Packers Lions Spread
September 14, 2008
-Brad Marchetti
The Green Bay Packers have owned the division rival Detroit Lions, but, this Sunday the Lions will be looking for some payback against a Brett Favre-less cheesehead crew. The Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions game is important for both teams to establish momentum in the wide-open NFC North. Aaron Rodgers, looked sharp in place of Brett Favre in his season debut but, the jury is still out. The Green Bay Packers vs Detroit NFL betting odds for the game is at Green Bay -3.
Green Bay, is Aaron Rodgers football team. Despite old Brett skating out of town in the limelight, being all over the news, the Packers defense is what really should have been making headlines. The Packers defense gives Rodgers, who is a ball-control type QB, a chance to feel comfortable that he doesn’t have to do it all on his own. Ryan Grant (4.45 40-time) is a physical running back is banged in this game facing a soft Lions run defense that misses Shaun Rodgers. Detroit linebacker Ernie Sims, Detroit’s best defensive player, will need to step up and have a big game. Green Bay has gone OVER on the betting line 15 of 18 games so keep an eye on that play. The NFL betting odds for the Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions OVER\UNDER wager is at 45.5 points.
Detroit has a fine QB in Jon Kitna, despite the “experts” always trying to write him off. The heady veteran Kitna, will need to focus on getting the ball in the hands of his burner, 6′3″ 240 Lb. WR Calvin Johnson (4.35 40-time). The Packers have a well-built defense but Johnson could beat up on a bruised Lions secondary a little bit. Rookie Lions RB Kevin Smith and veteran Rudi Johnson, give the black and blue division Lions, some punch on the ground. The pack were hit for 5.1 YPC against Minnesota animal RB Adrian Peterson in the season opener. With former offensive Mike Martz gone, look for the Lions to try and play more smash-mouth offense in this one. Green Bay needs to get more heat on the QB from DE Aaron Kampman and crew to disrupt Kitna.
This is a big divisional game and Detroit will be looking to bounce back from a poor opener. Aaron Rodgers could take more time to develop than people expect with such little game experience. Detroit, will need big games from their men up front to beat a good Green Bay team in their home building.
NFL Betting Odds Edges:
GB are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 road games.
Over is 15-3 in GB last 18 games overall.
Packers have won by 10.0 points in their last 5 meetings