The Atlanta Falcons will begin their 2022 NFL preseason schedule when they visit the Detroit Lions on Friday. Detroit went 3-13-1 last season and missed the playoffs for the fifth straight year. On the other sideline, Atlanta went 7-10, failing to secure a postseason berth for the fourth consecutive season. These are two organizations that are currently rebuilding and have plenty of young talent on the roster. Kickoff from Ford Field in Detroit is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Atlanta is a 1-point favorite in the latest Falcons vs. Lions odds at Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total points scored is 35. Before locking in any Lions vs. Falcons picks or 2022 NFL preseason predictions, make sure you check out what SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White has to say.
Over the past seven years, White, a CBS Sports fantasy and gambling editor, has gone 329-250-21 in the world's most prestigious football handicapping competition, the Las Vegas SuperContest. He also is SportsLine's No. 1 NFL expert, going 445-378-24 on his against-the-spread NFL picks from 2017-21, returning $2,542 to $100 players.
In addition, White has gone 45-26-2 on his last 73 picks involving the Lions, returning $1,580. Anyone who has followed him is way up.
Now, White has zoned in on Falcons vs. Lions and just locked in his NFL picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks and analysis. Here are the NFL odds and betting lines for Lions vs. Falcons
- Falcons vs. Lions spread: Falcons -1
- Falcons vs. Lions over-under: 35 points
- Falcons vs. Lions money line: Atlanta -115, Detroit -105
- ATL: Falcons are 5-2-1 against the spread in their last eight road games
- DET: Lions have covered in four straight home games
- Falcons vs. Lions picks: See picks here
Why the Falcons can cover
Receiver Drake London is making his debut in this matchup for Atlanta. London is a physically imposing weapon (6-foot-4, 213 pounds) who owns the ability to snag 50-50 balls while being able to separate from defenders. London has been making plays all camp long and is consistently flashing his raw talent. The No. 8 overall pick will gain valuable reps in this contest.
Fellow rookies Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Anderson are two linebackers selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Ebikete is a pass-rusher who can generate juice off the edge with active hands and superb length. Anderson is an athletic and versatile force in the middle of the field. The Montana State product has the speed to be a strong coverage option with a solid tackling technique. He ran a blazing 4.42 forty-yard dash.
Why the Lions can cover
Despite finishing last in the NFC North and only logging three wins, Detroit showed plenty of fight and grit. The Lions lost six games by one possession and had the second youngest team in the league (25.2). The Lions added an influx of talent this offseason while their young players gained valuable reps. Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, and Malcolm Rodriguez are three of the rookies who will make their debuts.
Rodriguez has plenty of energy and aggression on the field that has translated to highlights in training camp thus far. Quarterback David Blough is heading into his third season with this club and is looking to secure the backup job. Blough will face a basic defensive game plan, so expect him to move the ball fairly well. Last preseason, he tossed 336 yards over three games.
How to make Lions vs. Falcons picks
White has analyzed this matchup and he's leaning Under on the point total. He has also discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. He's only sharing what it is, and which side to back, at SportsLine.
Who wins Falcons vs. Lions on Friday? And which critical X-factor makes one side of the spread a must-back? Visit SportsLine now to see R.J. White's Falcons vs. Lions picks, all from the NFL expert who's 45-26-2 on his last 73 picks involving Detroit, and find out.
