Packers vs Lions Thursday Night Football: Odds, Spread, Predictions

Thursday Night Football will be must-watch television as the Lions host the Packers. Both teams are fresh off Thanksgiving Day victories and now battle in a pivotal NFC North clash. The Lions are the best team in the NFC and are the current Super Bowl favorites, but a loss here and their divisional lead falls to just one game.

BEST BET: Packers +3.5

This line opened at -4.5 but the public quickly jumped on the Packers. It’s a bit of a surprise as Detroit has been one of the best teams ATS going 9-3 this season and getting that weekly public support. But there are concerns with the Lions defensively as several players were hurt in that game against the Bears. The Packers have relied heavily on the run game and you’d figure they will do the same against a depleted defense. In Week 9, Green Bay outgained the Lions by 150 yards but lost 24-14. The Pack were 1-for-4 in the red zone, took 10 penalties for 67 yards, and Jordan Love threw a pick-six. The Packers still have an outside shot of winning the division so this is a must win game, and at worst, they keep this within a field goal.

BONUS BEST BET: Under 51

The fact the Lions are hurting on defense means the Packers would like to find a way to avoid a shootout. That means, running the ball and keeping Detroit’s high-powered offense on the sidelines. And this total seems a bit high as there have been only 12 closing totals above 50 points this season, with those games finishing 5-7 O/U. Green Bay has been running the ball at a 56% rate and held the Lions to 261 yards in their Week 9 meeting with that game going under. If the Packers find success on the ground, this game will stay well under this total.

Game Betting Odds

Packers +3.5 (-113)
Lions -3.5 (-107)
Total: 51
Moneyline: GB +165, Detroit -190

Recent Betting Trends

Packers are 2-4 ATS in their last six games
The UNDER is 4-2 in the Packers last six games
Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last six games vs. Packers
Packers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games in Detroit
Lions are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games
Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs divisional opponents

James Murphy

Years of Experience: 24+
Specialties & Areas of Focus: NFL, Betting

James Murphy is a preeminent authority on the international gambling industry and has made frequent appearances in the mainstream media including the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, Entertainment Weekly, CNBC and NPR. He has previously worked as a radio and podcasting host where he broadcast to an international audience that depended on his expertise and advice. Murphy also serves as an odds making consultant for sports and ‘non-sport novelty bets’ covering the entertainment industry, politics, technology, financial markets and just about everything else.

Author profile