NFC North rivals do battle in primetime when the 9-3 Packers visit the 11-1 Lions on Thursday Night Football. Detroit enters the contest as three-point favorites, with the over/under set at 51.5 points. In a game with major playoff implications, expect both squads to feed their best players the ball on offense.
For the Lions, the formula is simple: run the ball. Detroit loves to pound the rock in the red zone, thanks in large part to the one-two punch of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. ‘Sonic and Knuckles’ have terrorized defensive lines across the league, as both running backs have already scored double-digit touchdowns through twelve games. Considering how often the Lions have led by multiple scores, it’s no surprise that head coach Dan Campbell has felt comfortable leaning on the ground game.
Green Bay is no slouch on defense, giving up the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game to opponents (106.6 YPG). However, that hasn’t been enough to slow down Detroit recently. Over the last five matchups between these two teams, the Lions have rushed for an average of 139.3 yards and seven total touchdowns. In his last seven career games against the Pack, Montgomery has reached the end zone seven times.
In what should be a high-scoring game, expect the first punch to be thrown in the first quarter. The Lions usually start the game with Montgomery at tailback, giving him the upper hand over Gibbs to reach the end zone first. This season, Detroit’s RB1 has scored the first touchdown five times over twelve games (41.6%). At nearly five to one odds, this is a high-reward bet worth making.
The Play: David Montgomery first touchdown scorer (+475)
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