NFL Picks: Week 12 Lions vs Packers

Share News

The Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions are preparing for an electrifying NFL NFC North rivalry game on Thanksgiving Day. The Packers, with a 4-6 record are riding the momentum of a narrow victory over the Chargers, pulling off a 23-20 win as 2.5-point underdogs. On the other side, the 8-2 Lions struggled to a 31-26 win over the Bears, despite being 7.5-point favorites. These teams have a history this season, with the Lions taking a 34-20 victory in their previous encounter. 

BUSR NFL Lines

Spread: Packers +7.5 (.111), Lions -7.5 (-109) 

Moneyline: Packers +285, Lions -375

Total: O 47 (-114), U 47 (-106) 

Green Bay Packers

The Packers, struggling on the road with a 1-4 record away from Lambeau Field, are looking to change their fortunes as they face the Lions. Quarterback Jordan Love steps up following a solid performance against the Chargers, where he threw a late 24-yard touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs. Love boasts a season average of 233.1 yards per game and has a 16-10 TD-INT ratio. The Packers’ ground game sees AJ Dillon leading the rush, averaging 40.5 yards per game, with Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs being the standout receivers.

Scoring an average of 20.2 points per game, Green Bay’s defense has outperformed its offense, ranking 10th by allowing the same average points per game. Linebacker Quay Walker with 73 tackles and Rashan Gary with 5.5 sacks lead the defense, which has a total of nine takeaways. However, the Packers have to manage their offense without key players like Aaron Jones and face the absence of defensive stalwarts Rudy Ford and Jaire Alexander due to injuries.

Detroit Lions

The Lions, led by Coach Dan Campbell, have shown remarkable improvement, securing seven wins out of their last eight games. Jared Goff’s season has been impressive with an average of 274.3 yards per game and a 16-8 TD-INT ratio. Despite a less stellar performance against the Bears, Goff has reliable assets in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield and a prime target in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Detroit’s offense ranks 6th with 27.2 PPG, while the defense sits at 22nd, allowing 22.9 PPG. Linebacker Alex Anzalone and rookie Aidan Hutchinson are key defensive players, with Jerry Jacobs leading in interceptions.

The Lions face their own injury concerns, with Jonah Jackson being questionable and CJ Gardner-Johnson out for the upcoming game.

Prediction

The prediction for this Thanksgiving match leans towards the Packers taking the points. Green Bay has played better in recent games, and Jordan Love is coming off his career-best performance. The Packers’ stronger pass defense is expected to challenge the Lions’ air attack, potentially making this a tight, competitive game. Divisional matchups often bring surprises, especially in a short week, so taking the Packers with the points in BUSR’s NFL Odds could be a savvy move for bettors looking to capitalize on the holiday action.