Packers (4-6) at Lions (8-2)
Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET, Ford Field, Detroit
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Lions by 7.5
Packers’ keys to victory: Green Bay’s run defense must slow down the Detroit ground attack. LB De’Vondre Campbell needs to keep up his strong tackling, and DTs T.J. Slaton and Kenny Clark must play stoutly up front. QB Jordan Love has to make smart decisions and effectively spread the ball around. WR Christian Watson should have opportunities down the field, but Love will need time to throw and deliver accurate passes, both of which have been inconsistent for the Packers offense. Cashing in red-zone possessions into touchdowns instead of short field goals is imperative.
Lions’ keys to victory: The Lions defense has been very effective when they establish the tone. That means players like edge Aidan Hutchinson and LB Alex Anzalone aggressively finishing plays and setting up takeaway opportunities for S Kerby Joseph and CB Jerry Jacobs. On offense, QB Jared Goff thrives on play-action. Getting the dynamic duo of RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery going on early downs sets up the play-action shots to outstanding rookie TE Sam LaPorta and speedy WR Jameson Williams down the field. Detroit’s balky red-zone offense needs to produce TDs.
Matchup to watch: Lions’ Hutchinson vs. Packers RT Zach Tom. Hutchinson is one of the NFL’s best at creating pressure, while Tom has played well in pass protection. Given Love’s issues handling pressure, Tom’s performance figures heavily.
Who wins? The Lions feast in front of an energetic home crowd.
Lions, 27-17
Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire