Pack attack should make the difference

Green Bay at Detroit

The final match of the NFL regular season has the NFC North title on the line.

If Washington lose to the Giants then both teams will be sure of a playoff place before kick-off, but should the NFC East team beat the Giants, the stakes at Ford Field will be high and the losers’ season will be over.

The Packers won the teams’ first meeting 34-27 in Week Three and a similar scoreline looks quite possible at the indoor venue.

Green Bay have looked to be a worse side than their record indicates for much of the season, with their defence continuing to struggle, but they have won five games in a row since a 42-24 defeat to Washington.

They also have an advantage in that Detroit have had a reduced week of preparation after getting thumped 42-21 in Dallas on Monday.

The Lions quietly impressed while flying under the radar for most of the season but a finger injury suffered by quarterback Matt Stafford in Week 14 has been affecting his passing since and they may struggle to keep pace with the visitors. Running back Zach Zenner caught the eye against the Cowboys before the score meant the Lions had to abandon their ground game but even with a noisy crowd behind them – the Lions are 6-1 at home this season – this looks a tough test.

Recommendation
Green Bay -3
1pt 5-6 general

The lowdown
TV Sky Sports 1 Starts 1.30am
Venue Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Best handicaps Green Bay -3; Detroit +4
Points line 49.5 points

Team news
Green Bay
Wide receiver Randall Cobb (ankle) is rated questionable and could miss the game. Running back James Starks (concussion) has been ruled out. Cornerback Damarious Randall (shoulder), linebacker Joe Thomas (back), linebacker Jayrone Elliott (hand) and guard JC Tretter (knee) are also nursing injuries. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (calf) will start.

Detroit
Running back Theo Riddick (wrist) has been ruled out and centre Travis Swanson (concussion) is doubtful. Cornerback Darius Slay (hamstring), linebacker DeAndre Levy (knee), and wide receiver Andre Roberts (shoulder) are questionable.

Key stat
Green Bay have won 18 of their last 22 games against Detroit