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Week 14 TNF: Packers-Lions Preview, Props & Prediction

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Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Preview: NFC North Showdown

The Detroit Lions (11-1) aim to extend their impressive 10-game winning streak as they face the Green Bay Packers (9-3) in a critical NFC North battle. Both teams have playoff aspirations, with the Lions hoping to secure a first-round bye and the Packers striving to maintain their wild-card position. Thursday night’s matchup promises to be a high-stakes affair between two of the NFL’s most resilient squads.

The Lions are favored by 3.0 to 3.5 points across sportsbooks. At BetRivers, Detroit has drawn 58% of spread-line tickets and 75% of moneyline bets at -182 odds. The total points line sits at 51.5, with 84% of the money backing the Over.

Notable trends include:

  • The Packers have won the first quarter in eight consecutive games as underdogs.
  • Detroit has covered the spread in seven of the past eight meetings against Green Bay.
  • Nine of Green Bay’s last 12 road games have hit the Over.

Key Storylines

Detroit Lions

The Lions narrowly escaped Chicago with a 23-20 Thanksgiving Day win, nearly squandering a 16-point lead. Despite injuries on defense, Detroit continues to dominate offensively, averaging a league-best 31.9 points per game.

Jared Goff has rebounded from a rough outing against Houston to post six touchdowns and no interceptions in the last three games. The Lions’ dynamic backfield duo of David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs has fueled the team’s offensive surge. However, their defense, riddled with injuries, will need to step up against a surging Packers offense.

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay enters the contest riding a 7-1 streak over the past eight games, with their only loss coming to Detroit. The Packers delivered a convincing 30-17 Thanksgiving win over Miami, with Jordan Love connecting with Jayden Reed for two touchdowns.

Ranked eighth in scoring offense (26.5 points per game), the Packers will likely rely on their aerial attack given Detroit’s stout run defense. Green Bay will miss key contributors, including wide receiver Romeo Doubs and cornerback Jaire Alexander, potentially complicating their game plan.

Injury Report

Lions:

  • OT Taylor Decker (knee) – Out
  • DL DJ Reader (shoulder) – Out
  • DL Josh Paschal (knee) – Out
  • DL Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) – Out

Packers:

  • CB Jaire Alexander (knee) – Out
  • WR Romeo Doubs (concussion) – Out
  • LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) – Out
  • CB Corey Ballentine (knee) – Out

Prop Bet to Watch

Packers RB Josh Jacobs Anytime TD (-159 at BetRivers):
Jacobs, who rushed for 95 yards in the first meeting, is expected to feature prominently in Green Bay’s game plan. Bettors have heavily backed this prop, which has attracted 1.6% of all money wagered at BetRivers.

What They’re Saying

Dan Campbell, Lions Head Coach:
“The best part of all of this — we’re in playoff football right now, that’s where we’re at. Man, this is the type of stuff that you live for. We’ve just got to worry about the one in front of us.”

Matt LaFleur, Packers Head Coach:
“They’re two very dynamic backs. Jared [Goff] is playing at an MVP level, so they’ve got a really potent offense. It’s going to be a great game.”

Prediction

Injuries might slow Detroit’s defense, but their offense has shown no signs of faltering. The Packers will challenge the Lions, particularly early, but Detroit’s offensive firepower and home-field advantage should propel them to another close victory.

Prediction: Lions 30, Packers 27