The Detroit Lions clinched a playoff berth last week and for all intents and purposes this is somewhat of a meaningless game. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
Lambeau Field – Green Bay, WI Detroit<\/strong><\/p>\n Still you have to think the Lions would like to end a losing streak against the rival Packers that goes back to 1991. \u00a0That was the last time the Lions won at Lambeau Field. \u00a0Matt Stafford was just three year old.<\/p>\n The question is how much will he and the other starters play on Sunday. \u00a0Winning would be nice but playoff health trumps that. \u00a0Luckily they have an experienced backup in Shaun Hill. \u00a0He hasn\u2019t been forced into action much this year but over the years has shown he can produce and is better than most backups around the league. \u00a0He definitely gives them a shot to end the streak.<\/p>\n On defense these kinds of games are pretty vanilla, especially when there is a chance that teams might face each other again in the playoffs. \u00a0All it would take is a win in round one by Detroit and they are likely to be right back at Lambeau. \u00a0Looking at the number it appears that Vegas is assuming this is a give-up for the Packers.<\/p>\n Green Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n It is hard to know for sure just how seriously the Green Bay Packers are going to take this game. \u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Based on the number it looks like they will be resting all of their primary players to make sure they are strong for the stretch run. \u00a0But with a bye next week either way we might see some of them for the first quarter just so it won\u2019t have been almost a month since they saw game action when round 2 of the playoffs comes along.<\/p>\n In a game like this getting decent quarterback play is critical to remaining competitive. \u00a0The Lions definitely have confidence in their backup and Packers backup QB Matt Flynn has had some success in limited playing time over the last couple of seasons. \u00a0Most importantly he hasn\u2019t been a train wreck. \u00a0As long as they are playing smartly around him he has a chance to increase his reputation as one of the more game ready backups in the league.<\/p>\n While amassing their near perfect record the Packers have been lining pockets too with a 10-5 ATS record. \u00a0Although their may be an inclination to continue their dominance of the Lions I am sure the Lambeau faithful will gladly trade a win in January for one this week. \u00a0Mike McCarthy will play it smart and not play his guys any more than he has to to keep them sharp. \u00a0If that much. \u00a0You have to fade the Pack here or pass.<\/p>\n
\nSunday January 1 – 1:00PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0Detroit -200, Green Bay +170
\nSpread (ATS): Detroit -3.5
\nOver\/Under: 47
\nOdds courtesy of 5Dimes<\/strong><\/p>\n