3 reasons why Packers will beat Lions in Week 18 playoff decider

The Green Bay Packers need to beat the Detroit Lions to reach the playoffs. Here’s why they will.

Win and they are in. It’s that simple for the Green Bay Packers.

Unfortunately, there will be nothing simple about Sunday night’s showdown with the Detroit Lions, who enter Week 18 having won seven of their previous nine games.

Dan Campbell has led a fantastic second-half turnaround this season. The Lions, much like the Packers, have battled back from a disastrous start to the brink of the playoffs.

But only one of these teams can earn the NFC’s seventh and final seed. I believe it will be the Packers, and I will provide three reasons why.

1. Packers are healthier than in Week 9 loss to Lions

Green Bay hit rock-bottom after a 15-9 defeat at Ford Field in Week 9. Matt LaFleur’s team has bounced back since, winning five of its seven games after that disappointing performance.

The Packers played poorly, but they sure weren’t helped by injuries.

Green Bay entered Week 9 without starting inside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who is one of the most important players on defense.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was playing with a broken thumb, and he lost receivers throughout the contest.

Receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson both exited the game due to injury, Doubs on the first snap. Green Bay’s most targeted pass-catchers were Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, and Josiah Deguara.

Running back Aaron Jones and left tackle David Bakhtiari also didn’t play the full game.

Green Bay lost star edge rusher Rashan Gary and cornerback Eric Stokes for the year in Week 9. They won’t be back this week, but the Packers should have the majority of their starters available.