The Green Bay Packers’ problems are far from over. After yet another home loss to a division foe on Thanksgiving, the Packers once again find themselves one game back of the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North lead. Their next assignment won’t get any easier, as they face a Detroit Lions team that has gone from strength to strength after beating the Packers at Green Bay a couple of weeks ago.
Get a complete breakdown of this big NFC North battle below. And for more NFL Week 13 action, check out our previews of the Panthers vs. Saints and Cowboys vs. Redskins.
[sc:Football ]Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Preview
Where: Ford Field, Detroit
When: Thursday, December 3, 8:30 PM ET
Line: Green Bay Packers (-3) at Detroit Lions (+3); total 46.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: NFL Network
Betting on the Green Bay Packers (7-4)
After the Packers finally broke a three-game losing skid with a 30-13 win over the Vikings, a familiar problem reared its ugly head for Aaron Rodgers and co. in their 17-13 home loss to the Bears. The Packers are now just 1-4 in their last five games, in large part due to the struggles of an offense that’s averaged just 17 points in those four losses.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Rodgers only went 22-of-43 for 202 yards with a touchdown and an interception against Chicago, but to his credit, he still managed to make some MVP-caliber plays in spite of his receivers’ drops and constant inability to get open.
Another bright side for Green Bay has been the running game’s continued resurgence after some poor performances during the first half of the year. Eddie Lacy rushed for 100 yards for the second-consecutive week and added a receiving touchdown against Chicago. However, he also fumbled for the fourth time in the last five games.
Nevertheless, the Packers had an impressive 177 rushing yards as a team and should have an added dimension to the offense, which could only rush for 47 yards against the Lions in Week 10.
The Packers defense did a good enough job against the Lions in their first matchup, preventing them from going over 20 points for the eighth time in their last 10 meetings. The under went 7-3 in those meetings.
If the offense can get its act together, which is never out of the discussion with Rodgers under center, the Packers should be able to get a much-needed road win.
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Betting on the Detroit Lions (4-7)
The Detroit Lions are finally turning their season around. After a horrific 1-7 start, the Lions are 3-0 (SU and ATS) since their Week 9 bye, which includes their 45-14 thrashing of the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving.
The Lions offense had scored more than 20 points just twice all season prior to Week 12, but it finally erupted against a struggling Eagles D. Matthew Stafford turned back the clock with five touchdown passes, three of which were caught by Calvin Johnson. The running game also produced over 100 yards for the second-straight game.
Credit for the offense’s recent success must go to new offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, whose move to simplify things for both his quarterback and his O-line has proven to be a masterstroke. After having a couple more weeks to get comfortable with the new scheme, the Lions are now a threat to score more than the 18 points they managed in Lambeau.
Meanwhile, the Detroit defense has been playing like the dominant unit it was last season. It’s held its last three opponents to just 14.3 points per game, while allowing just 2.3 per carry on the ground. Cornerback Darius “Big Play” Slay has also been playing incredibly well, and didn’t allow James Jones to catch a single pass in their first meeting at Green Bay.
Considering how inconsistent and ineffective the Packers offense has been playing of late, the Lions D has every chance of holding it to another low-scoring performance.
Writer’s Prediction
The Lions offense continues its steady climb, while the defense gives Rodgers another bad day. Detroit sweeps the season series over the struggling Packers with a 28-24 home win.
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