Packers favored by 3.5 over Lions

[GrnBay007]

About what you would expect on Thanksgiving Day at Detroit.

GO PACK!!!!!

[Harlan Huckleby]

the packers are just a sports team. They ALL have letdowns, sooner or later the Pack are going to turn in a turkey. (Did I say that?)

this game is not a gimme by any means, especially psychologically. A lot of games in a short period of time, a team would be inclined to be less fired up for one of them.

[GrnBay007]

A lot of games in a short period of time, a team would be inclined to be less fired up for one of them.

But.......a division game with the team closest to them in the standings will fire them, IMO

....esp. after having lost one to the Bears

[Harlan Huckleby]

A lot of games in a short period of time, a team would be inclined to be less fired up for one of them.

But.......a division game with the team closest to them in the standings will fire them, IMO

....esp. after having lost one to the Bears

they lost to the Bears because the PackerRats morons jinxed them.

The Lions are the same old Lions. But they really CAN'T get fired up for every game, in my opinion.

[GrnBay007]

they lost to the Bears because the PackerRats morons jinxed them.

LOL Do I sense a lil animosity?

[mraynrand]

A lot of games in a short period of time, a team would be inclined to be less fired up for one of them.

But.......a division game with the team closest to them in the standings will fire them, IMO

....esp. after having lost one to the Bears

they lost to the Bears because the PackerRats morons jinxed them.

The Lions are the same old Lions. But they really CAN'T get fired up for every game, in my opinion.

I would agree that the team playing with the most desperation will be the Lions. The Packers would have to be extremely flat to lose, and that would have to include some major turnovers (knock on wood).

The Packers strengths match up so well with the Lions - good Packer pass rush against a poor O-line. Good Packer passing game against a terrible pass defense.

[HarveyWallbangers]

In some ways, I don't think their pass defense is that bad. They rank among the league leaders in sacks and they are first in interceptions with 15. This game will come down to line play. If we don't get pressure, we'll give up points. We also have to pass protect. I don't think Detroit will sit back in coverage like the last two opponents. I think they'll blitz more. Detroit's DL always seems to play it's best game in the Dome against Green Bay. This game is close to a tossup.

[Harlan Huckleby]

they lost to the Bears because the PackerRats morons jinxed them.

LOL Do I sense a lil animosity?

no, no, just disrespect. i know these people.

[mraynrand]

In some ways, I don't think their pass defense is that bad. They rank among the league leaders in sacks and they are first in interceptions with 15. This game will come down to line play. If we don't get pressure, we'll give up points. We also have to pass protect. I don't think Detroit will sit back in coverage like the last two opponents. I think they'll blitz more. Detroit's DL always seems to play it's best game in the Dome against Green Bay. This game is close to a tossup.

You're right. If they make plays, it will be with their D-line and blitz packages - the 15INTs come off of 28 sacks - the same number as the Packers. They've feasted on some bad offenses, but they've only lost one game at home.

[FritzDontBlitz]

A lot of games in a short period of time, a team would be inclined to be less fired up for one of them.

But.......a division game with the team closest to them in the standings will fire them, IMO

....esp. after having lost one to the Bears

they lost to the Bears because the PackerRats morons jinxed them.

The Lions are the same old Lions. But they really CAN'T get fired up for every game, in my opinion.

Do you honestly believe in superstitions?

[Jimx29]

It's gonna be ugly for Matt Milen and co.

I suspect another shutout, or at most 3 pts.

[BF4MVP]

We ought to be favored this game..That being said, it won't be easy..This is a HUGE division game. I can guarantee Coach will make sure they're not looking forward to Dallas until AFTER this game..I just hope they don't lay an egg..

[CaliforniaCheez]

The betting line is 3.5 points. Sports books don't predict winners and have nothing to do with action on the field.

They pick a number that produces an equal number of bettors on each team.

The Patriot line is 22 points. They have to spot 22 points to get enough bettors for the opponent. Sports books don't want to pay winning bets with their money but with the money of the people who bet on the "loser".

The line is an enticement for betting on the team not attracting as many bettors.

The Packers being a well liked team has often in the past had trouble covering the spread (this season is unusual). It happens to the Cowboys as well. Then later some reporter will talk about how many times a team failed to cover the spread.

The betting line is Packers by 3.5. They can beat the spread.

[run pMc]

DET usually puts up a big fight on T-Giving day, especially against the packers. Lately it's been their Super Bowl. I think with division or rivalry games you have to give a little more credence to the cliiches about throwing out the records. I still think GB should win this game, but it will be close.
The Packers have to not beat themselves.

GB 20 DET 16

[Merlin]

In some ways, I don't think their pass defense is that bad. They rank among the league leaders in sacks and they are first in interceptions with 15. This game will come down to line play. If we don't get pressure, we'll give up points. We also have to pass protect. I don't think Detroit will sit back in coverage like the last two opponents. I think they'll blitz more. Detroit's DL always seems to play it's best game in the Dome against Green Bay. This game is close to a tossup.

Yeah but the Lions can't run the ball and they are horrible on third down. They may have a "good" secondary but who have they beaten with a good passing attack?

Wins - Pass Ranking
-----------------------
Oakland - 30th
Minnesota - 31st
Chicago - 14th
Tamps Bay - 16th
Chicago - 14th
Denver - 13th

Losses - Pass Ranking
--------------------------
Philadelphia - 11th
Washington - 24th
Arizona - 12th
New York Giants - 20th

The best passing team statistically they have faced was Phlly at #11 and they blew Detroit out 56-21.

Remaining - Pass Ranking
------------------------------
Green Bay - 1st
Minnesota - 31st
Dallas - 3rd
San Diego - 25th
Kansas City - 17th
Green Bay - 1st

Detroit ranks 30th against the pass in yards, 2nd in interceptions, 3rd in sacks, but they rank 3rd in receiving touchdowns allowed. They rank 8th in total rushing defensive yards and 5th at yards per carry allowed. Their offense is in a similar position as ours. We are ranked 6th in scoring and they are ranked 7th offensively. However defensively we are ranked 3rd and they are ranked 24th in points allowed. The top offense we faced in passing was Philly as well at 11th. Detroit is ranked 9th overall. So this game will be the best passing offense that both teams have seen this season (on paper).

Outside of the Thanksgiving Day hex, I like our chances in this game. We know we can't stop the run well, but the Lions don't run the ball, they rely on the pass to set up the run. We may not have the sacks but we have to lead the league in pressure (if that is even a category). We definitely have two of the best CB's in the game and Rouse is playing pretty well in Collins' absence. Bush seems to be playing better lately.

Like Favre has said numerous times this season: This team doesn't know it's not supposed to be 9-1 because it's so young. It also doesn't know it is supposed to lose on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit either.