4* Packers/Lions NFC North Game of the Week

Green Bay vs. Detroit, 11/18/2012 13:00 EDT, Score: 24 - 20

Point Spread: -3/+104 Green Bay

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

4* Packers/Lions NFC North Game of the Week: Packers -3

The Packers return from their bye week riding a four-game winning streak and it appears that this team is back on track after a surprising 2-3 start. Green Bay hasn’t just been beating teams of late, they have been winning easily. Each of their four most recent wins have come by at least 9 points and that includes a 42-24 blowout victory at Houston back on Oct. 14.

With Chicago losing to the Texans last Sunday and possibly their starting quarterback Jay Cutler for a game or two, Green Bay is in prime position to take back control of the North. The Packers are just a game back of the Bears in the standings and have already defeated them once this season. They understand the importance of getting a win against a division opponent and you can expect them to be extremely focused and motivated to win this game.

Given how the public seems to want to hold on to how good this Detroit team was a year ago and the Packers relatively quite start compared to last year, I think we have a very favorable line for Green Bay in this game. The Lions continue to find ways to lose game and it’s hard to see it turning around against Aaron Rodgers and company. The Packers defeated the Lions in both meetings last season, including a 27-15 win at Detroit as a small 4-point favorite.

The Lions biggest weaknesses this season have been their horrible special teams play and their lack of discipline. Green Bay feast off teams like Detroit. The Packers are 33-18 ATS over their last 51 games vs opponents who allow 24 or more yards/kickoff return, 22-8 ATS vs opponents who allow 12 yards or more/punt return and 10-2 ATS vs mistake prone teams who commit 60+ penalty yards/game. BET THE PACKERS!