Packers @ Lions NFL Week 14 betting picks | Thursday, December 5

Packers @ Lions best bets

Packers @ Lions game preview

The Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers this Thursday night in a blockbuster NFC North clash to kick off Week 14 of the NFL 2024 season.

The Packers come into this week on a run of three straight wins after they beat the Dolphins 30-17 last Thursday. Three touchdowns in the first half set up the victory as quarterback Jordan Love continued his excellent form.

At 9-3, Green Bay sit three games inside the playoff spots, but in the strongest division in the NFL, they only hold the sixth seed. They are top three in the league for total yards, while running back Josh Jacobs is third in the NFL for rushing yards.

However, facing arguably the best team in football, Green Bay are underdogs for this clash at +155 with top online sportsbooks.

In a boost to the Packers, cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and wide receiver Romeo Doubs (concussion) are both expected to return from injury. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (knee) didn’t practice early this week.

The Lions continued their winning ways with a 23-20 victory over the Bears on Thanksgiving Day. In a tale of two halves, Detroit led by 16 points at the main break, yet they only just escaped with a narrow win thanks to some poor clock management from Chicago.

This brings the NFC leaders’ winning run to 10 in a row. With the best offense and the second-best defense in the NFL, it is no surprise to see the Lions as favorites for this clash at -185.19 with top NFL bookmakers.

Detroit have placed defensive pair Mekhi Wingo and Malcolm Rodriguez on injured reserve after the pair both suffered knee injuries against the Bears. D-line trio Josh Paschal (knee), Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) and DJ Reader (shoulder) did not practice Monday, and neither did left tackle Taylor Decker (knee). Cornerback Carlton Davis III looks set to return after missing last week.

Packers @ Lions betting strategy

Despite their slight hiccup last Thursday, the Lions are still the team to beat in the NFL. They comfortably beat the Packers when the two teams met five weeks ago, and statistically they are better in nearly every category. As favorites, back Detroit to cover the line of -3.5 points at -111.11 with top sports betting sites.

Although Detroit are the highest-scoring team in the NFL, just one of their last five games has gone over on total points. Similarly, three of the last four Packers games have gone under that line. Last time these sides met there were only 38 total points, so with the line at 51.5 this week, take the under at -111.11 with major NFL bookies.

Lions tight end Sam Laporta has found his scoring touch recently, posting two touchdowns last week. He now has four scores in his last five games, making the most of limited targets. The Packers have allowed the fourth-most tight end touchdowns in the NFL this season, so back Laporta to find the endzone at the value price of +260 with Bovada.

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