National Football League

NFL odds: How to bet Lions-Falcons, point spread, more

Updated Dec. 26, 2021 1:03 p.m. ET

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The Detroit Lions (2-11-1) will be missing their starting quarterback as they travel to take on the 6-8 Atlanta Falcons, who need a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Here's everything you need to know about the NFL odds for Sunday's matchup between the Lions and Falcons — the point spread, moneyline, total over/under and picks from our betting experts (with all NFL odds via FOX Bet).

Detroit Lions @ Atlanta Falcons (1 p.m. ET Sunday, FOX)

Point spread: Falcons -7.5 (Falcons favored to win by more than 7.5 points, otherwise Lions cover)
Moneyline: Falcons -350 favorites to win (bet $10 to win $12.86 total); Lions +250 underdogs to win (bet $10 to win $35 total)
Total scoring over/under: 43 points scored by both teams combined

Team Betting Trends

The Lions are 9-5 against the spread (ATS) this season. The Falcons are 6-8 ATS.

The Lions are 5-9 on the over in the over/under this season. The Falcons are 6-8 on the over on the over/under this season.

The Lions are 0-6-1 straight up (SU) on the road this season. The Falcons are 1-5 SU at home this season.

Pick via FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd

"If you watched the San Francisco-Atlanta game, the Falcons had a puncher's chance for big portions of that game. San Francisco is playing well, and Atlanta hung, so I would take the Falcons here at -4. 

"I think Atlanta is getting better with coach Arthur Smith and you get value in Atlanta here. Let's not go crazy about Detroit's win. They played a perfect football game, but do you think they can play at that level back-to-back?"

PICK: Falcons (-4 at FOX Bet) to win by more than 4 points

* Pick made before the line moved from -4 to -7.5

Other Things To Know

Detroit started the season with eight losses but has won two of its past three games, including last week's 30-12 upset of the NFC West Division-leading Arizona Cardinals.

But Lions quarterback Jared Goff, coming off his best game of the season in the upset over the Falcons, has been ruled out after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Tim Boyle will make his second start of the season. Boyle is 15-for-23 passing (65.2 percent) for 77 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns.

Detroit has placed 12 players on the COVID-19 list in a span of 15 days.

Leading rusher D'Andre Swift (140 carries, 555 yards, four touchdowns) is expected to practice this week after missing three weeks with a sprained shoulder.

The Falcons have struggled on offense, scoring 17 or fewer points five times in their past eight games.

Cordarrelle Patteson, who was drafted as a wide receiver with the 29th pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2013, has nearly 1,100 yards from scrimmage this season.

Patterson leads the Falcons in rushing (565 yards on 133 carries with five touchdowns) and is third in receiving yardage (524 yards on 48 receptions with five touchdowns). He leads Atlanta skill position players in scoring with 60 points.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is 324-for-480 passing (67.5 percent) for 3,340 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

The Lions lead the all-time series 25-13, having won two of the past three contests.

Click here for the latest NFL odds and everything you need in the sports betting world on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.

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NFL - Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons - 12/26/2021

Jared Goff

D'Andre Swift

Cordarrelle Patterson

Matt Ryan

Tim Boyle

Colin Cowherd