The Green Bay Packers (8-8) can clinch a playoff berth as the NFC’s No. 7 seed by beating the Detroit Lions (8-8) in Sunday night’s season finale from Lambeau Field.
The Lions, who were once 1-6, beat the Packers in Week 9 at Ford Field. Matt LaFleur’s team has won four straight games to go from 4-8 to 8-8.
Here’s how the Packers Wire staff think the Week 18 showdown against the Lions will play out:
Zach Kruse (8-8): Packers 30, Lions 27
There’s certainly a temptation to take on the Packers – who are suddenly hot – to win this game convincingly, but Dan Campbell’s Lions are not the ‘Same Ol’ Lions’. This is a tough, physical and well-drilled Lions team that can run the ball, generate big plays and win the turnover battle. They’ll give the Packers everything they can handle and maybe more, but who’s betting against Aaron Rodgers right now and on this stage? The Packers have found a real winning formula, and the Lions are a very different team from Ford Field. If the Packers generate turnovers against Jared Goff on the outside, this one could spiral out of control. Otherwise, a classic in this NFC North rivalry is possible.
Brandon Carwile (8-8): Packers 27, Lions 17
The schedulers did Green Bay a favor by giving them the Sunday night game. It’s won and you’re in the playoffs, but Detroit may have nothing to play for if Seattle wins earlier in the day. It’s a clear competitive advantage for the Packers if the Lions are already feeling defeated before kickoff. Again, it’s not the same Detroit team that we use. Dan Campbell has lit a fire under this team, and I have no doubt they will be motivated to beat Green Bay twice in the same season, especially if it keeps a division rival out of the playoffs. However, Aaron Rodgers won’t throw three interceptions like he did in Week 9. The Packers’ offense has been efficient over the past four weeks while the defense has forced 12 turnovers. Jared Goff has been tending the ball lately, his last interception going to Jaire Alexander. I think Goff will throw a crucial pick in this one and Green Bay’s offense will score more than nine points to clinch their ticket to the playoffs.
Paul Bretl (8-8): Packers 31, Lions 24
A balanced offense against offense has been key for the Packers, but the last time these teams met, the Lions managed to bottle up the running game by playing aggressively. They may not have that luxury this time around, however, with Christian Watson’s great playing ability on the outside having to be factored in this time around. It didn’t look like it in Week 9, but the Lions have one of the worst defenses in football statistically. The Packers defense will face a strong Lions offensive line and an offense that can score points. Slowdown of Amon-Ra Street. Brown will be key but becomes a bigger challenge with deep threats DJ Shark and Jameson Williams playing after both missing previous games. Green Bay did a great job of limiting the Vikings’ passing game, but they go against a much more balanced offense on Sunday. At the end of the day, the Packers are playing their best in all three phases, at home, and have a shot at making the playoffs. I will take them to win.
Brennen Rupp (8-8): Packers 31, Lions 17
The last time these two teams met, Aaron Rodgers threw three interceptions at Ford Field on Nov. 1. 6. All three of those interceptions were inside Detroit’s 25-yard line, including two inside the 5-yard line. The Packers lost that game by six points. They also lost Rashan Gary and Romeo Doubs in this game. The Packers aren’t the same team that lost that game, and since that win, the Lions are 6-2. This game will be a battle, but I expect the Packers to force a fourth quarter turnover that will prove to be the dagger. Restore the Roar will have to wait one more season. The Packers go 4-8 in the playoffs.
| Writer | Prediction | Score | Save |
| Zach Cruz | Earn | 30-27 | 8-8 |
| Brandon Carwile | Earn | 27-17 | 8-8 |
| Paul Brettl | Earn | 31-24 | 8-8 |
| Brennan Rupp | Earn | 31-17 | 8-8 |
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