NFL's Thanksgiving Thursday Classic - Lions and Packers Pick with Props

Thursday, November 26th – 12:30 PM ET
Ford Field
NFL Point Spread: Packers -11, O/U: 47.5

The Packers won against San Francisco on Sunday, but lost two key components of their defense. Cornerback Al Harris and linebacker Aaron Kampman both tore their ACL against the Niners and are out for the rest of the season. Kampman had 3 ½ sacks so far in the year, while Harris had two picks and a sack of his own.

This is a huge blow for the Packers heading into their Thanksgiving showdown with the lions, as their defense was steadily improving as the year went on.

On Sunday the Lions played in what had to be their most exciting game in years. Detroit scored with zero seconds left on the clock to squeak by the Browns 38-37. At one point in the game the Lions were down by 21, but showed poise and competence; two traits not necessarily associated with the Detroit Lions.

Bad news however, is QB Matt Stafford’s condition. The number-one pick in last year’s draft set an NFL rookie record with 5 touchdown passes, but injured his shoulder on the last play and isn’t expected to play.

What The Packers Have To Do To Win

The injuries to Kampman and Harris will hurt the defense, but at least they’re playing a Lions team that just lost their starting quarterback. There are some weapons on Detroit’s offense, but without a competent QB to throw them the ball, the Packers will be able to try a few things out on defense without the fear of being burned. Still, the Pack are an offensive team first and are playing a defense that gave up 37 points to the Browns. Just let Aaron Rodgers do his thing and the win should come.

Green Bay Packers -11 @ Detroit Lions >> Join Now

What The Lions Have To Do To Win

Without Stafford, the Lions will be forced to turn to Daunte Culpepper. And I mean forced. Culpepper played poorly in his last game action with Detroit, going 6-of-18 for 48 yards and a pick against these same Packers on October 18th.

However, the Lions are playing a very hurt Packers defense. If Culpepper can just act like a competent quarterback and get star wide-out Calvin Johnson the ball, the Lions can pull off an upset yet. The explosive Johnson versus the depleted Packers secondary will be the matchup to watch in the game.

Outlook & Pick

Yes, the Lions are coming off a big win and the Packers are dealing with major injuries on defense. But the Lions are starting Daunte Culpepper, and that’s always a cause for concern. If Culpepper doesn’t make too many mistakes the Lions could squeak out a win. It’s going to be a shootout no matter what, and the Packers offense is just too good for the Lions to outscore. It may be closer than one thinks, though.

Pick: Detroit +11 & over 47.5

Prop Betting: Team To Score First And Score In First Six Minutes

It’s really a toss up to who will score first, considering both teams will be focusing on offense all game. The Lions usually don’t play with such momentum, so it’ll be interesting to see if they jump out of the gate quickly. But still, Daunte Culpepper. You never know.

Prop Betting Pick: Detroit Will Score First & Yes Score In First Six Minutes