Embracing the excitement of 2018 is Raider fans in anticipation of Jon Gruden II. Gruden returns for his second tour of duty at Oakland after gaining fame as an ESPN analyst. Encompassing his return are memories of his success in his first stint with the Raiders. Then Gruden was unknown. Subsequently he quickly earned bet on NFL respect. What’s more the coach led Oakland to consecutive playoff runs. And yet the late Al Davis traded Gruden to Tampa Bay for draft picks and cash. As a result, Gruden led the Bucs to a Super Bowl title in his first year.
Detroit Lions vs. Oakland Raiders
Date and Time: Friday, August 10, 2018, 10:30 p.m. ET
Location: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
NFL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | +3 (-110) | 36 (-111) |  |
| Raiders | -3 (-110) | 36 (-109) | |
| |||
Lions vs. Raiders TV Coverage: NFL Network
Oakland Raiders
A clear difference between Gruden’s last arrival and now is Oakland could be better in 2018. Supplementing the Bet on NFL optimism is their 12-4 record just two seasons ago. Owing to the Raiders downfall last year was a poor season by quarterback Derek Carr. Nonetheless Gruden is seen as a quarterback guru. It follows that Carr will be expected to return to 2016 form. What’s more top receiver Amari Cooper must get back to increased production. He also dropped off last year. Likewise, millions have been spent on bolstering the offensive line.
Paul Guenther
Paul Guenther was hired by Gruden to coordinate the Raider defense. Subsequently Guenther takes over a unit that was rendered helpless last year. Preseason games will feature the overhaul of the Oakland secondary. On the whole there is the potential for upside on this unit as well. Extending that theory is that Guenther will create more opportunities for turnovers.
Detroit Lions
On the whole Detroit also has plenty of preseason work to do. Former Patriots assistant Matt Patricia arrives at this coaching graveyard. Additionally, general manager Bob Quinn developed himself with “The Patriot Way.” Overall this leadership tandem will work with the New England model for success. Balanced against that is Detroit’s terrible sports betting reputation. Balanced against years of failure is a roster with assets. In like manner quarterback Matthew Stafford is in his prime. Correlate to that the urgent need to win now.
A Preseason for Improvement
In particular last year was seen as a blown opportunity. Especially grating was Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers going down to injury. Consequently, the Lions failed to capitalize. More emphatically Stafford enters his 10th NFL season. Preseason will be spent improving a ground game that ranked dead last in 2017. In like manner Detroit must develop toughness this summer. Patricia is a former New England defensive coordinator. To exemplify his challenges is a soft unit that finished 27th overall last year.
Bet on NFL: Matchup to Watch
Detroit has a bet on NFL record of 13-7 vs. the line in exhibition away games. Five of their last seven in that role went under. On the other hand, Oakland is 4-12 against the spread in home preseason games. Seven of their last nine home exhibitions went over.
Lions vs. Raiders NFL games Betting Odds Pick
To conclude there is plenty of hype over Gruden. It follows that Detroit makes for a solid contrarian choice.
NFL Betting Online Pick: Detroit Lions
NFL Betting Online Score Prediction: Lions 17 Raiders 14
Check out analysis of Lions coach Mike Patricia’s ability to develop defenses!