Detroit Lions fans are already on edge heading into Week 2, with confidence dipping hard after a shaky overtime win against the Saints. A new SB Nation Reacts survey, sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook, shows a clear shift in the fanbase’s mood: most fans expect the Lions to really struggle when they hit the road for Buffalo on Thursday night. That late-game stumble against New Orleans has a lot of people second-guessing the early season outlook.
The “Right Direction” Is Looking a Little Shaky
The big question for Lions faithful has been about the team’s overall direction. While a majority are trying not to overreact to one September game, that confidence definitely took a hit. As “presde” put it, even with the “escape” against the Saints, the “physicality in the trenches was back.” This fan believes “All the mistakes will get cleaned up, and if this team stays healthy, who knows how far they go.” Another fan, “Xlgrev,” expressed “Extremely confident” feelings, noting that “This is how the modern NFL typically goes. There are rarely blowout wins, and each game has swings of momentum. The good teams figure out a way to win and the not so good teams (Packers) figure out a way to lose.” So, while some are still holding strong, that collective gut feeling took a pretty good punch.
Week 2 Predictions Are Not Pretty
When it comes to the Week 2 game itself, the fan base is decidedly pessimistic. Most of them are bracing for a tough loss in Buffalo. “Oldmanlion” captured the sentiment perfectly: “My heart always says yes. My head… it’s going to be tough.” Another fan, “Justwantwins,” suspects “this game will come down to whoever has the ball last.” A “critical perspective” fan flat out said, “I don’t have this one going our way. Hope I am wrong!” Even the optimists are hedging, with “DetroitBrickSquad” admitting, “I mean probably not, but I voted yes anyway. GO LIONS.” There’s a glimmer of hope from “Canislupus” who hopes the Lions “can keep it close and show improvement on both sides of the ball against a much better opponent and on the road, but frankly, it’s hard to imagine them winning.” FanDuel Sportsbook also sees the uphill battle, listing the Lions as 5.5-point road underdogs in Week 2, with their Super Bowl odds at +1700.
This Thursday night game against Buffalo is huge. It is an early test to see if those “mistakes will get cleaned up” or if this dip in fan confidence is a sign of things to come. If the Lions can somehow make it competitive, “Canislupus” thinks they might even “start dreaming of a Bills-Lions Super Bowl.” Big stakes for early September football, no doubt.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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