NFL Week 17 Picks: Expect Lions' High-Powered Offense to Spank Packers

Week 17 of the NFL season is simple.

Some teams have absolutely nothing to play for and are merely going through the motions—while others have everything on the line.

Although the 10-5 Detroit Lions have already clinched a playoff berth, they can lock up the No. 5 seed in the NFC with a win at Lambeau Field against the 14-1 Green Bay Packers. For the Lions, a win is the difference between playing the NFC East winner (Dallas/New York) or the New Orleans Saints—so expect a maximum effort from the Lions.

The Packers meanwhile have already locked up the No. 1 seed and have absolutely nothing to play for considering they missed out on the opportunity to have a perfect season.

That’s why you need to take the Lions - 3.5.

The Packers are dealing with a variety of injuries to their offensive line and would be foolish to have Aaron Rodgers play more than a quarter or two against a Lions team that is quickly earning a reputation around the league as a dirty team.

WR Greg Jennings has already been ruled “out” for Sunday and it’s highly likely that RB James Starks, TE Jermichael Finley and OL Bryan Bulaga will see much action as they nurse nagging injuries as well.

That means a talented Lions team that features a red-hot Matthew Stafford (averaged 349.7 passing yards in last four games) will be feasting on a Packers team that is 31^st in total defense and passing yards.

On Thanksgiving Day the Packers were easily able to match Detroit because of their vaunted pass offense, certainly not because of their running game, that is ranked 27th in the league. Without Rodgers, this team will be relying on backup Matt Flynn to go toe-to-toe with Stafford.

Urgency and desperation is everything in the NFL and the Packers have none of it. With visions of the Super Bowl clouding the collective minds of Green Bay, expect the Lions to smash them from the opening kickoff.

Key Trends

Road team is 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings.

Lions are 6-1-2 ATS in their last nine games on grass.

Packers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a ATS win.

Prediction: Lions 34, Packers 17

(Spread courtesy of Covers.com.)