4* Sunday Night Football SMASH (NBC) on Detroit Lions +7.5

Detroit vs. San Francisco, 09/16/2012 20:20 EDT, Score: 19 - 27

Point Spread: +7½/-130 Detroit

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

4* Sunday Night Football SMASH (NBC) on Detroit Lions +7.5
The Lions aren't getting the respect they deserve here. They lost to San Francisco by just 6 points a year ago in a game they led 10-0 (also led 19-15 in the 4th quarter until under 2 minutes remaining). In other words, that game was even closer than the final score reveals.

Detroit only defeated lowly St. Louis by 4 points in its opener, but the game was much more lopsided than the score indicates. The Lions outgained the Rams 429-251.

Detroit's defense performed well in last season's meeting as it held the 49ers to 314 yards and forced 2 turnovers. As good as San Francisco looked in its opener, it only defeated the Packers by 8 points. The Detroit defense is superior to Green Bay's, and that gives the Lions an excellent opportunity to keep this one within the number.