Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Predictions

Detroit's pass rush is the strongest matchup edge

The Green Bay Packers report that Detroit is averaging more than 30 points per game, while Jared Goff has a 111.3 passer rating without an interception. The Lions also lead the NFL with 20 sacks in five games. That combination makes Detroit the likely winner at Ford Field, where SPF lists the Lions at -185 and -3.5.

Detroit enters at 3-2 after a bye. According to the Detroit Lions, the defense produced five sacks, 12 quarterback hits and nine passes defended in a 45-21 win at Arizona before the break. That pressure could decide whether Green Bay can sustain its recent scoring pace.

Green Bay has credible answers

The 4-2 Packers have scored 54 points over their past two games. Christian Watson and Matthew Golden have combined for more than 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, giving Green Bay the production to challenge a spread larger than a field goal.

Green Bay also leads the NFL with nine interceptions, although Goff has not thrown one this season. That strength-on-strength matchup adds uncertainty to Detroit's -185 price. The Packers will be without linebacker Zaire Franklin because of a shin injury, while running back Josh Jacobs and defensive tackle Jordon Riley were activated Saturday. Their workloads weren't specified.

Betting pick

Detroit's offense and pass rush justify picking the Lions to win, but the available evidence doesn't make -185 or -3.5 attractive. Green Bay's recent scoring and turnover production create a realistic path to a close game, so the betting lean is Pass.