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The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers have both dug themselves a hole in the race for the NFC North. One will take a positive step to get out while the other will fall further behind when they face off in a Week 9 contest. The Minnesota Vikings are ahead of both of them by multiple games and are in the driver’s seat for the division title.
If the Packers or Lions have any plans to make the postseason, they need to turn it on quickly. That’s easier said than done for Green Bay, which is still attempting to stay afloat without star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who could miss the rest of the season with a broken collarbone.
The Lions lost a winnable game last time out against the Steelers and will face long odds to make the playoffs if they can’t pick up this victory. They will be favored but not by much on the road.
This matchup in Week 9 of the regular season will take place on Monday, November 6, 2017, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Detroit Lions -2.5
Green Bay Packers +2.5
Over/Under 43
Odds Analysis
The Lions are the road favorites and the betting public is backing them strongly, as more than 82 percent of the action is on Detroit to cover. The spread right now is favorable for Detroit as a field goal margin of victory would result in a cover.
Those backing the Lions should jump on this line quickly before it increases. The scoring total may be a bit high as the “under” is the more popular choice.
Injury Report
Rick Wagner – The Lions offensive lineman is dealing with an ankle injury that knocked him out of last week’s game against the Steelers for a spell. He returned to the game and should be ready to go for this one, but check in as the week goes on to make sure.
Greg Robinson -- Another Lions offensive lineman is dealing with an ankle injury, and he missed Week 8 because of the ailment. Robinson is a former top-five pick who has never put it together. Even though he isn’t a star, Robinson is a starter on the line and Detroit wants to be as healthy as possible for this one.
Morgan Burnett -- The Packers safety missed the team’s most recent game against the Saints with a hamstring injury. Green Bay must be much better on defense now without Rodgers and Burnett is a big part of that. He hopes to be back for this contest.
Player To Watch
Brett Hundley -- The Green Bay backup has been thrust into the starting role and hasn’t fared very well. Hundley is 31-of-59 for 244 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions this season. The Packers have gone 0-2 since losing Rodgers and seem to be in trouble long-term unless Hundley can get appreciably better.
He did run for 44 yards and a touchdown last time out against New Orleans but was so poor passing the ball that it didn’t matter. Hundley had the bye week to really lock in and must show improvement in this one.
The Packers have gone from Super Bowl contenders to also-rans without Rodgers and Hundley is the only player that can return them to the playoff hunt.
Free ATS Pick
The Packers would normally be heavy favorites at home with a healthy Rodgers but are underdogs now. The Lions are a solid team that badly need a win. They should be able to get it in this one. Hundley’s struggles are going to continue against an underrated Detroit defense.
The “under” is the choice as Green Bay is not going to get it going enough offensively to hit the scoring total.
NFL Odds: Lions 23, Packers 16
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