Two NFC North rivals square off when the Packers host the Lions. Sportsbook bettors might immediately lean toward Green Bay, but the Lions are putting up a real fight this season and could give the Pack some trouble.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Sunday, October 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET
NFL odds: Packers -13
Thanks to a bye, the Packers got a week off to lick their wounds following a tough 30-23 loss to the Vikings. If Green Bay wants to contend for a playoff spot there’s a lot of holes to fix, beginning with the defense. New defensive coordinator Dom Capers has instilled a 3-4 “D” but, contrary to the hysteria in Packer Land after a Week 1 win over Chicago, it hasn’t found a groove yet. The Packers have made some big plays but they created just one turnover against Minny while failing to sack Brett Favre. That needs to change.
Offensively, Green Bay is moving the ball but doesn’t feel like a cohesive unit yet. Each week there are positive signs of improvement but the Pack can’t seem to get all cylinders firing on the same day. Most of the issues stem from the offensive line, which has been truly awful in pass protection. Aaron Rodgers was sacked an absurd eight times last week and rarely had time to take his time. He still threw for 384 yards.
Detroit has come a long way from its winless season. Though the Lions only have a 1-4 record to show for it, they’ve shown a surprising amount of grit and fight. Last week’s they gave a good run to Pittsburgh, narrowly losing 28-20 to the Super Bowl Champs. The passing “D” was a weak link, as it has been all season; Ben Roethlisberger completed 76 percent of his passes for 277 yards and three scores.
A young-but-talented offense is getting chipped away by injuries, and we’re betting management is getting frustrated. First-overall pick Matt Stafford missed the Steelers game with a knee injury (Daunte Culpepper was solid in his stead, going 23-37 for 282 yards). Stafford will likely be a game-day decision. Even more concerning is the status of Calvin Johnson, Detroit’s most-gifted player. Johnson left Week 5 with a thigh injury and he’s very questionable against the Packers.
There’s no question Green Bay is the more talented team but, while the Packers are underachieving, Detroit is giving its best effort every week. The Lions aren’t good enough to overtake Green Bay, especially on the road, but they’ll make this one closer than Packers fans would like. Bet on the Lions to cover on your NFL predictions.
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