Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers (8-8) v Detroit Lions (8-8)
The final game of the NFL regular season features division rivals that have overcome terrible starts to give themselves a great shot at making the playoffs.
The Green Bay Packers started the season just 3-6 but are now in a simple scenario – beat the Detroit Lions and they’re improbable run to the NFC playoffs is complete. If they are successful in winning their last five to make the playoffs, QB Aaron Rodgers will fancy his chances against the likes of Brock Purdy, Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones.
The Packers are averaging more than 30 points per game in their last five outings. They put up a season-high 41 points last week in their win over the Vikings and that included touchdowns coming from special teams and defense. Cornerback Jaire Alexander completely shut out star Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson.
The Packers’ diverse offence will likely cause headaches for the Lions relatively poor defensive unit. Green Bay is averaging more than 25 points per game at Lambeau Field this season.
Detroit started the season 1-6 but has gone 7-2 since to give themselves a chance to make the playoffs. They need to beat the Packers and have the result of the Seattle Seahawks-Los Angeles Rams game go their way.
They totally dominated the Bears last week in holding them to just 10 points while sacking Justin Fields seven times. Jared Goff found 10 different receivers and the Lions rushed for 265 yards. He’s a different QB on the road and will have to be at his best against a strong pass defense that looks to match up well with Detroit’s tight ends.
The Lions have scored 30+ points in half of their games this season. They’ve been able to generate plenty of production from their tight ends including Brock Wright who scored twice last week. Their offence clearly is one of the top few in the league right now but has not been as productive on the road.
Their porous defence holds them back from being a genuine Super Bowl contender. They rank just 28th on DVOA compared to their 6th-ranked offence. Detroit’s defence is allowing 5.3 yards per rush and will match up with a Packers ground game that has recorded seven touchdowns in the last five weeks.
The Packers have a strong offence, better defence and an incredible record at home in December and January games with Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LeFleur. Back them to win here to complete an amazing turnaround that puts them in the playoffs.
Bet: Packers -4.5
Same game multi: Packers -4.5 / Packers Over 26.5 points / Christian Watson TD
