFL schedule, the one between the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions appears to be the only one that could be a blowout. That’s assuming that the 49ers return to their 2019 form after getting decimated by injuries in 2020.
As for the Lions, there is not much hope for Detroit this season. With how the 2020 season played out, the Lions had several areas they needed to improve if they were going to become competitive. So many, in fact that it would be hard to address them all in a single offseason.
But the Lions did try to address some of their needs. The question now is whether they addressed enough to give the 49er a run for their money in Week One. According to the point spreads for NFL games this week, the game is not expected to be close at all.
Detroit Lions
The story coming out of Detroit will not be about the new head coach, Dan Campbell. No, it will be about the trade that sent Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles and brought former No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff to the Motor City.
Stafford was a good quarterback, but not a great one. Goff was supposed to be a great one (like a No. 1 pick should be). But he has yet to prove he’s “good.” Just look at how well the Rams offense performed with him leading the way last season. Despite being surrounded by plenty of talent, he only managed to guide the Rams to 23.3 points/game.
To put that number into perspective, Stafford and the Lions offense averaged 23.5 points/game.
So, with the switch to Goff, there is no reason to think the offense will be any better. It certainly does not help that the Lions lost their two best receivers via free agency, Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones.
Detroit picked up a few receivers in free agency, but no one that will cause defensive coordinators any concern.
However, as unimpressive as the Lions appear to be, they may have one of the better offensive lines in the NFL in 2021. Left tackle Taylor Decker is one of the better tackles in the game (ranked 12th by PFF). Center Frank Ragnow is one of the best at his position (3rd according to PFF), and expectations are high for rookie right tackle Penei Sewell.
If those three can elevate the play of the two guards, the Lions offensive line will be formidable. Should the Lions be able to use it to develop a nice run game with D’Andre Swift, there could be hope for the offense.
But that hope could all be for nothing if their dismal defense does not improve. They drafted some help, but they did not take anyone that is a definite game-changer.
Catch the action from Day 1⃣ of #Lions OTAs. pic.twitter.com/poTc8j3lsW
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 27, 2021
Full Sportsbook Odds: Detroit Lions Vs. San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco 49ers
After giving the Kansas City Chiefs a run for their money in Super Bowl LIV, the 49ers were expected to contend for the NFC’s slot in Super Bowl LV. But a host of early injuries brought any hopes of postseason glory to a screeching halt.
Despite the losses on the defensive side of the ball, the unit still ranked 5th in yards allowed in 2020. But it struggled to keep teams out of the end zone when they did get close (23.3 points/game; 17th). With the guys the defense lost in free agency (i.e., Richard Sherman, Ahkello Witherspoon, Kerry Hyder, and Solomon Thomas), it is hard to say with certainty that the unit will be better this season.
Yes, getting Nick Bosa back is going to make a world of difference. Having a talent like Fred Warner at linebacker helps, too. Other than Jason Verret, Erik Armstead, and Jimmie Ward, the rest of the defense is uninspiring.
But how the defense plays may not matter with how the offense is looking.
The front line is going to be one of the better ones in the league. Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Raheem Mostert are a solid group of skill position players. Jimmy Garoppolo is good enough to make the offense click. But if all they need out of their quarterback is “good enough,” they might as well star Trey Lance.
The defense has been a strength for the 49ers in recent years, but it is unclear if that will be the case once again in 2021. But if the offense can live up to the potential it appears to have on paper, that may not matter.
https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1387930609364910089?s=20
NFL Sports Betting Recommendation And Prediction
The only chance the Detroit Lions may have is to establish a running game and keep the 49ers offense off the field. But while that may be the strong suit of the Lions this season, the 49ers may have enough talent in the front seven to shut them down.
If the Lions must turn to Goff and the passing game—well, that is not going to work.
San Francisco does not appear to have a frightening defense anymore, but the offense could give some defensive coordinators nightmares. If everyone is healthy and stays healthy in Week One, this game should be an easy one for them.
Take the 49ers to win this one, straight up and against the spread.
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