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Detroit Lions fans can be forgiven for feeling like the already lengthy regular season in NFL history seemed to stretch on even further.
The Lions, along with their fans, are approaching the end this Sunday as they opened as 3-point underdogs for their home finale against the Green Bay Packers.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the Packers’ upcoming playoffs, the Week 18 matchup experienced some changes in the betting line. By Tuesday morning, Michigan online sportsbooks adjusted the odds, reducing the Lions’ underdog status to just 2.5 points. However, as game time approached on Sunday, the line increased again to 3 or even 3.5 points at most bookmakers.
With a remarkable 13-3 record after 16 games, Green Bay has secured home-field advantage and the top seed in the NFC playoffs, guaranteeing a first-round bye.
Meanwhile, the Lions are rapidly heading towards securing a top spot in the upcoming NFL Draft. With a disappointing record of 2-13-1, Detroit is guaranteed a selection within the top two picks. If the Lions suffer another defeat while Jacksonville triumphs at home against Indianapolis, Detroit could potentially secure the coveted No. 1 pick.
Detroit has actually fared very well against the spread
This season, Detroit has defied expectations by achieving a 10-6 record against the spread as underdogs in every game. Interestingly, if the Lions were to encounter a 2.5-point spread, it would equal the shortest line they have faced throughout the season, which was also seen during their Thanksgiving matchup against the Chicago Bears.
The game at Ford Field on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST will be broadcasted on FOX.
Michigan sportsbooks have set the consensus over/under for Sunday’s game at 44.5 points. Additionally, the Lions moneyline odds on Monday were recorded as +160 at PointsBet and BetRivers, offering the best potential returns.
Due to the anticipated unpredictability, no betting lines were available for NFL Week 18 games during the summer. As the game week commences, the situation remains just as hazy for this particular match.
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions: NFL Week 18 Odds
Rookie WR Amon-Ra St. Brown stars as Lions sputter
As coach Dan Campbell’s challenging rookie season nears its end, the Lions have witnessed some encouraging moments.
The standout performance in the final weeks of the season has been the exceptional play of rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
In last week’s 51-29 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, St. Brown demonstrated his skills by making eight receptions for a total of 111 yards. This remarkable achievement marks the fifth consecutive game in which the USC graduate has achieved at least eight catches, setting a new record for NFL rookies. Additionally, this streak ties the legendary Calvin Johnson’s franchise record from 2012, solidifying St. Brown’s place in the team’s history books.
Another fantastic season for Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
It is possible that fans won’t have the opportunity to witness him in action during the Week 18 game, as there is a chance he may be rested in preparation for the playoffs.
However, Lions fans have had numerous opportunities to witness Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback of the Packers, throughout the years.
As of Monday, Rodgers was the frontrunner for the MVP title at FanDuel Michigan with odds of -400. Following closely behind was Tom Brady from Tampa Bay with odds of +550.
Rodgers has been a constant source of trouble for the Lions, boasting a remarkable 18-5 record as a starting quarterback against them. However, a statistical analysis conducted by Playinmichigan reveals that his success against the spread is not as impressive, with a record of 12-11 when it comes to covering the point spread against Detroit throughout the years.
