Lions' Postseason Elimination Brings Relief to Sportsbooks
As the final seconds ticked away on the Detroit Lions' shocking 46-31 loss to the Washington Commanders, Michigan hearts fell — but sportsbook trading floors were lit up in cheers. The Lions' playoff collapse was a big relief for sportsbooks, which had taken big liability from Detroit in the Super Bowl LIX futures market.
Entering the Divisional Round, the Lions were the hottest public bet, both in number of tickets written and handle. Their fine regular season, along with long odds at the beginning, had made them a huge liability for bookmakers. Here is the list of best lions sportsbooks.
Detroit's Popularity at the Windows Threatened Sportsbooks
Detroit accounted for nearly 15% of Super Bowl LIX futures bets at BetMGM and 16% of overall money wagered. A notable example was a $20,000 bet on the Lions at +1200 odds early in the season — one which would have paid out $240,000 had Detroit gone all the way to the championship.
With odds dropping to +300 entering on the Divisional Round due to good team performance and increased betting interest, Detroit was an upper-tier liability. Their elimination has renewed the odds and eased the oddsmakers' squeeze.
Kansas City Chiefs Become Super Bowl Favorites
Now that the Lions are eliminated, the Kansas City Chiefs are the choice to win Super Bowl LIX, with a price of +225 at most sportsbooks. The Chiefs advanced to the AFC Championship Game by overcoming the Houston Texans and seek their third Super Bowl title in six years.
Kansas City also saw a great deal of futures action, representing over 12% of tickets and nearly 16% of handle. But because their odds were fairly short all season (opening at +650), sportsbooks have had time to hedge and balance their risk.
Ravens and Bills Key to Sportsbooks' Future
Sunday night AFC Divisional matchup between the Baltimore Ravens (+450) and the Buffalo Bills (+550) carries financial implications for sportsbooks. They are both good remaining options, but the Ravens are the more risky ones.
Baltimore, the biggest liability on the board, attracted approximately 10% of overall Super Bowl tickets and 13% of the dollars. The Ravens' line increased to +1400 in a shaky start but have cut since they ascended to the summit of the AFC North.
On the other hand, the majority of sportsbooks are in favor of Buffalo, as their handle is leaner and futures exposure is easier to withstand.
NFC Photo: Eagles and Washington Still Contenders
Washington's upset victory over Detroit has propelled them into the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the winner of Sunday's war between the Los Angeles Rams (+1300) and Philadelphia Eagles (+275).
With Philadelphia a strong contender to win that game and now second choice overall for the Super Bowl, their success or failure will also have a major impact on sportsbook liability in the future. The Eagles were early and mid-season favorites, though not as much as the Lions and Ravens.
Final Thoughts: Sportsbooks Back in Control — For Now
Detroit's loss is an object lesson on how futures books get frenzied with the result of one game. The sportsbooks, who were sweating out a potential Lions payout, now have a more level-keel scenario with several contenders left in the running and a range of betting interest distributed.
With the NFL playoffs barreling toward Super Bowl LIX, oddsmakers are watching anxiously — and a crossed finger — that no longshot dark horse gets too far too fast.