NFL Week 12 Predictions: Green Bay Trends to Look for Before, After Detroit Game

The last two times the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers came together on Thanksgiving Day, Green Bay walked away victorious. Going three-for-three would not only bring the Packers the coveted 11-0 they so strongly desire right now, but it would also vindicate the 1962 loss that stripped them of their last 10-0 streak.

The day that happened, ironically, was Thanksgiving Day.

What could be sweeter that the taste of revenge for our modern-day championship team?

There are a lot of trends to look for with Green Bay in mind during the game.

High Scores

Expect a lot of action and a lot of highlight reels.

Green Bay has scored 28 points or more in the first half a total of three times so far this season. That’s a franchise best, just in case you’re wondering.

They also scored at least 42 points four times this season.  

As for the rest of the NFL, all 31 other teams combined have only done this five times.

If you had to put money on any team continuing a trend for a high-scoring first half, put your money on the Pack.

Mason Crosby

Until last week's post-hitting ball during the game against Tampa Bay, Mason Crosby had posted 23 consecutive field goals.

Despite that one unfortunate kick, Crosby has been infallible to the Packers during the 2011 season. His season longest was in Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, kicking for an astonishing 58 yards.

Don't let the last attempt he made influence your perception of his talent. If Crosby is up, expect him to follow through accurately with what needs to be done.

Aaron Rodgers

Unsurprisingly, QB Aaron Rodgers has earned a passer rating of at least 110 in each season game so far this year, the longest single-season streak in NFL history.

Last Sunday, Rodgers set an NFL single-season milestone by posting a 100-plus rating in his 10th straight game, topping the previous record held by Peyton Manning's nine in 2004.

In addition to this, Rodgers has thrown for at least two touchdowns in each game this season, something only four other QBs have done in NFL history.

At the close of the game, expect for Rodgers to close out at a minimum of 100 for his passer rating. According to the Green Bay official website, his 2011 passer rating average is 128.8 so 100 should be easy as a piece of pumpkin pie.

Game Ties

The Green Bay Packers have ended games in a tie more with the Detroit Lions than any other team, topping it out at seven tie games.

Fortunately, though, the ultimate winner in these face-offs has been the Packers, winning 89 compared to Detroit's 65.

Yes, Green Bay has led the NFL is high-scoring first halves and games. Despite this, we could expect to see a close game as these two NFC conference players meet up to battle it out. With the intensity these two are coming against each other with, player drive and motivation will be at their highest.

Wide Use of Team

Aaron Rodgers certainly doesn’t play favorites. In fact, he has utilized a total of 15 different teammates to usher in their scoring drives this season. Almost every week it seems as if a new player is making his first touchdown of the season.

Last week facing off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tom Crabtree was the latest to be added to this tally. Rookie LT Derek Sherrod, Evan Dietrich-Smith and Andrew Quarless are among those who still need to put up points for the 2011 season. Look for some action to some surprising recipients.

If the team continues on the same path that its been, look for even more new and surprising faces to contribute to the game. Why not? It sure throws off the opponent, doesn’t it?

Enjoy

As the nation gathers around their television sets and turkeys, football will likely be tuned in. The tradition of football and family is ingrained in many American spirits.

No matter the outcome of the game, enjoy it. On a day like Thanksgiving, it's the joys of being together that truly count.