Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 17 at Lions

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on Week 17’s season finale showdown with the Lions at Ford Field.

The Green Bay Packers will face the Detroit Lions in the season finale for the fourth straight year. The last two years, the game meant nothing for the postseason. This year, the Packers have an opportunity to clinch a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs with a win over the Lions on Sunday at Ford Field.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 17 matchup will go down:

Zach Kruse (11-4): Packers 34, Lions 12

The Lions are limping to the finish line in 2019, having lost eight straight games overall and three straight games by more than one score. Matt Patricia’s team is still playing hard, but it’s tough to be truly competitive with all the injuries and absences on the roster. The Packers are rolling and have all the motivation in the world to win. Expect Matt LaFleur’s team to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Securing a big early lead could allow the Packers to coast to a 13th win and a well-deserved first-round bye.

Jack Wepfer (10-5): Packers 31, Lions 10

The Lions are so banged up, and after the Packers’ best defensive performance of the year, Sunday’s game is close for a quarter before the Packers take the commanding lead. The offense will also hit a few plays downfield against Detroit’s lackluster secondary. In the end, the Packers cruise and then wait to see what happens between San Francisco and Seattle.

Marty Kauffman (10-5): Packers 28, Lions 10

This game should not be close but I can see the Lions putting up an early fight. It is imperative Green Bay gets off to a fast start and keeps the foot on the gas to ensure the road win and first-round bye. This team knows what is at stake and will be motivated to get one step closer to their ultimate goal.

Anthony Nash (11-4): Packers 28, Lions 17

Despite everyone thinking this will be a blowout, it’s important to note that it’s still a matchup between division rivals, which means anything can happen. With that being said, the Packers are clearly the stronger team, and should have no problem coming away with a win against Detroit. Aaron Jones should continue to be the focal point on offense, and the Packers defense could continue to give young quarterback fits, as David Blough has struggled as of late.

Nolan Stracke (9-6): Packers 30, Lions 14

A Matthew Stafford-less Lions shouldn’t be a problem for the Packers in the regular-season finale. Green Bay knows what’s at stake and won’t be looking past this towards a potential week off. The Lions have humiliated the Packers over the past two finales; it’s time for Green Bay to return the favor on their way to the playoffs.

Joe Kipp (10-5): Packers 31, Lions 10

The Packers have a lot to play for despite being NFC North Champs already. If Green Bay wins and the Seahawks defeat the 49ers on Sunday night, then the Packers clinch the No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Additionally, if the Packers win, they’re guaranteed the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. The only possible way the Packers lose is if there’s a bit of a hangover from Monday’s exciting victory over the Vikings.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 34-12 11-4
Jack Wepfer Win 31-10 10-5
Marty Kauffman Win 28-10 10-5
Anthony Nash Win 28-17 11-4
Nolan Stracke Win 30-14 9-6
Joe Kipp Win 31-10 10-5

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