The Detroit Lions open the season as 5-point favorites over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, with some sports books giving the Lions as many as six points according to Oddsshark.com. The line has moved considerably since opening at 2½ points to start the week.
Vikings vs. Lions, NFL odds 2013: Detroit favored at home
The Lions will be comfortable favorites at home against the Vikings, despite struggling to a 4-12 record last season.
The over/under for the game is 46½ points after opening the week at 47 points, which could be considered a relatively low point total between two offenses with reasonably high expectations. Both defenses are very strong in the front seven, however, and both offenses have potential Achilles' heels. Christian Ponder has yet to develop into a reliable passer and the Lions did not have any semblance of a running game when starters were playing during preseason.
Based on last season's results, the Vikings may seem like the better bet after going 8-8 and making the playoffs while the Lions finished 4-12. The Lions figure to be much improved after making some big moves in free agency during the offseason, signing the likes of running back Reggie Bush, safety Glover Quin and defensive end Jason Jones.
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