Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 18 vs. Detroit Lions

A short road trip to Detroit to play the Lions (2-13-1) awaits the Green Bay Packers (13-3) in the season finale on Sunday at Ford Field.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 18 showdown with the Lions will go down:

Zach Kruse (10-6): Packers 24, Lions 13

It’s unclear how long Matt LaFleur will play his best players, but having Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, Davante Adams and all the rest to start Sunday will give the Packers an obvious advantage over the two-win Lions. Dan Campbell’s team has been feisty down the stretch, and games between the Packers and Lions at Ford Field usually find a way to be competitive. I still think the Packers eventually take control and coast to a win, assuming Rodgers plays at least two quarters. If he’s only out there for a few series, this game turns into a toss-up. I think LaFleur will have his guys ready to play, and play at a high level against a divisional opponent.

Jack Wepfer (12-4): Lions 20, Packers 16

While Rodgers has said he’s going to play, I’m skeptical that it’ll be much. He’ll take a couple series, maybe put up a few points, and then hand the keys to Jordan Love, whom the Packers have an obvious incentive in playing. I think Love will add a scoring drive or two, but they’ll struggle in the red zone and the defense plays to preserve health. The Lions get the win, hurt their draft position, and feel better about themselves. The Packers play a game without consequence, get to see Jordan Love some more, and they make it through healthy, quite literally feeling better about themselves. Packers lose, but, whatever.

Brandon Carwile (12-4): Packers 21, Lions 10

Joe Kipp (11-5): Packers 24, Lions 21

This is essentially a meaningless game for the Packers, where anything other than the starters coming out of the game healthy is second priority. It sounds like most of the starters will play at least a few series, which will give Aaron Rodgers the opportunity to pad his stats a bit to strengthen his MVP case. Green Bay wins in the end on a Mason Crosby field goal.

Brennen Rupp (9-3): Packers 16, Lions 10

I’m basically just throwing numbers up against a wall here and hoping it sticks. How long will the Green Bay starters play? How much will we see Jordan Love? This game will have a preseason feel to it and it could be a great time to grab an afternoon nap. Packers win in ugly fashion.

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