Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: Others’ predictions

Detroit Lions defensive tackle

sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the second quarter at Ford Field. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Lions haven’t won in the state of Wisconsin since 1991.

The great majority of NFL experts around the nation don’t see that changing this weekend.

Just about everybody is picking the Green Bay Packers to clinch the NFC North on Sunday afternoon with a win against Detroit at Lambeau Field.

In fact, according to nflpickwatch.com, only four writers (so far, as of this morning) are picking the Lions: NFL Network’s Kevin Patra, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, SB Nation’s Ryan Van Bibber and Bleacher Report’s Ty Schalter.

Here’s a roundup of national projections, with what insiders are saying:

ESPN expert picks: 13 of 13 selected the Packers. Their Pigskin Pick ‘Em game, which is 164-75 at picking games this year, also picked the Packers.

Aaron Schatz, Football Outsiders: Schatz projects the Packers to have a 71.8% chance of beating the Lions, based on the Football Outsiders playoff odds simulator, though he gave no final score.

Elliot Harrison, NFL.com: Packers 27, Lions 24. “Green Bay’s best shot of winning is to run Eddie Lacy right at Detroit, giving that front four some pause, not allowing the pass rushers to simply get after Aaron Rodgers all game long. That means continuing to pound Lacy, even if it’s not working. For the Lions, the outcome depends on Matthew Stafford, who must embrace consistency and avoid turnovers. In fact, Stafford’s play could be the key to the entire NFC playoffs.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Packers 31, Lions 21. “This is for the NFC North title, which is huge in terms of playoff seeds. Both teams are in the postseason party, but winning here means a bye and a home game in the playoffs. The Packers have been so good at home, and that will play out here. The Detroit defense limited Aaron Rodgers and the offense to seven points the last time they played in the Lions’ victory. That won’t happen here. Rodgers, even dinged, will have a big day.”

David Steele, Sporting News: Packers 27, Lions 20. “The game is in Lambeau (plus for the Packers), but the Lions’ defense is No. 2 in overall defense, No. 1 in rushing defense and handled the Packers in their previous meeting (plus for the Lions). The taint? Serial numbskull Dominic Raiola got himself suspended from this game. Looks like all the immaturity hasn’t been flushed out of that locker room yet.”

SB Nation expert panel: 7 of 8 selected the Packers. The one who didn’t, as we established already, was Van Bibber.

Bill Simmons, Grantland: Packers (-7.5) over Lions. “My fears for taking the Lions +7.5, in no particular order: Rodgers in Lambeau; Jim Caldwell; Stafford outdoors; Jim Caldwell a second time; no Raiola; all the Lions-Lambeau baggage; the 2014 Packers at home; the revenge factor from Week 2 (Lions 19, Packers 7); Jim Caldwell a third time; Stafford outdoors a second time.”