NFL Week 13 kicks off with a huge game in the NFC North between the Green Bay Packers and the division-leading Detroit Lions. The Packers look to avenge a loss they took earlier this season against the Lions on their home field. If the Packers want any chance to stay in the division race they have to win this game. Below are my Packers at Lions Preview and Predictions.
There are definite injury concerns for both teams coming into this game. First, the Packers have ruled out cornerback Jaire Alexander who is dealing with a knee injury. Additionally, the Packers will be without Corey Ballentine Edgerrin Cooper, and wide receiver Romeo Doubs. Meanwhile, the Lions will be without offensive linemen Taylor Decker, D.J. Reader, Joshua Paschal, and Levi Onwuzurike.
Injuries to the defense have already decimated the Lions and not having D.J. Reader is a huge blow for this team. Can the Packers capitalize on these injuries and find success on offense and in the running game will be the big question.
Packers at Lions Preview and Predictions
Best Bets
Since Matt LeFleur took over as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers he has thrived in the underdog role. In fact, under the LaFleur era, the Packers are an underdog 23-11 (67.6%) ATS. Furthermore, if they are an underdog in a division game, the Packers are 5-3 SU and 5-3 (62.5%) ATS. The Lions were able to pull off the victory on Thanksgiving Day much to the ineptitude of the Bears’ clock management abilities.
The key to the success of this game for the Packers will be if they are able to establish the running game with Josh Jacobs. I do believe they will be able to with the injuries on defense to the Lions. I am going to bank on Jordan Love and the Packers to keep this game close and possibly win the game outright.
Best Bet: Packers +3.5
Player Prop Best Bet
David Montgomery Over 14.5 Receiving Yards
David Montgomery has quietly been involved in the passing game for the Detroit Lions. In fact, Montgomery has at least 20 receiving yards in five straight games for the Lions including 23 in an earlier matchup against the Packers. Additionally, the Packers are allowing 41.9 receiving yards to the running back position during the season. Only three running backs have not exceeded this projection against the Packers.
