National television will showcase the conclusion of the Detroit Lions’ 2022-23 NFL season.
In Week 18, the Lions will confront the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, with the possibility of securing a playoff spot on the line.
The NFL made an announcement on Monday that the division rivalry game would be moved to the prime-time NBC Sunday Night Football slot. Consequently, the game is scheduled to commence at 8:20 p.m.
When it comes to high-stakes games, the Lions have not had luck on their side throughout history. This holds true when facing the Packers on the road and during Sunday Night Football.
Is it possible for Dan Campbell and the Lions to expel all these demons in just one night?
Lions vs. Packers odds at Michigan sportsbooks
This Sunday, the Detroit team is faced with the challenge of being the underdog on the road against the Packers.
In Green Bay, Michigan sportsbooks have designated the Lions as a 4.5-point underdog, as per the oddsmakers.
The Detroit money lines fall between +175 and +190, while the Packers’ money lines range from -235 to -210.
The majority of sportsbooks have included a 49.5-point total for this game.
Both teams have identical 8-8 records for the season. The Lions have an impressive 11-5 performance against the spread, while the Packers have a 8-8 ATS standing.
In Week 9, Detroit emerged victorious with a 15-9 win over the Packers this season.
Detroit Lions playoff odds
Despite having a chance to qualify for the playoffs, the Detroit Lions’ odds remain unfavorable as they enter Week 18.
The seventh and final spot in the NFC playoffs is being fiercely contested by the Lions, Packers, and Seattle Seahawks, who all share an identical 8-8 record.
In this scenario, Detroit requires the utmost assistance to thrive.
If Green Bay defeats Detroit, the Packers will secure the seventh seed, making their path to the playoffs the easiest.
Should Detroit defeat Green Bay, Seattle would have the advantage over the Lions. This is because the Seahawks emerged victorious against Detroit in Week 4, and in the event of a tie between the two teams, Seattle would secure a spot over the Lions.
In order for the Lions to have a chance at making the playoffs when they face the Packers, they are relying on the L.A. Rams to defeat the Seahawks at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday.
Currently, the Rams are considered the underdogs with Seattle listed as a 6.5-point favorite.
The Lions are listed at +820 to make the playoffs on FanDuel Sportsbook MI, while Seattle has odds of +250. However, Green Bay is not listed.
The Rams vs. Seahawks game has an extra layer of intrigue due to the fact that the Lions possess the Rams draft pick. A victory for the Rams would result in a delay for the Lions in acquiring that pick. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that a majority of Lions fans will once again lend their support to L.A. during this weekend’s game.
Rodgers, Lambeau have tormented Lions fans
There is no denying the fact that the Detroit Lions have had a tough time at Lambeau Field.
Throughout history, Detroit has managed to secure only 27 victories, while enduring 62 losses and 4 ties in road games against Green Bay.
After a triumphant win at Lambeau in 1991, the Lions went on to suffer a staggering 24 consecutive losses at that stadium.
The Lions, who had a record of 1-7, put an end to their losing streak in 2015 with a surprising 18-16 victory.
Since 2017, the Lions have managed to secure victories at Lambeau in both 2017 and 2018. However, in the following years, they have experienced a decline, losing three consecutive games.
As a starter, Aaron Rodgers has predominantly been successful against the Detroit Lions, boasting a record of 18 wins and 7 losses.
Rodgers maintains an average of 253.8 yards and 2.1 touchdown passes in his 25 games against the Lions.
In his career, Rodgers has accumulated an impressive record of nine games with 300+ yards passing. Moreover, he boasts an outstanding ratio of 53 touchdown passes to a mere 11 interceptions when facing Detroit.
During the November 6th meeting at Ford Field, Rodgers delivered one of his poorest performances against Detroit. He completed 23 out of 43 passes for 291 yards, resulting in three interceptions and only one touchdown.
Lions Sunday Night Football history
It probably won’t come as a surprise to learn that the Detroit Lions don’t fare well during Sunday Night Football.
The Lions have not been involved in many bigger matchups in the league over the last few decades, which is typically when the game is reserved for.
Ever since their transition to NBC in 2006, the Lions have made seven appearances on SNF. Regrettably, their record stands at 1 win and 6 losses.
Matt Patricia’s lone win, which was even worse, came in the form of a 26-10 victory for the Lions over the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. It is worth noting that this was also Detroit’s last appearance.
Two of the team’s losses are credited to the Packers, one of which was a 31-24 defeat in the 2016 season finale at home, a game that held the NFC North title at stake.
Below is a comprehensive overview of Detroit’s history on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
- On December 4, 2011, the Lions suffered a 31-17 defeat against the New Orleans Saints.
- On September 16, 2012, the Lions suffered a defeat with a score of 27-19 against the San Francisco 49ers.
- On December 16, 2012, the Lions suffered a 20-27 defeat against the Green Bay Packers.
- On September 27, 2015, the Detroit Lions suffered a 24-12 defeat against the Denver Broncos in their home stadium.
- On January 1, 2016, the Green Bay Packers triumphed over the Lions with a score of 31-24, prevailing on their home turf.
- On October 29, 2017, the Lions suffered a defeat of 20-15 on their home turf against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- On September 23, 2018, the Lions emerged victorious with a score of 26-10 against the New England Patriots in their home game.
Detroit will have its first primetime kickoff of the season in this week’s game. All previous games have started at 1 p.m., except for the annual Thanksgiving Day game, which begins at 12:30 p.m.
