Hopefully you like points. When the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions meet in Week 7, that is the only thing on the menu. And that is thanks in large part to a Lions' defense that simply can't get off the field.
Detroit scores points like no other, but also gives them up at an alarming rate. In other words, Christian Watson and Matthew Golden should be salivating at the matchup. The fantasy managers who roster those players will be thinking the same thing.
More importantly, this is a key contest in the ever-crowded NFC North where there is no margin for error.
Green Bay enters the contest at 4-2, erasing any negative thoughts that surfaced after the 0-2 start to the year. Detroit is 3-2, which is good enough for last place in the NFC North. Both
teams are chasing the 5-0 Vikings, with the 4-2 Bears standing in the way as well.
With only so many playoff spots to go around, this Week 7 matchup could have massive implications down the road. Here's a look at the keys to the game, injuries to watch and a prediction.
Lions vs Packers odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Lions -2.5
- Moneyline: Lions -142; Packers +120
- Total: 50.5
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Lions Keys To Victory
Slow down Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. It's easier said than done, of course, but it's the one true path to victory for Detroit - outside of winning a shootout. The Lions' secondary has been a huge weakness all season long, and perhaps there is no better team position to exploit that than the Packers. Green Bay will try to hit some home runs with its speedy receivers. Even with Brian Branch set to return, Detroit will have to be willing to sit back in zone coverage and hold the visitors to some singles.
Packers Keys To Victory
Stay patient. With a defense as weak as the Lions, the Packers just have to play the waiting game. And that's something Dan Campbell's teams haven't been known to do. Detroit can either take away the long ball or attempt to get to Jordan Love with pressure. If the Lions sit back, then the Packers need to show an ability to run the ball. If they pressure, get ready to light up the scoreboard. Green Bay has the advantage, but it can't beat itself.
Injuries to watch
Lions
• S Brian Branch • OL Cade Mays
Packers
• OL Aaron Banks.
Lions vs Packers USA TODAY expert picks
Nicholas Brinkerhoff: Packers 34, Lions 30
This game might come down to who has the ball last. Detroit might be coming out of the bye with some reinforcements, but this is still a defense that will ruin a season. And for that reason, no lead is safe - especially against the rival Packers, who can strike quickly. Jordan Love was forced to grow up as a quarterback without a running game to rely on through the first six weeks. He is passing that test with flying colors after a slow start. Trust the more well-rounded Packers to get the job done and push their winning streak to four.
Adam Kaufman: Lions 31, Packers 27
This should be fun. Green Bay has won three straight, but Detroit comes out of its bye with reinforcements. Brian Branch's expected return won't magically fix the secondary, though even a few additional stops could make a significant difference. The Lions already have an offense capable of taking advantage, with Jahmyr Gibbs headlining their weapons. Jordan Love should still find opportunities, and the Packers can absolutely win if they protect him and avoid giving the home team extra possessions. Josh Jacobs' availability is another important piece. I'm expecting both quarterbacks to have productive stretches. But Jared Goff and Dan Campbell have been a dynamic duo with extended rest and know what's at stake in a crowded NFC North. This should be competitive well into the fourth quarter, but I like the Lions indoors.
Where to watch Packers at Lions
- Matchup: Lions vs. Packers
- Date: Oct. 25
- Time: 4:25 p.m.
- Venue: Ford Field
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- TV: Fox
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Packers vs. Lions predictions: Detroit's biggest weakness could decide Week 7
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