Detroit Lions' Super Bowl odds tumble after injuries
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Dan Campbell during Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Photo: Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Lions fans searching for solace won't find it in the sports gambling world.
The big picture: Detroit lost its status as Super Bowl favorites after Sunday's soul-crushing loss to the Bills.
- With so many key injuries, this defense is no longer seen by experts as championship-caliber.
Why it matters: Being a Lions fan is an emotional experience, but sports betting markets provide more clear-eyed predictions because they rely on statistical analysis.
What they're saying: "My big takeaway is I think the Lions are cooked," Raheem Palmer said on "The Ringer Gambling Show" this week of Detroit's championship prospects. "It's imperative that they win out and get the No. 1 seed because if they don't, I don't see this Lions team making it at all."
Zoom in: The Bills (11-3) are the favorites at +425 on DraftKings (meaning a $100 bet wins $425).
- Detroit (12-2) and Philadelphia (12-2) are tied at +475, followed by the Chiefs (13-1) at +550.
Flashback: The Lions became Super Bowl favorites for the first time in franchise history after beating the Jaguars, 52-6, in November. They were +260 before the Bills game.
The intrigue: Dan Campbell has the second-best odds (+250) to win coach of the year behind Minnesota's Kevin O'Connell (+110).
Catch up quick: Detroit's injury woes started with Aidan Hutchinson fracturing his tibia and fibula in Week 6 and have steadily progressed throughout the season.
- The loss of four more players during the Bills game appeared to be a breaking point, with Buffalo's offense scoring at will.
- Detroit has 22 defensive players on injured reserve, plus star running back David Montgomery might also be out for the season.
Yes, but: This Lions team is nothing if not resilient and could use their plummeting stock as motivation.
- Campbell gave fans a boost Tuesday with a fiery local radio interview: "Sometimes you gotta get punched in the mouth and remember what it used to be like to really appreciate where you are, and we'll do that," he said.
What's next: Detroit travels to Chicago to face the Bears, whose record is so bad (4-10) that they don't have Super Bowl odds listed.
- Kickoff is at 1pm on FOX.