Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
Backing Green Bay to take care of business and win its sixth in a row. The Lions will undoubtedly be inspired by the home crowd, but Matthew Stafford hasn't been the same since he dislocated his finger (five turnovers in 11 quarters).
The Packers have won five straight with Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson being the main source of success. The Lions have faltered a bit down the stretch, but I can't pass up getting +3 at home when I think the spread should be Lions -1. I know that Packers squad that lost four straight, almost ending their season early, is still somewhere in that locker room. The home team is 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings.
Seriously, under what scenario can anyone see QB Aaron Rodgers losing this game, short of him exiting during it with an injury? If the MVP award were based on the past six weeks (14 TD passes, no interceptions), he would win hands-down. The defense is holding up its end by forcing turnovers en masse. The Lions’ habit of covering, win or lose, is over with defeats by 11 and 21 the past two weeks. Green Bay is more rested, having played Saturday afternoon -- in contrast to Monday night for Detroit. All signs point to the Pack.
This is the game of the week. Win and you’re in. This one will come down to in-game adjustments. I give the coaching edge to Jim Caldwell. The Lions will come out firing on all cylinders and maintain that level of execution throughout the game. Take the points.
Here are two teams clearly not lacking in motivation in the season's final week. When the Lions and Packers played in Green Bay back in Week 3, the Packers shot out to a big lead before the Lions closed the gap a bit, keeping the 34-27 final score close. The Lions have DVOA's 32nd-ranked defense, and while they had a nice run of defensive performances recently, they were whacked by the Cowboys on national TV on Monday night. The Packers have scored 30 or more in three straight, but the Green Bay defense has had its issues this season, ranking 29th in points per drive. Expect plenty of fireworks here.