The Lions haven’t looked the best so far in the exhibition season which is why they are +3.5 underdogs in the August 23rd NFL preseason free pick. Detroit’s 0-2 start has contrasted Buffalo, who has been sharp in winning both of their preseason games so far. Can the Lions get their offense going or does Buffalo’s versatile attack push them to 3-0?
Buffalo Looking Good on Both Sides of the Ball This Preseason
The Bills went just 3-5 in the exhibition season during Sean McDermott’s first two years at the helm. They are clearly trying to establish the winning culture early in year three with wins over Indianapolis and Carolina this preseason. The Bills have had success with the winning formula of scoring points – and playing good defense. So far Buffalo has averaged 25.5 ppg this preseason while allowing just 15.
The O/U for the August 23rd NFL preseason free pick but Detroit could have a tough time scoring vs. the Bills defense. Buffalo allowed just 16 points to the Colts followed by a 27-14 win over Carolina last week. The Panthers had just 155 passing yards in that contest. The Bills have also played very well on offense, mainly behind backup QB Matt Barkley who is 17-24 with 2TDs and 0 INT. Josh Allen could play into the 3rd quarter on Friday but the Bills have the capability to put up a lot of points late.
Detroit Looking to Get Offense On Track
Matthew Stafford hasn’t attempted a pass through the first two weeks of the preseason butt Matt Patricia hasn’t ruled him out for the August 23rd NFL preseason free pick. The Lions offense could definitely use the boost from their star signal caller after putting up just 3 points in the preseason opener vs. New England. The quarterback combo of David Fales and Tom Savage had a net of just 21 passing yards in that game. Last week vs. Houston, Fales looked much better going 12/19 for 226 yards. The Lions are averaging just 81 rushing yards per game so far this exhibition season though.
It’s actually not the Lions offense that is making them the +3.5 underdogs on Friday, it’s their defense. Detroit has given up 30.5 ppg this preseason and has really struggled stopping the run. New England rushed the ball 40 times for 133 yards in game one and Houston had 168 yards on 38 carries. It’s not just the Detroit running defense struggling though – the Patriots threw for 326 in the preseason opener followed by Houston having 242 last week.
NFL Preseason Betting Free Pick
Simply put you can’t trust the Lions defense right now and their offense is also iffy depending on how much Stafford plays. Buffalo should have a good night on both sides of the ball and – even though it’s preseason – the Bills would sure like to go to 3-0.
Free Pick: Buffalo Bills -3.5
