NFL Picks Week 17: Green Bay Packers Are Underdogs Against the Detroit Lions

The Green Bay Packers (14-1) have very little to play for in hosting the Detroit Lions (10-5) after wrapping up home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with last week's 35-21 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Oddsmakers sent out the Packers as three-point home favorites, but that number has plummeted in anticipation of the defending Super Bowl champions resting players.

Cantor Gaming has the Lions currently listed as 3.5-point road favorites, while the total sits at 45.

Let's take a closer look at this NFC North affair from a betting perspective.

Green Bay Needs to Win This Game

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't expected to see much of the field Sunday, but backup Matt Flynn will definitely try and secure a victory against a division rival.

Picking up a victory in this contest also has some historical significance, with only six out of 109 teams going on to win the Super Bowl when entering the playoffs off a loss since the 1980 campaign.

Fans inside Lambeau Field will need to make their presence felt.

Detroit Lions Are Terrible on the Road in This Situation

The Detroit Lions may be in line to secure the No. 5 seed in the NFC playoffs with a victory, but there's never a sure thing in the NFL.

Bettors will be interested in knowing that the Lions have lost their last 18 divisional road games when their opponent possesses a winning record.

It's never easy in a rivalry game.

The Green Bay Packers Love the Final Game of the Regular Season

The Green Bay Packers have tallied a 16-1 straight-up record in their final regular season game the last 17 years, posting an 11-4-2 against-the-spread mark along the way.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will have his team ready to play, no matter who sits out most of the game.

Green Bay Packers Own the Detroit Lions in Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers have proven victorious in 20 consecutive meetings with the Detroit Lions when playing in the state of Wisconsin.

Bettors will find that the Packers have been a double-digit favorite the last three times these teams have played inside Lambeau Field.

Value is found on the home team.

Green Bay Packers Winning Streak at Lambeau Field

The Green Bay Packers aren't going to lay down despite having many of their starters on the sidelines Sunday, especially with the team carrying a 12-game home winning streak.

There's no doubt in my mind that the franchise wants to move that streak to 13 games heading into the playoffs.

Prediction

Casual bettors will get blinded by this game carrying more meaning for the visitor, as the Green Bay Packers have plenty to play for.

Detroit is 0-4 ATS in its last four tries as a road favorite of 3.5 to 10 points, which fits nicely with Green Bay's 4-1 ATS mark as a home underdog.

Take advantage of the public's overreaction.

Pick: Green Bay Packers (+3.5)