Packers: Predicting each game remaining in final three weeks of 2019
Week 17: at Detroit Lions
But like they have all season long, the Packers will bounce back with a victory in the season finale. No matter the results in the Vikings’ games, if the Packers beat the Bears, they’ll enter Week 17 in control of the NFC North. A win here would secure the division title, and Matt LaFleur completes his first regular season as head coach in the perfect way.
If Matthew Stafford returns for this game, it’d suddenly become a much tougher contest. But I’m not sure it would make any sense for the Lions to bring Stafford back. Detroit is a long way out of the playoff picture and will have nothing to play for. Risking Stafford’s health wouldn’t make much sense. The Packers learned that the hard way in Week 17 last year when Aaron Rodgers played against the Lions despite the team being eliminated from playoff contention. Rodgers had to exit the game with a concussion.
In all likelihood, this will be a contest between Rodgers and David Blough. Add in the struggles of the Lions defense, and this should be a one-sided game.
The Packers win it and secure the NFC North title with a 12-4 record. An incredible accomplishment for LaFleur in his first year.
So, what does it all mean for the playoffs?
Prediction: Green Bay 30, Detroit 14 (12-4)