Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9). Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 15: Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions betting picks, preview

This is not a Super Bowl preview but both of these teams could be headed for the playoffs. Denver is one of many 7-6 teams in the AFC so the margin is thin, while Detroit is looking to bounce back after a bad loss to Chicago and get back in the running for the top seed in the NFC. They are just one loss back of the leaders.

Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions Betting Trends and Odds 

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023 —  4:30 p.m. ET 
Odds: Detroit -4, Over/under 48, Denver +180 | Detroit -118

This might be good value because the Lions looked so bad last week. They definitely know how to play off a clunker, and they have had a lot of practice over the years. While this could be a buy-low spot, the -4 might as well be -6 or higher really. Being at home very much matters for Detroit, which has become one of the better offensive teams in the league.

Picks for Denver vs. Detroit

Detroit -4; Jameson Williams 25+ Receiving Yards (+130)

Even though they looked dreadful last week on the road, I am still a believer in this Detroit offense. Returning home will help them get back into a rhythm and they should not need to score a ton of points against a team like Denver. Against Chicago last week, they got shredded by the running threat of Bears QB Justin Fields but it has been a long time since Russell Wilson was that kind of player. Look for Detroit to be able to find an offensive rhythm early and apply some game pressure on the Broncos, who prefer more of a game-management style. The Lions are at their best with the lead and they should be able to get one early at home against Denver. 

The Lions have been talking about getting the speedy Williams more involved in the offense for a while and the rhetoric on that really ramped up this week after the loss. He really only needs a couple of catches to get there if they are using him right, maybe just one. At this price, it is well worth a shot. 

The money and the market have been siding with Denver so far, but the number has not moved. There is still time but this is a Saturday game so not as much as normal. I am wait and see for now. Maybe we get a better number on Detroit. 

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