Week 2 of the NFL season comes to a close tonight with the Detroit Lions as 11.5-point underdogs at the Green Bay Packers. The Lions will for sure be without No. 1 receiver Tyrell Williams, while fellow wideout Kalif Raymond is questionable. However, running back D'Andre Swift, who is used plenty in the passing game, will play. A total of 62 percent of money wagered on the spread at Caesars Sportsbook is on the Packers and 54 percent of tickets sold. Click here for model pick on game.
Williams had two catches for 14 yards in the Week 1 loss to San Francisco and was targeted three times overall by Jared Goff. Williams is in the concussion protocol. Raymond, who had three catches for 50 yards and one rush for nine yards vs. the Niners, wasn't on the injury report Thursday or Friday but was "limited" on Saturday with a thigh injury and is officially questionable.
Technically, Swift is questionable too but practiced in full Saturday and Coach Dan Campbell said he would play. Swift had 11 carries for 39 yards and eight catches for 65 yards and a TD in Week 1. Defensively, end Kevin Strong is out with a concussion, while fellow end Michael Brockers and outside linebacker Trey Flowers are questionable.
Green Bay was obliterated by New Orleans in Week 1, 38-3, which looks even worse now that the Saints were dominated in a loss Sunday at Carolina. The Packers are the first team to be favored by double digits the week after losing by at least 30 points since the 2014 Eagles. They are the 12th team overall since 1970 merger to be favored by double digits the week after losing by at least 30. Since 2005, teams favored by double-digits the week after losing by at least 20 points are 16-7 ATS.
The Packers are listing safety Vernon Scott as out with a hamstring injury, while fellow safety Darnell Savage is questionable (shoulder) as is offensive guard Lucas Patrick (concussion). It's possible rookie safety Innis Gaines will be elevated from the practice squad today to help the depth at that position.
Green Bay has won eight straight home openers and 13 of its past 14. It's the first time the Packers' home opener has been on MNF since 2008. Including a 1994 playoff victory, the Packers are 27-3 against the Lions in the state of Wisconsin since 1992. Aaron Rodgers is 9-2 at home vs. the Lions, throwing 21 touchdowns with just four interceptions and a passer rating of 106.9 in those games.
Detroit has covered the spread in seven of the past eight meetings overall.
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