THANKSGIVING GAME 1 WEEK 12: GREEN BAY PACKERS AT DETROIT LIONS

BY ADAM GREENE

In years past, this was the game we all shook our head about. It was suggested time and again that maybe the Detroit Lions should be replaced on Thanksgiving as they were depressing everyone as they consumed mass quantities of turkey before suiting up to do battle in the retail stores of America. How can any of us gear up to punch an old lady in the throat to make sure Santa gets our kid a Tickle Me Elmo after watching the Lions faceplant before we eat our pumpkin pie?

No one is saying that now. The Lions are currently the second seed in the NFC and the Green Bay Packers remain in the playoff hunt as they face off for a hunk of Turducken to open our Thanksgiving Day tripleheader.

This is one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL, going all the way back to 1930 when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The Pack lead the all-time series 105-76-7, but Detroit has won the last four, including a 34-20 victory back on Sep. 28. Jared Goff was 19 of 28 passing for 210 yards, one touchdown and on interception in the win. David Montgomery rushed 32 times for 121 yards and three TDs. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught five passes for 56 yards and a score.

In the loss, Jordan Love finished 23 of 36 passing for 246 yards, one TD and two picks. Romeo Doubs caught nine passes for 95 yards.

GREEN BAY PACKERS AT DETROIT LIONS (-7.5, O/U: 47)

Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.

Broadcast: FOX

Kickoff: Nov. 23, 12:30 p.m.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-6)

Green Bay comes into this one after winning two of their last three including a solid 23-20 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Jordan Love had his best game of the season, going 27 of 40 passing for 322 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked three times. Jayden Reed rushed three times for 46 yards and a TD. He added four catches for 46 yards. Dantayvion Wicks caught three passes for 91 yards. Romeo Doubs caught five passes for 53 yards and a score. The defense sacked Justin Herbert twice and forced a fumble

DETROIT LIONS (8-2)

The Lions continued their win streak over the NFL’s worst, holding off the Chicago Bears 31-26 last week. Jared Goff was a tad too generous with the ball, tossing three picks, but he did lead the team to the game winning score. He finished 23 of 35 passing for 236 yards, two touchdowns and the aforementioned three interceptions. He was sacked twice. David Montgomery carried the ball 12 times for 76 yards and a TD. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 77 yards and a score. Jameson Williams had two receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown. 

THE PICK

We rejoice that Detroit is good now, a legit contender, and that we’re opening our Thanksgiving with them. They might as well win it in the process. Lions 27, Packers 17

Last week

Straight up: 10-4

Against the spread: 6-8

Season

Straight up: 95-55

Against the spread: 81-69

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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