The Detroit Lions have won four games in a row and their winning momentum looks set to continue when they face the inconsistent New England Patriots in Munich.
Detroit have put themselves in contention to win the NFC North after moving to 6-2, only one win behind rivals, the Chicago Bears.
While Detroit are looking like playoff contenders, the Patriots have work to do at 5-4. Mike Vrabel's team cannot seem to find their rhythm and they have been helped by three divisional wins this season.
Patriots vs. Lions betting tips and predictions
Detroit Lions -2.5 (-118)
The Lions will travel abroad for an international game for the first time since 2015 and they will look to make a real statement of intent.
Detroit have reeled off four wins in a row and while some of those victories have been hard fought, they have continued to find a way and that is a sign of a good football team.
The same cannot be said of the Patriots, who were thrashed 45-27 by the Green Bay Packers last week.
New England have conceded 30 points or more in three of their defeats this season and with Detroit averaging 27.8 points per game, they can secure another important win, but this time, on the international stage.
Under 49.5 Points (-109)
Detroit's offense is capable of scoring points quickly and they have the depth and firepower to outclass New England. The Lions have had issues defensively, though, with Dan Campbell's team conceding the most passing yards on defense in the NFL with 260.9.
However, under 50 points appeals this week, as it is unlikely that the Patriots will show much resistance and score several touchdowns of their own.
New England quarterback Drake Maye has failed to protect the football all season, while running back TreVeyon Henderson is out and fellow back Rhamondre Stevenson is a major doubt.
That means third-choice running back Corey Kiner should get the nod, but it is a big ask to expect too much of him, especially in Germany.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown is also listed as questionable, and all signs point to the Patriots struggling on offense this week.
Not only that, but an international game does not guarantee that players can fire on all cylinders. The experience of playing abroad can take some getting used to, so the line to take is the under this week.
Amon-Ra St.Brown Over 80 Receiving Yards (-130)
The Lions should be able to hit their stride early against a Patriots defense that has allowed 231.9 passing yards per game. That is the seventh-worst return in the NFL and will likely be taken advantage of this weekend.
Part of their issues have come against play-action, which the Lions like to run a lot with quarterback Jared Goff. The Patriots have allowed 10.6 yards per pass attempt against that formation, which brings Amon-Ra St.Brown into the picture.
He should line up in the slot and be one of Goff's first targets and he is capable of adding to his 657 receiving yards.
St.Brown has been targeted no fewer than eight times in every one of his appearances this season, so he should have no issues racking up the yards against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL.
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Patriots vs. Lions odds
New England Patriots | +127 |
Detroit Lions | -152 |
Spread | DET Lions -2.5 |
Total | O/U 49.5 |
Patriots vs. Lions player props
Anytime touchdown
Jahmyr Gibbs (DET Lions) | -270 |
Amon-Ra St.Brown (DET Lions) | -110 |
Corey Kiner (NE Patriots) | +115 |
Jameson Williams (DET Lions) | +180 |
Sam LaPorta (DET Lions) | +190 |
A.J. Brown (NE Patriots) | +190 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
