Did the Detroit Lions move to the NFC West? Well, **their early season schedule certainly makes it appear that way**.
Sitting at a promising **2-1**, Detroit clinched a thrilling overtime victory against Los Angeles in their season opener. The Lions then triumphantly defeated Arizona **20-13** in their first road game.
Next up, they’ll host an undefeated Seattle team on Monday night, led by the tactical brilliance of **Mike Macdonald**, whose Seahawks currently boast a **3-0 record**.
BETTING TRENDS AND STRATEGY
The Lions find themselves as **4.5-point favorites** according to most sportsbooks. Despite the line holding firm at BetMGM, the public leans heavily towards Seattle, with **68% of spread line bets** and **73% of the money** favoring the Seahawks.
Moneyline action shows a more even split: **Seattle (+180)** garners **51% of total bets**, while Detroit (-225) secures **64% of the money wagered**.
The Over/Under is one of the hottest bets at BetMGM, drawing **68% of bets** and **73% of the money** with the total score shifting from **48.5 to 46.4**.
PLAYER PROPS TO WATCH
**DK Metcalf 63.5+ receiving yards (-115 at BetMGM):** With Seattle’s new offensive coordinator **Ryan Grubb** in charge, Metcalf has excelled, achieving two consecutive 100-yard games. Detroit’s defense, allowing an average of **216.7 passing yards per game**, could struggle to contain him.
LIONS SEEKING MORE OFFENSIVE EFFICIENCY
Though Detroit’s offense was held scoreless in the second half against the Cardinals, their defense was rock-solid, and their attack well-balanced. **Quarterback Jared Goff** completed **18 of 23 passes** for **199 yards**, two touchdowns, and one interception. The running duo of **David Montgomery** (one touchdown) and **Jahmyr Gibbs** combined for **188 yards**.
Lions coach **Dan Campbell** emphasized the need for a more dynamic attack heading into the bye week:
“We need to be very efficient on first and second downs and, honestly, we need to win the explosive play battle,” he stated. “We need some big plays on offense and we must stop theirs.”
Goff threw for **323 yards and three touchdowns** against Seattle last season, but the Seahawks emerged victorious in a **37-31 overtime thriller**. This year, however, he observed significant changes in Seattle’s defensive scheme.
“It’s a completely different scheme,” Goff noted. “There are a few familiar faces out there, but they are playing a whole new style of football.”
SEATTLE’S OFFENSIVE THREATS
**Seattle quarterback Geno Smith** threw for **328 yards and two touchdowns** against the Lions last season. Last week, Smith connected with **DK Metcalf** on a spectacular **71-yard touchdown pass** in a comprehensive **24-3 home win** over Miami. Running back **Zach Charbonnet** stepped up impressively, covering **91 yards and scoring two touchdowns** on just 18 carries.
Metcalf highlighted his offseason focus on improving contested catches:
“That was my main focus during the offseason, attacking 50/50 balls and making contested catches,” he said. “I’m working on not waiting for the ball to come down to me.”
**Detroit’s defensive key** to neutralizing Seattle? Pressure on Smith. **Aidan Hutchinson**, their star defender, has already racked up **6.5 sacks**.
“We must keep Hutchinson (No. 97) under control,” Smith commented. “He’s been phenomenal. If we can limit his impact, prevent him from making big plays and ransacking our backfield, we can really hinder their defense.”
INJURY UPDATES
Detroit will miss starting center **Frank Ragnow** due to a partial tear in his pectoral muscle. Tight end **Sam LaPorta** missed practice on Thursday with an ankle injury but was a full participant in later sessions. Linebacker **Alex Anzalone**, who missed last week’s game with a concussion, also practiced fully.
For Seattle, **Kenneth Walker** (oblique) was a full participant on Saturday after limited practices earlier in the week. However, defensive starters **Leonard Williams** (ribs), and linebackers **Uchenna Nwosu** (knee) and **Jerome Baker** (hamstring) remain out.
HISTORICAL EDGE
Seattle has dominated the matchups, winning the last **six meetings**. Detroit’s last victory over the Seahawks was in **2012**.
“I’d be lying if I said the losing streak doesn’t bother me,” Campbell acknowledged. “Losing three in a row to the same team grates on you. It only fires us up more for Monday night.”
PREDICTION
Although the Seahawks’ **3-0 record** is impressive, it’s worth noting their victories came against a mix of inexperienced quarterbacks and injury replacements. The Lions, on the other hand, represent a more substantial challenge, especially at home. Look for Detroit to dominate the line of scrimmage and exploit a Seattle defense still adapting to Macdonald’s complex schemes. **Final score: Lions 27, Seahawks 20**.
