Disappointing seasons for the NFC North rival Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers conclude on Sunday from Lambeau Field.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

In the previous two seasons, the Detroit Lions went 9-7 in each and made one playoff appearance. Yet, they decided to fire Coach Jim Caldwell and replace him with former Patriots (and ex-rocket scientist) Matt Patricia. His first year has been uneven at best with some questionable decision-making. Patricia’s defence has been largely solid, but the offence needs work in the off-season.

That the Packers will finish with a losing record is a stunner because it will be the first time doing so in a season in which star quarterback Aaron Rodgers was fully healthy other than his initial year as a starter in 2008. Green Bay already has fired Coach Mike McCarthy and interim coach Joe Philbin isn’t considered an option for the full-time job. Packers management has said Rodgers won’t have input on hiring the new coach, but don’t believe that for a second. The face of the franchise and highest-paid player in NFL history will at least be consulted.

Detroit goes for the season sweep as it beat the visiting Packers 31-23 in a weird Week 5 game. Green Bay outgained the Lions a whopping 521-264, with Rodgers throwing for 442 yards and three scores. However, he also lost two fumbles, and kicker Mason Crosby had a day for the ages in a bad way. He missed four field goals and a PAT.

The Lions are 2-5 ATS in their past seven in Green Bay.

Detroit Lions

The Lions, who will finish with double-digit losses for the first time since 2012, lost their second straight game Sunday, 27-9 to Minnesota despite leading 9-0 at one point. Yet again the offence was a problem as Detroit had just 223 yards. The Lions haven’t topped 20 points since Week 10. Matthew Stafford has regressed this year but did pass Dave Krieg for No. 22 on the NFL’s all-time passing yardage list. Stafford was questionable with a back injury. One would think the Lions would rest Stafford for this meaningless game but his 130 straight starts is the third-longest streak among active quarterbacks. Perhaps the Lions start Stafford to keep that going but pull him at some point.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers were criticized in some circles for allowing Rodgers to play Week 16, but he wanted to go and they aren’t about to tell him no. Rodgers had perhaps his best game of the season in a wild 44-38 overtime win at the Jets, throwing for 442 yards and two scores while rushing for two touchdowns. He hit Davante Adams from 16 yards out for the winning score. The Packers won the OT coin toss, took the ball and drove right down the field to end it. They were down 35-20 entering the fourth. With starting tailback Aaron Jones shut down for the season, Jamaal Williams stepped up with 95 yards rushing and a TD on 15 carries along with six catches for 61 yards.

Lions vs. Packers Prediction