Packers vs. Lions Thursday Night Football Picks: Detroit Will Find a Way to Win Again

Packers Prevail Against Dolphins

Jordan Love shined in the Green Bay Packers’ 30-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, delivering two touchdown passes to Jayden Reed while completing 21 of 28 passes for 274 yards.

Josh Jacobs contributed with 43 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, adding four receptions for 74 yards. Tucker Kraft led the receiving corps with six catches for 78 yards, while Christian Watson added 67 yards on two receptions.

Celebrating their third consecutive win, the Packers enjoyed a turkey platter brought into the locker room by Jacobs. Green Bay has now won seven of their last eight games, building a commanding 27-3 lead in this contest and holding strong with a goal-line stand to halt a late Dolphins rally.

Lions Win 10th Straight Game

Jared Goff and the NFC-leading Detroit Lions extended their franchise-best 10-game winning streak by edging the Chicago Bears 23-20. Goff connected on 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, both to Sam LaPorta.

On the ground, David Montgomery tallied 88 yards on 21 carries, while Jahmyr Gibbs added 87 yards on nine carries. Amon-Ra St. Brown led Detroit receivers with five catches for 73 yards.

The Lions snapped their seven-game Thanksgiving losing streak but faced a tense finish. Chicago had a late opportunity to tie or take the lead, driving into Detroit territory before stalling.

Caleb Williams, under pressure, was sacked with about 30 seconds remaining, and his final pass fell incomplete from the Detroit 41-yard line as time expired, squandering Chicago’s last timeout.

Detroit set a new franchise benchmark with its best 12-game record in team history, matching the 1934 squad’s 10-game win streak. The Lions had dominated early, taking a 16-0 halftime lead and holding a 23-7 edge after three quarters. Chicago’s comeback attempt marked the second consecutive week Williams fell short in a late-game rally.

The Lions missed a chance to extend their lead late when Jake Bates, who had been perfect on his first 19 NFL field goals, missed from 45 yards out. That drive was marred by a 15-yard penalty on Jameson Williams for unsportsmanlike conduct, throwing the football at a Bears player on the sideline.

Key Matchups

This game will likely hinge on the Packers’ ability to execute offensively against Detroit’s stout defense and whether the Lions can maintain their balanced attack without critical errors. 

Jordan Love vs. Detroit’s Defense

Love is coming off an efficient performance, completing 75% of his passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns against Miami. His connection with Reed has become a key weapon, while Kraft and Watson provide additional firepower.

However, Detroit’s defense has been opportunistic, as evidenced by their ability to stall the Bears’ late-game drives. If Detroit’s pass rush can pressure Love and force him into quick decisions, the Packers’ offense could stall. Love’s ability to stay composed and distribute the ball efficiently will be crucial.

Josh Jacobs vs. Detroit’s Front Seven

Jacobs’ dual-threat capability adds another layer to Green Bay’s offense. While he had a modest performance on the ground against Miami, his impact as a receiver (74 yards on four catches last week) cannot be ignored.

Detroit, led by a physical defensive front, must contain Jacobs on early downs to put the Packers in long-yardage situations. If Green Bay establishes a consistent run game, it could open up the play-action pass and keep Detroit’s defense guessing.

Jared Goff vs. Green Bay’s Secondary

Goff has been the steady hand guiding the Lions’ 10-game winning streak, completing 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears. His chemistry with LaPorta has been a consistent asset, while St. Brown, and Williams add reliable targets downfield.

Green Bay’s secondary will need to limit explosive plays and force Goff into long drives, where mistakes become more likely. Goff’s efficiency in the red zone could tilt this matchup in Detroit’s favor.

Detroit’s Rushing Duo vs. Green Bay’s Run Defense

The Lions boast a potent one-two punch with Montgomery and Gibbs. This tandem can wear down defenses and control the clock, a strategy that could be crucial in neutralizing Green Bay’s offensive rhythm. The Packers must focus on gap discipline and tackling fundamentals to prevent big plays on the ground.

Special Teams and Turnovers

Both teams have shown lapses in execution that could be pivotal in a tightly contested game. Bates, Detroit’s rookie kicker, missed his first field goal of the season last week, and Green Bay’s ability to capitalize on similar mistakes could be a game-changer.

Turnovers will also play a significant role, as Detroit’s defense thrives on creating pressure and Green Bay has demonstrated resilience in key moments.

The Pick

This game promises to be a physical battle between two teams with contrasting strengths. The Packers’ offense, led by Jordan Love, will look to test Detroit’s secondary with a mix of short and intermediate passes while leaning on Jacobs for balance. Meanwhile, the Lions will aim to control the game with their ground attack and efficient passing game.

Detroit will be at home and their ability to dominate in the trenches give them a slight edge. However, Green Bay’s recent momentum and versatility on offense can keep this game close. Expect a back-and-forth contest with the Lions pulling away late thanks to their superior run game and disciplined defense.

The Lions are 5.5-point home favorites on Thursday. I took the Lions in Week 9 as 4-point road favorites and they didn’t disappoint, beating the Packers 24-14. I like Detroit again.

NFL Pick: Lions -3.5 (-107) at BetOnline

Lions -3.5 (-107)

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