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Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Cameron La Fontaine

Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions offensive line lines up against Green Bay Packers defensive line during the fourth quarter during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Detroit won 40-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions offensive line lines up against Green Bay Packers defensive line during the fourth quarter during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. Detroit won 40-10. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

The last time the Green Bay Packers traveled to Ford Field to take on the Detroit Lions they got blown out on Thanksgiving Day 40-10, but they didn’t have Aaron Rodgers or Randall Cobb, who will both play on Sunday. Detroit, who was impressive in their opening game against the New York Giants, played the opposite game in a loss to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. Green Bay was the opposite, getting blown out by Seattle in week one and then proving superior over the New York Jets last week. Both teams come in at .500 in a early season divisional matchup that may mean a lot more down the road.

Date: Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014
Start Time: 1:05 p.m. ET
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Stadium: Ford Field
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: DirecTV Sunday NFL Ticket
Radio: GREEN BAY: WTMJ 620 AM / DETROIT: 97.1 The Ticket 
Ticket information: For GREEN BAY PACKERS ticket info click here.  For DETROIT LIONS ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

The Green Bay Packers first win of the year came after being down 21-3 to the New York Jets. They played well from behind especially through the air as Jordy Nelson led with 209 receiving yards form Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are going to need to attack the Detroit passing defense that lacks effective secondary especially after season ending injury to cornerback Bill Bentley. The Carolina Panthers showed how you beat Detroit through deep passes on offense and containing the Detroit offense by putting multiple defenders on Calvin Johnson at all times and trying to force turnovers and field goals that Detroit is likely to miss (2-for-5 on the season). Eddie Lacy still hasn’t gotten started yet this season, and it probably won’t happen against a tough Detroit front seven. They need to stick to the passing game and look for Cobb and Nelson especially on deep routes.

The Detroit Lions blueprinted a perfect win in week one against the Giants and exactly how to lose in week two against the Carolina Panthers. It’s all about the turnovers. The Lions consistently got into Carolina territory and then wasn’t able to score after turnovers as well as missed field goals. Detroit will need to shut down the run game in order to make up for their broken secondary. The front seven will need to step up with blitz packages and pressure Rodgers into missing receivers. Matthew Stafford, who was third in passing yards last season, needs to be able to throw for 350 or more against the Packers and at least 150 will have to be to Calvin Johnson. Detroit also needs to establish the run game, something that haven’t done yet this season. Reggie Bush needs to find a way to break free and get a long run in order to get going.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: DET -2.5
Moneyline: DET -120 GB +100
O/U: 53.5

Prediction

The way Detroit plays at home is unlike any other team (except maybe Seattle) and the way Green Bay struggled in Seattle in week one and even struggled against the Jets at home in week two was notable. I predict that Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson with the help of Golden Tate and Reggie Bush will out-pass Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense and perpetuate them to a high scoring win against Green Bay in Detroit. Detroit wins in a close contest.

Final Score: Green Bay Packers: 31, Detroit Lions 41

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