Packers vs. Lions: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

Green Bay limps into this contest having lost three games in a row before fighting for a dreaded tie on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

With a record of 5-5-1, and thanks to the rest of the division's struggles of late, the Packers are still just one-half game behind the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears for the NFC North lead.

Detroit has lost two games in a row leading up to Thursday's Thanksgiving showdown with the Packers. The Lions were torched by Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers two weeks ago before getting shocked at home by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. 

With the division completely up for grabs, you can be sure both teams will be focused and determined, and given the familiarity the two teams have for one another, it's bound to be a highly physical game. 

Here's a look at when and where you can catch the action, along with injury reports for both teams, a closer look at the biggest key to the game and a final prediction. 

When: Thursday, Nov. 28, at 12:30 p.m. ET

Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich. 

Watch: Fox

Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket

Betting Lines (via Covers) 

• Over/Under: 50.5 points
• Spread: Detroit (-5.5)

Packers Injury Report (via Packers.com)

NAME	POSITION	INJURY	MON.	TUE.	WED.	GAME STATUS
Barclay, Don	T/G	Knee	LP	LP	-	-
Bostick, Brandon	TE	Concussion	DNP	DNP	-	-
Franklin, Johnathan	RB	Concussion / Neck	DNP	DNP	-	-
Jolly, Johnny	DT	Groin	LP	FP	-	-
Lattimore, Jamari	LB	Quadricep	DNP	DNP	-	-
Neal, Mike	DE/LB	Abdomen	LP	FP	-	-
Newhouse, Marshall	T	Shoulder	LP	FP	-	-
Perry, Nick	LB	Foot / Ankle	LP	LP	-	-
Rodgers, Aaron	QB	Collarbone	DNP	LP	-	-
Shields, Sam	CB	Hamstring	LP	FP	-	-
Sitton, Josh	G	Back	DNP	FP	-	-
Wilson, C.J.	DE	Ankle	DNP	DNP	-	-

Lions Injury Report (via DetroitLions.com)

POS.	NAME	INJURY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	STATUS
CB	Chris Houston	Foot	DNP	DNP
WR	Calvin Johnson	Knee	DNP	DNP
LB	Travis Lewis	Not Injury Related/personal matter	Not Listed	DNP
S	Louis Delmas	Knee	DNP	LP
S	Glover Quin	Ankle	DNP	LP
DE	Israel Idonije	Knee	DNP	FP

Will Eddie Lacy Carry The Pack to Victory?

Jason Wilde of ESPN Wisconsin noted on Monday that Packers head coach Mike McCarthy doesn't expect Aaron Rodgers to be available for this game, saying, "...he's slim to none. That's what I'm thinking.":

With Rodgers sidelined, Green Bay would be wise to give rookie running back Eddie Lacy a heavy workload on Thursday in Detroit. It's absolutely critical that this team establishes a running game early on to keep Detroit's defensive line honest.

Lacy has been incredibly productive for the Packers this year. Before being held to 14 carries in Week 11 against the New York Giants, he'd strung together six straight games in which he carried the ball at least 22 times, averaging 103 yards per game.

The Lions feature the NFL's No. 4-ranked run defense, allowing just 88 yards per game.

Lacy exceeded that average the first time the two teams met, running for 99 yards on 23 carries. If he can consistently gain positive yards again this week, then the Packers have a chance to control the clock and keep the ball away from Matthew Stafford and Detroit's potent offensive attack. 

Prediction

The Packers completely dominated the Lions when the two teams met in Week 5, but Green Bay has been hit hard by the injury bug since that time. On both sides of the ball, Green Bay is missing key players, while Detroit is starting to get stronger as the playoffs approach. 

Lions receiver Nate Burleson made a triumphant return to the starting lineup in Week 12, catching seven passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in his first game since infamously breaking his arm trying to save a falling pizza while driving his car. 

With him back in the lineup, it's hard to imagine the injury-riddled Packers secondary will have a chance of shutting him down, along with Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush. 

The Packers have allowed at least 26 points to opponents the past five games, winning just one of those contests. Look for the Lions to easily surpass that mark on their way to a decisive Thanksgiving Day victory.

Final Score 

Lions win 35-23.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78