To fans that appreciate the history of the rivalry, the Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions rivalry is one of the best and most historic rivalries in the NFL. But to more casual fans, it is not that exciting. Green Bay leads the series 104-72-7, has won the last four and seven of the last 11. That kind of dominance does not scream “bet on me” or anything like that.
With so little expected of the Lions and the Packers being—well, the Packers – most fans probably already consider this game decided. The only question is how much Green Bay will win by. However, considering the furious comeback the Lions mounted against the 49ers and the dismal effort the Packers made against New Orleans, maybe Detroit has a shot.
| Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers, Monday 9/20 @ 8:15 PM ET | Best Det Odds | Best GB Odds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | +11.5 (-114) | Spread | -10.5 (-110) | BetMGM |
| FanDuel | +440 | Moneyline | -476 | BetMGM |
| DraftKings | Over 48 (-110) | Total | Under 48.5 (-108) | BetRivers |
Maybe.
Detroit Lions
The preseason is a wonderful time for fans of the Detroit Lions. During every season, it is the one time when their team has as much of a theoretical shot to win the Super Bowl as everyone else. But then the regular season starts, and reality slaps fans across the face and says, “Nope, not this year.”
Many fans probably still see Sunday’s 41-33 loss as the proverbial slap, but others may see that game as a sign. They may even believe there is hope. With the game seemingly out of reach at 38-10 midway through the third quarter, the Lions came alive.
The defense gave up just a field goal the rest of the way, the special teams unit recovered an onside kick, and the offense racked up 23 points in the final quarter and a half.
Goff’s receivers are unimpressive, but T.J. Hockenson had a great day, as did the running back tandem of D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. Between the three of them, he was able to get an excellent passing game going against a good 49ers defense.
But any positives the Lions may take from the loss came with a hefty price tag. Cornerback Jeff Okudah is out for the rest of the season after tearing his Achilles.
Green Bay Packers
Many would say this game does not even warrant a little discussion. The Lions are not a great team this year, while the Packers are. While it is true that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers laid an egg in Sunday’s season opener against the Saints, they are not a bad team.
Or are they…
There was nothing redeemable about the Packers on either side of the ball. Aaron Rodgers looked as disinterested as anyone could be while playing in an NFL game. The rest of the team fed off his energy, and it showed in how they played.
Rodgers only completed 15 of 28 passes with two interceptions. The running backs combined for 43 yards on 15 carries. On the defensive side of the ball, they made Jameis Winston look like the next superstar (14-20 for 148 yards and five touchdowns).
Based on what we saw in Week One, Aaron Rodgers did not bring his A-game, and the Packers are toast without it. But does anyone think we will see another effort as lackluster as last week’s? Rodgers is better than he showed, as is Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Davante Adams, and the rest of the team.
The Packers will not play as poorly as they did last week ever again.
Sports Betting Recommendation
Based on what we saw last week, there is value in taking the Lions straight up and against the spread. If Goff can get the offense moving with some help from T.J. Hockensen, D’Andre Swift, and Jamaal Williams, they could score some points.
Enough to win? Yes—if Aaron Rodgers has another poor outing.
But it is hard to see Rodgers and the Packers laying another egg like they did last week. They may not bring their A-game this week. But the Packers will not need their A-game to beat the Lions.
The safe bets here are to take the Packers via the moneyline and against the spread (yes, even though it is relatively high). With what we know Green Bay is capable of, combined with what we saw from Goff and the Lions last week, it is probably safe to take the over, too.
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