Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Detroit Lions (10-5) will try to secure the NFC's fifth seed with a win over the Green Bay Packers (14-1), who have already clinched home field throughout the NFC playoffs. The Packers emerged victorious in the teams' first meeting of the season on Thanksgiving Day.

Finishing ahead of the Atlanta Falcons is crucial for the Lions, as it will allow them to avoid the New Orleans Saints or San Francisco 49ers in the first round. They would instead play the NFC East winner, which would give Detroit a much better chance of advancing.

The Lions will be helped by the fact that Green Bay has nothing to play for on Sunday. Several key players are already nursing injuries, and head coach Mike McCarthy will not put other significant contributors in any danger, especially quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Where: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

When: Sunday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Spread: Lions -3

This line obviously looks a bit weird because the oddsmakers are just as clueless as everybody else about how long the Packers' stars will play. It will all depend on which side of the rust versus rest fence McCarthy falls on considering the recent injury to Greg Jennings.

If I was forced to guess, I'd say the Packers' starters wouldn't last more than one quarter which makes me lean toward the Lions. They should have a sizable motivation advantage and have been playing well during their current three-game winning streak.

Pick: Lions

Over/Under: 45.5

Another tough pick, because if both teams were going to be at full strength for all 60 minutes, this would likely go over. Instead, it's a toss up. The Lions should score their fair share of the points, but I have a feeling the Packers will come up short.

In reality, your best choice would be to avoid these picks altogether unless you have a strong feeling one way or another about the Packers. With McCarthy playing it close to the vest, it's too tough to call.

Pick: Under

Key Injuries (via CBS Sports)

Lions: DE Cliff Avril (questionable, back), S Louis Delmas (questionable, knee), DT Nick Fairley (questionable, foot), WR Calvin Johnson (questionable, Achilles) and RB Kevin Smith (probable, ankle)

Packers: WR Greg Jennings (out, knee), TE Jermichael Finley (questionable, knee), LB Clay Matthews (questionable, ankle), RB James Starks (questionable, knee) and Charles Woodson (questionable, knee)

Fantasy Big Plays

QB Matthew Stafford (DET)—Stafford has scored at least 25 fantasy points in consecutive weeks and gets another favorable matchup against a Packers secondary that may be without Woodson. As long as Calvin Johnson is able to play, another monster game is likely.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET)—The Packers rank dead last at defending opposing fantasy tight ends, which makes Pettigrew a must-start option. His production has been disappointing considering preseason expectations, but he should be able to close on a high note.

I would not trust any Green Bay fantasy players in Week 17.

Keys to Lions Win

1. No early mistakes—Detroit can't afford to fall behind early and allow Green Bay's second unit to play from ahead. They should utilize a very conservative approach in the first quarter and hope the Packers eventually call off the dogs, allowing them to capitalize.

2. Don't change the mindset—Just because everybody is expecting the Packers to rest players doesn't mean the game suddenly becomes a cakewalk for the Lions. They need to enter this game just as if it was a playoff game with everything at stake.

Keys to Packers Win

1. Stay in attack mode—No matter who's under center, the Packers should play out the game just like any other. The tendency is to burn clock when the second unit is out there, but Green Bay's depth may get tested during an extended playoff run, so they want those players in good form.

2. Strong depth performances—Speaking of depth, it's one of the main reasons the Packers are the NFL's best team right now. When a player goes down, another immediately steps up to fill the void. Good outings from those guys will keep them competitive.

Prediction

Lions 23, Packers 17