NFC North game more interesting than normal
Lions lighting it up lately, but Packers still oddsmaker’s pick despite recent poor play
Now that the Lions have ended a losing streak at Green Bay that dated back to Barry Sanders’ heyday, it’s time to see if they can work the same magic at Ford Field.
Ever since a horrendous loss to Kansas City in London, the Lions have been terrific. They followed that victory at Lambeau Field with a tight win over Oakland and a Thanksgiving Day blowout of Philadelphia.
Lions coach Jim Caldwell believes his players are concentrating on the right elements and Detroit (4-7) ends a three-game homestand with a chance to further damage Green Bay’s playoff prospects.
Green Bay (7-4) — despite being losers of four of five, including two division games at home — is a three-point favourite. We think they’ll make it.
Our pick: Packers, 27-23. In other games:
Dallas (+4½) at Washington, Monday night: Can’t find any reason to back the battered Cowboys. Best bet: Redskins, 27-13. New York Jets (-2½) at New York Giants: Jets will be exhausted from the long trip to this “road” game. Upset special: Giants, 23-20. Carolina (- 7) at New Orleans: Another step toward an unbeaten season for Carolina. Panthers, 33-20.
Denver (-4) at San Diego: Strange line. Oddsmakers must think Denver is due for letdown. Broncos, 20-17.
Philadelphia (+9½) at New England:
as they are, As Patriots physically have battered enough for floundering Eagles. Patriots, 27-16.
Indianapolis (+7) at Pittsburgh: Steelers make it close again — and come up short again. Colts, 24-23.
Seattle (pick-em) at Minnesota: Toughest game to figure on this week’s schedule. Vikings, 20-19.
Atlanta (+1½) at Tampa
Bay: If Falcons are to turn it around, this is where they must start. Don’t think so ... Buccaneers, 26-21.
Kansas City (- 3) at Oakland:
tional rivalry Historicallythat gets sensa-some more juice. Chiefs, 24-17.
Arizona (-5½) at St. Louis: Rams gave Cardinals fits in Arizona. Turnabout is fair play. Cardinals, 22-9. San Francisco (+7) at Chicago: John Fox has done impressive work in Chicago. Bears, 27-15.
Houston (+3) at Buffalo: Bill O’Brien has done impressive work in Houston. But Bills are more desperate. Bills, 16-14.
Cincinnati (-9½) at Cleveland: Ohio State might be more qualified in-state opponent for Bengals. Bengals, 29-16.
Jacksonville (+2½) at Ten
nessee: Can Titans finally win a home contest? Why not? Titans, 20-16.
Baltimore (+4) at Miami: Two very disappointing teams, but Miami is healthier. Dolphins, 19-13.
2015 record
Against spread: week 7-9, season (87-77-5).
Straight up: week 11-5, season (108-68).
Best bet: 6-5-1 against spread, 8-4 straight up.
Upset special: 7-5 against spread, 4-8 straight up.