Green Bay Packers v. Detroit Lions: The Final Predictions

Before the Green Bay Packers play their final regular season game against Detroit, we give our final predictions for Sunday’s matchup.

The Green Bay Packers are 12-3 and locked up the NFC North for the first time since 2016 last Monday in Minnesota. However, there is certainly a lot on the line against Detroit. With a win the Packers secure a first-round bye and with some help from Seattle, they can even earn the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed.

But before we get too far ahead of ourselves thinking about different playoff scenarios, the Green Bay Packers still have to take care of business on the field against Detroit. And as always, a few of our writers here at Dairyland Express give their final predictions for the game.

Kenny Jilek: Packers 31 – Lions 10

For starters, I ask you this question: Do you see a scenario in which a team quarterbacked by David Blough beats a team led by Aaron Rodgers? Maybe you do, but I really don’t. The great thing about the NFL and professional sports is that any team could beat any other team, but I just don’t see it.

Marvin Jones was absolutely locked down in week six by Jaire Alexander to the tune of two receptions for 17 yards. Kenny Golladay had a nice day and had over 100 yards for the game, but that was with Matt Stafford. That was also when the Lions had something to play for. All they have now is trying to play spoiler and not let the Packers get a first round bye.

Another factor in the difference between this game and week six is that Davante Adams is now healthy. It took a breakout performance from Allen Lazard to beat the Lions then, but with Adams back on the field, things should really open up for this Packers offense. Another reason week six was close was because of two Green Bay Packer’ fumbles, one by Darrius Shepherd who is now on the practice squad.

It was a close game earlier in the season, but many things have changed and unless the Lions scheme extremely well, come out firing, and manage to force a few more fumbles, I really don’t see this being a close game.

Matt Carroll: Packers 34 – Lions 14

The Green Bay Packers may have locked up the NFC North title last weekend, but week 17 still gives them something to play for. With a win, the Packers can lock up a first round bye, either as a No. 1 or No. 2 seed depending on what else happens across the NFC on Sunday. However, a loss paired with a Saints win could drop them down to the No. 3 seed, requiring them to play in the Wild Card round and possibly making them to travel to New Orleans in the next round, a place no team wants to play in the postseason (unless that’s in the Super Bowl).

Luckily, the Packers should face no trouble against the Lions. Yes, Detroit had a four-game win streak over Green Bay before the Packers squeaked out a win earlier this year in Week 6. But the Lions have just three wins on the season and have been without starting quarterback Matthew Stafford since week 9. David Blough, the current starter, looked surprisingly competent at the beginning of his first start against the Bears on Thanksgiving. But he has looked much more pedestrian since and has amassed just a 68.8 QB Rating in four starts. The Packer defense should have a field day.

Add to this the fact that the Lions give up 398.3 yards per game, fourth worst in the NFL, and I don’t see any way that the Packers don’t completely run away with this one. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a game where Green Bay jumps out early, doesn’t look back, and puts a cap on a 13-3 season and a first round bye.

Paul Bretl: Packers 31 – Lions 9

While the Green Bay Packers need to be focused and ready to play, don’t be mistaken, this game should be blowout. Offensively, the Lions will be quarterbacked by David Blough, who as expected, has struggled to put up points. While their defense gives up a lot of yards and quite a few points as well. 26.7 points per game to be exact, the seventh most in the NFL.

Expect the Packers to come out swinging and jumping out to a quick and commanding lead. Last season in Week 17 we saw Detroit steamroll Green Bay 31-0 at Lambeau Field after Aaron Rodgers left with an injury. This time around, I’m expecting a similar outcome but obviously in the Packers’ favor.

While the Lions will want to play spoiler, an early lead by Green Bay should take that fight out of them, and have Detroit looking ahead to the offseason. The Packers cruise to a first-round bye.