Thanksgiving Day Free NFL Picks: Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions NFL Week 12 Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on FOX 11/24/11: The NFC North has turned out to be the toughest division in football this season, and Thursday afternoon, the top two teams will go head to head. The undefeated Green Bay Packers (10-0) face a serious road test against the Detroit Lions (7-3). While the Packers are focused on winning another Super Bowl and a possible perfect season, Detroit is looking to make another major statement during a season that is quickly erasing more than a decade of losing. It’s tough to ask for a better game to open a Thanksgiving Day filled with football. Green Bay is a 6 ½-point favorite in the matchup of division rivals.
Two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL will be on display in this matchup. Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers is well on his way to a record-breaking season and likely MVP honors, while Detroit’s Matthew Stafford is finally flexing his muscles after dealing with injuries early in his career. Rodgers has been the model of efficiency, tossing 31 touchdowns and completing more than 70 percent of his passes. Stafford has been explosive as well, throwing for more than 2,800 yards and 25 touchdowns. With Rodgers and Stafford throwing the ball all over the field, a high-scoring shootout could be in the works.
The deciding factor in the game could be the play of the respective offensive lines. Both defenses boast a powerful pass rush, and both teams can get pressure using only their defensive lines. Meanwhile, the Packers and Lions have both had trouble protecting the quarterback at times. If either Rodgers or Stafford ends up spending more time on the ground than finding open receivers, the shootout could turn into a blowout.
Both defenses should get plenty of chances to rush the passer. Green Bay is likely going to be without starting running back James Starks, and Detroit is missing starter Jahvid Best. Even though both teams are powered by pass-first offenses, it is always a plus to be able to change the pace and control the game on the ground. In this respect, the edge goes to the Lions, who got a huge game last weekend from backup Kevin Smith. After injuries knocked him out of the NFL, Smith returned with a vengeance, totaling more than 200 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in just his second game of the year. If he can continue to give the Lions an explosive weapon on the ground, Detroit could pull off the upset.
The X-factor in the game could be Charles Woodson and the Green Bay secondary. While it is true that the Packers have given up a ton of yards through the air this season, the defense is also one of the most opportunistic in the NFL. In fact, Green Bay has tallied a league-leading 19 interceptions this season. For all his success this season, Stafford has been turnover prone at times. The Packers’ defense will likely give up a big play or two to Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson, but the unit also has an excellent chance to make a few big plays of its own.
In the end, this matchup will likely be high-scoring and very physical at the same time. Green Bay’s ability to force turnovers on defense and Rodgers’ poise in the pocket and ability to light up every defense he faces should ultimately be the difference. Winning in Detroit won’t be easy, but the Packers’ offense is potent enough to get the job done.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers (-6 ½) Win the Game
Free NFL Football Picks and Predictions: Green Bay Packers -6
| Week 12 NFL Football: Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions Date: 11/24/011 Time: 12:30 PM EST on FOX Vegas Odds – Favorite: Green bay -6 | Total: Over/Under 55.5 |
Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NFL Football season for daily Free NFL Picks and Vegas NFL Lines plus daily updated Super Bowl 2012 Futures Odds.
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on 2011 NFL Football Odds Daily! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN JustBET Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card or Deposit by Check and get an EXCLUSIVE “100% BONUS” upto $2500 FREE added to your JustBET Player Account Funds. |
