Lions Packers Betting – Lions’ Lambeau Woes Continue In Green Bay
When sports betting players look at the NFL betting line for this week’s matchup between Green Bay and Detroit, they’ll see a double-digit spread, and it isn’t just because the Lions are bad, it’s because they haven’t won in Green Bay in almost two decades. With the Packers coming off a loss, it’s not likely that they’ll snap that trend this week.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, October 3rd, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
- Pick: Green Bay Packers -14.5
What’s On The Line
The Detroit Lions (0-3) fell 24-10 to the Minnesota Vikings, but to be fair, they didn’t play all that bad, and they’re still dealing with a backup quarterback. The Packers (2-1) fell 20-17 in Chicago in one of the most entertaining Monday night games in recent memory, but no team is going to win with 18 penalties. The Packers probably have more to lose in this NFC North clash, while the Lions just want to put on a good performance against a division rival.
Offensive Matchups: Lions Packers Betting
Detroit’s offense actually has the potential to be decent, but Matt Stafford is out, while Jahvid Best and Nate Burleson are very questionable this week. Shaun Hill threw for 237 yards and a touchdown, but he also was picked off twice. Kevin Smith could get the most work he’s received since coming back from a torn-up knee, while Calvin Johnson is getting double and triple-teamed into oblivion. The Lions are 22nd offensively, but if they could get their first-string team healthy, they could be onto something.
Aaron Rodgers put on a clinic on Monday night in his duel with Chicago’s Jay Cutler, passing for 316 yards and a touchdown along with a pick, and he also ran for one. Jermichael Finley lit up the Bears for 115 yards on nine catches, and while the Packers didn’t have a running, they really didn’t need one. When Rodgers gets in the rhythm he was in on Monday, it’s scary how efficient the Green Bay offense is….when they’re not committing penalties.
Betting Edge: Packers
Defensive Matchups: Lions Packers Betting
The Lions are 30th defensively, and they’re dead last in the league against the run. But they forced three turnovers out of the Vikings and sacked Brett Favre a couple of times. They’re starting from the front, and Ndamokung Suh has been impressive in his first three NFL games, but he alone won’t change a defense that has been historically bad in recent years. The secondary could get destroyed this week.
The Packers come in third defensively, and they held the Bears to 276 yards, but again, the penalties killed them. Green Bay gave the Bears five first downs on penalties, and it often gave Chicago a short field. The Packers’ 3-4 defense swarms you with Clay Matthews off the end, and the Charles Woodson-led secondary is solid enough, although they would love to Al Harris on the other side of the field, and that’s not happening anytime soon.
Betting Edge: Packers
Notable Injuries: Lions Packers Betting
Best (toe) isn’t practicing this week and has to be watched, while linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin, calf) is likely out and Burleson (ankle) is a big question mark. Stafford (shoulder) won’t be risked by the Lions, not against the Green Bay defense.
Tackle Chad Clifton (knees) didn’t practice, but he didn’t last week either, and had a decent game against Chicago, even though Julius Peppers was a force. Woodson (toe) will also play through his injury for the Packers.
Betting Edge: Packers
Outlook and Pick: Lions Packers Betting
The Green Bay Packers are 14.5-point NFL betting favorites at home against the Lions, who have lost 19 in a row at Lambeau Field (their last win came in December 1991, a 21-17 victory). The Packers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games in which they were favored by eight points or more, and 7-3 ATS, so it seems like it’s not a matter of if Green Bay will win, but by how much. We’re going with a cover, because they’re embarrassed by last week’s penalties, they’re at home, and the Lions may be missing three of their four best offensive players against a fierce defense. Even Lions fans would have to bet on the Packers to cover in their online betting book.
Stan’s Pick: Green Bay Packers
