Lions at Packers
THE STORY: The Detroit Lions have already secured their first playoff berth in this century. But unlike the Green Bay Packers, they still have plenty to play for. The Lions could be facing backups Sunday when they try to solidify their playoff seeding by ending a 20-game road losing streak to the Packers, who wrapped up home-field advantage last week. Detroit is headed to the postseason for the first time since 1999, but the Lions need to win the finale to avoid a trip to either San Francisco or New Orleans on wild card weekend. Detroit holds a one-game edge over Atlanta for the No. 5 seed and will stay there with either a win or an Atlanta loss. The Falcons own the tiebreaker due to their Week 7 victory over the Lions in Detroit. The Lions haven’t won at Lambeau Field since 1991. They enter with momentum, having won three straight since a 27-15 loss to Green Bay on Thanksgiving Day – a game that was marred by the ejection of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Lions -3.5, O/U 46.5
ABOUT THE LIONS (10-5): The Lions have reaped the benefits of keeping Matthew Stafford healthy for a full season. The third-year pro hadn’t played in more than 10 games prior to this season. A Pro Bowl alternate, Stafford is tied for third in the NFL with 36 touchdowns, and in any other season his 4,518 yards would likely rank higher than fourth-best in the league. He has done a complete 180 since a rough four-game stretch that featured 10 interceptions. Stafford threw for 373 yards and three scores in last week’s 38-10 win over San Diego and is averaging 349.8 yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception over the last four contests. The defense has also been key to the Lions' success. Detroit is third in the league in turnover differential (plus-13). DE Cliff Avril has a career-best 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. Avril’s one-handed, 4-yard interception return last week was the Lions’ fifth defensive touchdown, which is the second most in the NFL.
ABOUT THE PACKERS (14-1): One week after suffering their first loss in shocking fashion, the Packers reminded everyone they are still the defending Super Bowl champions. Aaron Rodgers threw a career-high five touchdowns in a 35-21 Christmas night win over Chicago and remains the odds-on favorite to win his first MVP. Rodgers needs five touchdowns to tie Tom Brady’s NFL record of 50 set in 2007, but he’s unlikely to play long enough to reach that milestone. Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense could get a boost from the return of defensive lineman Ryan Pickett, who has missed the last two games with a concussion. On the other side, the banged-up offensive line is hoping to welcome back left tackle Chad Clifton. Clifton hasn’t played since Week 5 due to a hamstring injury.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The Lions’ 20-game losing streak in Green Bay is the longest active road losing streak in the NFL.
2. If the Lions earn the fifth seed, they will travel to either New York or Dallas on wild card weekend.
3. The Packers have seven Pro Bowlers, their most since the 1967.