Detroit Lions (10-5) vs. Green Bay Packers (14-1)
The Green Bay Packers have clinched home field advantage and their quest for the perfect season is over. Thus, the need to play their starters more than the first quarter or half is nil. The Detroit Lions are still playing for the 5th seed and the ability to play the winner of the NFC East over the Saints/49ers. Can this be the year the Lions finally win in Lambeau since the late 80’s??? Well this is the year the Lions have returned to the playoffs so anything is possible.
What’s at stake?
For the Packers…nothing except risking injury. The Packers should play the starters through the 1st quarter to get some reps in but nothing more than that. For the Lions they need to get the 5th seed to ensure much better matchups throughout the playoffs. A trip to New Orleans means an early exit. A matchup vs. the Cowboys/Giants ensures a winnable game and possibility of the Lions 2nd playoff win since the Super Bowl era.
Matchups to watch for.
- Matthew Stafford vs. Charles Woodson: Being a lifelong MSU Spartan and Detroit Lions fan I have admire Charles Woodson’s career. That said I cannot wait for him to retire. He has had his way with the Lions and has had some of his best games vs. them. Woodson already had a crucial interception during the Thanksgiving game and even though Woodson will likely sit the 2nd half it would be nice if Stafford could get the better of him this one time. Advantage: Charles Woodson
- Packers Run Game vs. Lions Run Defense: The Green Bay Packers have struggled to run the ball this season. That being said, since Ryan Grant has returned to the starting lineup they have improved slightly in this area. The Detroit Lions are allowing over 125 yards rushing a game. There is some hope that they are improving; since the Vikings game the Lions have limited the Raiders and Chargers to meager totals. I predict the Lions run defense will shut down the Packers run game and expose the Packers main weakness…the inability to establish a consistent run game. Advantage: Lions Run Defense
- Lions Offensive Line vs. Packers Pass Rush: The Green Bay Packers only have 27 sacks. This offseason they need to find someone to play opposite of Clay Matthews. The Lions Pass protection has been under average. They have allowed 34 sacks in 15 games. Last year the Lions only allowed 26 sacks. With the tackles being inconsistent I predict the Packers being able to get to Stafford 2-4 times in this contest and end a few drives because of pressure. Advantage: Packers Pass Rush
- Calvin Johnson vs. Packers Defensive Backs: Calvin Johnson is having a career year. Their seems to be no stopping him. Either you double or triple cover him and allow Pettigrew, Burleson, and Young to take advantage of mismatches or single cover Johnson and get torched. Those are your only options. Advantage: Calvin Johnson
5. Detroit Lions vs. Themselves: The world will be watching to see if Suh and company lose their head in this final week. I am sure the Packers will be trying to get under the Lions skin. I have been proud the last 3 weeks of how the Lions have gotten past their self-destructive tendencies. I do not see the Lions tempers rising this game. Kudos to Jim Schwartz for righting the ship. Advantage: Lions Staying Composed
Outcome
With the Packers not playing their starters that long and having little interest in the outcome of this game….I think the Lions put a signature win and go into the playoffs with the 5th seed and a full head of steam. I pity the Lions 1st Round opponent. I predict a Lions 31-13 Victory.
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