Bodog Beat

The Detroit Lions (0-14 SU, 6-8 ATS) are coming close to winning that elusive first game of the season. (AP Images)

They covered their last game at Ford Field in a 20-16 loss to Minnesota (-10.5); this Sunday, they’ll get another crack at it against the New Orleans Saints (7-7 SU, 9-4-1 ATS).

There are three reasons to think the Lions will have a better shot this week than they did against the Vikings. One, they’ll have Dan Orlovksy (80.3 passer rating) at quarterback instead of the still-rusty Daunte Culpepper (63.9 rating, shoulder injury). Two, the Saints have a worse record than Minnesota, and three, this is the last home game of the season for Detroit. There will be a serious effort to win.

The Saints, on the other hand, have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing 27-24 to the Chicago Bears (-3) in overtime. This is a classic fade situation. Get your NFL picks in the Bodog Sportsbook.