Predictions: Packers-Lions
Coming off a thrilling comeback in Week 11, the Detroit Lions are tasked with performing at a high level on a short week. They left plenty to be desired against Chicago Sunday, but wound up finding a way to win when it mattered most.
This week, the Lions will face a Packers team that is without its top running back in Aaron Jones. Given their ability to stop the run already, I believe the Lions' defense will keep the Packers from getting any momentum on the ground.
It all comes down to the pass-rush. If the Lions can keep Jordan Love uncomfortable in the pocket, I expect them to win by double digits. I predict Aidan Hutchinson will get into a groove with two sacks, and the offense rolls, thanks to another Jameson Williams touchdown.
Lions 27, Packers 13
The Lions experienced a scare their last time out, having to erase a 12-point deficit in under 4:00 in order to defeat the Bears. I don't believe Dan Campbell's team will encounter nearly as tough of a fight from the Packers Thursday.
In front of a raucous, capacity crowd at Ford Field, I believe that Detroit's backfield tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs will help the Lions control the time of possession. Meanwhile, Green Bay will struggle all afternoon long establishing its ground game, without the services of Aaron Jones.
Ultimately, I have Detroit notching its first win on Thanksgiving since 2016, while subsequently extending its win streak to five games against the Packers.
Lions 35, Packers 24
Week 12 features some home cooking for the Detroit Lions, which are hungry for a Thanksgiving day win against the Green Bay Packers.
Of course, the Packers are no longer as formidable as they once were, and the Lions defeated them in a very entertaining game to close out last season.
This time around, Detroit is much improved. I'm looking for Jared Goff to bounce back in this contest, after having thrown a couple interceptions against the Bears.
Additionally, I expect that the ground game will continue to be strong, as David Montgomery leads the way.
Given that the Lions have home-field advantage, I also think the Packers will struggle to produce on the road, as they have for much of the year.
Green Bay doesn't have enough firepower to stop the red-hot Lions, and Detroit will cruise to another win.
Lions 27, Packers 21
The Lions should be able to execute well offensively, as the Packers' defense has struggled to stop the run and is not that stout against the pass.
Detroit's defense, which has struggled to sack the quarterback the past several weeks, has the opportunity to get after a young quarterback.
Jared Goff has been solid running the two-minute offense. With Jameson Williams steadily improving, he could be a recipient of another deep touchdown, which would make everyone thankful the team traded up for him in the draft last year.
A couple of Jordan Love interceptions will pave the way for the fans in attendance to enjoy a Lions victory on Thanksgiving.
Lions 27, Packers 20
