First place in the NFC North is on the line as the Detroit Lions travel to Green Bay to take on the Packers.
The Lions are the hottest team in the NFC right now, riding a five-game winning streak. They are averaging a whopping 43 points per game over their last four games and by far have the highest scoring offense in the NFL.
Quarterback Jared Goff is having an MVP caliber season, while David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs make up perhaps the best running back combination in the league. Detroit’s defense has been stellar as well, ranking in the top 10 against the run and in points allowed.
The Packers are also rolling, winners of their last four games. They were able to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars last week despite quarterback Jordan Love exiting the game early in the second half with a groin strain. Love’s status for this game is up in the air and he will likely be a game-time decision.
If he can’t go, third-year quarterback Malik Willis will get the nod. Willis filled in admirably for Love earlier in the season when Love missed two games with an MCL injury. Regardless of who plays, the Packer offense will lean heavily on running back Josh Jacobs, who’s having a great season.
Let’s take a look at the odds and best bets for this matchup.
*Odds from bet365 and subject to change
Lions-Packers Moneyline
Much of how this game unfolds is going to depend on whether or not Love is able to play. However, I’m confident that the Lions will win regardless. They are absolutely on fire right now and are better than the Packers on both sides of the ball.
Detroit’s offense will do its thing and put up points while controlling the clock. Green Bay’s offense is going to have a tough time consistently moving the ball and scoring with either Willis or a hobbled Love. I’m picking the Lions to win straight up on the moneyline.
Lions-Packers Spread
Lions: -3 (-120)
Packers: +3 (+100)
While I’m confident the Lions will win, the Packers could definitely keep it close, especially with how pivotal of a game for the NFC North title this is. You can win a little more by betting Detroit to cover the spread, but I’d suggest playing it safe with the moneyline.
Lions-Packers Over/Under 48 points
If Love was healthy I would definitely bank on a shootout and bet the over, but since that’s not the case I’m going with the under here.
Lions-Packers Prop Bets
Packers RB Josh Jacobs anytime TD (-115)
No Love means a big workload for Jacobs, who’s having an excellent season with 667 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging 5.4 yards per carry throughout his last two games and has three total touchdowns during that span. Jacobs is the premiere threat for Green Bay’s offense.
Lions TE Sam LaPorta 50+ receiving yards (+150)
LaPorta has been a bit feast or famine this year, but is coming off his best game of the season against the Tennessee Titans, catching six passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. Green Bay hasn’t been very good against tight ends, allowing the fifth-most receptions and sixth-most yards to the position. With Jameson Williams out with a suspension, there should be more targets for LaPorta.