The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers face off in a Week 2 NFL Monday night showdown at Lambeau Field. When these two teams faced off last December, the Packers won 31-24.
The Green Bay Packers couldn’t have gotten out to a worst start to their season. They opened up their season against the New Orleans Saints, and neither side of the ball was good. The offense could only manage three points, while the defense gave up 38. Aaron Rodgers didn’t play during the preseason and it showed as he only threw for 133 yards and a couple of touchdowns. AJ Dillon was the leading rusher but he finished with only 19 yards on four carries. On defense the Packers allowed the Saints to throw and run where they wanted. In this game the Packers need to find a way for the defense to be better.
On the other side of this matchup is the Detroit Lions who opened up their season with a 41-33 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. The game would have been a lot worse than that but they outscored the 49ers 16-3 in the 4th quarter to keep it close. Jared Goff found some success throwing for 338 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Running back Jamal Williams was the top rusher having nine carries for 54 yards and a touchdown. In this game, the Lions need the defense to be better, and to slow down Rodgers and the Packers offense.
The Lions are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games against the NFC. The Packers are 7-2 against the spread in their last nine games played in September. The home team is 5-2 against the spread in the last seven meetings. The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings. The Lions are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight meetings against the Packers.
There is very little doubt that the Packers are the better team, but I don’t expect this game to be a blowout. The Lions have a good offense, and they can’ keep this close with that side of the ball. Back the Lions to cover this spread.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
