Detroit Lions vs. Oakland Raiders: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders meet up in Week 15 of the 2011 NFL season in a game that is absolutely jam packed with playoff implications.

The Lions come into this game at 8-5 and fresh off a last-second win over the Minnesota Vikings.

They're currently in the driver's seat for the last playoff spot in the NFC, but the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys are right behind them. 

It's a simple equation for the Lions, all they need to do is continue to win and they're in.

The Raiders, on the other-hand, are in the midst of a two-game slide and are a game behind the Denver Broncos in the AFC West and look to have an outside shot at a Wild Card berth right now.

Their best shot at the playoffs is to take the division, which would mean they need to start winning, and the Tim Tebow led Broncos need to start losing.

They have a good shot this week with Denver squaring off with New England, so the Raiders have to win this game at all costs.

The playoff implications are many in this matchup, and it's sure to be an exciting game:

Where: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA 

When: Sunday, Dec. 18. 4:05 p.m. EST

Watch: Fox

Spread: Lions -1.5

Obviously the oddsmakers feel these two teams are closely contested. I'd stay away from this line, as I feel the advantage should go to the home team.

Over/Under: 47.5

We know both teams can score, so going over here is a good move.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bovada.com

Key Injuries: 

Lions: Did Not Participate In Practice: Cornerback Aaron Berry (shoulder), safety Louis Delmas (knee), cornerback Justin Durant (hamstring), defensive end Lawrence Jackson (thigh), running back Kevin Smith (ankle), cornerback Eric Wright (hamstring).

Raiders: Did Not Participate In Practice: wide receiver Jacoby Ford (foot), quarterback Jason Campbell (collarbone), defensive tackle John Henderson (knee), safety Michael Huff (hamstring), running back Taiwan Jones (hamstring), running back Darren McFadden (foot).

Fantasy Big Plays:

Start: Even though Kevin Smith is on the injury report, indications are that he is looking to play this week. He's a great play against a Raiders defense that gives up 141 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry.

Sit: Carson Palmer is a scary fantasy start in general, but especially this week. He's coming off a four interception performance against the Packers, and the Lions pass rush is going to cause him problems.

Keys to Lions Win:

How is the team and specifically the defense going to react to having Ndamukong Suh back in action? How will this young and very undisciplined team react to the pressure of a playoff hunt?

Those two questions need to be answered by the Lions, and in the end the key to this game will be whether or not coach Jim Schwartz can guide his team to the positive answers to those questions.

Keys to Raiders Win:

Running back Michael Bush is going to have to play a huge role in this game. The Lions give up 136.1 yards per game on the ground, and Bush has been hot lately with four touchdowns in the past five games.

If the Raiders can run the ball and control the clock they can win this game.

Prediction:

Both teams desperately need this game, but I think the Raiders will want it more at home, knowing the division is still attainable.

Lions: 28 Raiders: 34