The Detroit Lions are a surprising 3.5-point underdog to the Green Packers at several sportsbooks this week at home. Why is the point spread so low? You’d think it would be higher for a game between one of the best teams in the NFL and one of the worst. However, while the Packers say they are playing their starters, there is no telling how long they will play.
If the best version of the Lions should happen to show up once the starters get pulled, the game could become interesting. So, while you consider whether the Lions can keep this one close, there are several prop bets you should consider as well.
Also Read: Michigan online sports betting promos for this weekend
Packers Vs. Lions Prop Bets at BetRivers
Detroit to score first and win (Yes +270/No -385)
Green Bay to score first and win (Yes +148/No -200)
Getting QB Jared Goff back this week will be a plus for the Lions’ offense, but it will still face a formidable Packers defense. The Lions have only scored first twice since their bye week in Week 9, and there is no reason to think they will do so this week.
With QB Aaron Rodgers and company on the field to start the game, it would be shocking if Green Bay did not score first. While most of the key starters will likely get pulled early, the Packers will probably have enough of a lead to withstand any comeback attempt the Lions may try to mount.
Any quarter to end scoreless (Yes +295/No -420)
It would not be surprising if the Packers were to pull their starters at halftime. With what we have seen from Packers backup QB Jordan Love, it is not hard to imagine the Packers going scoreless in either the third or fourth quarter. The Lions, however, have often played better in the second half. Detroit has scored in the third and fourth quarters in each of the last three games.
The Lions, however, have gone scoreless in the second half three times this season, including in their previous game against the Packers.
Team to score the first touchdown (Packers -139/Lions +102)
Team to score the last touchdown (Packers -125/Lions -109)
As long as Rodgers starts the game, the Packers will score the first touchdown, barring some fluke play that allows the Lions to score. As for the last, since it is likely the Packers will pull their starters at some point, it is more likely the Lions score the last touchdown of the game in garbage time.
Also Read: Despite poor record, Detroit Lions are one of NFL’s best teams against the spread
DraftKings And BetMGM Weekly Specials
DraftKings and BetMGM have a series of markets related to the production of individual players and teams for Week 18 compared to the rest of the league that fans of the Lions and Packers may find compelling this week.
Most Passing Yards in Week 18: Aaron Rodgers +1800; Jared Goff +2800 (DraftKings)
If Rodgers were to play the whole game, there would be value in taking him to have the most passing yards this week, but he probably will not. With QBs like Justin Herbert (+850), Kyler Murray (+1200), and Josh Allen (+1700) still having something to play for, you can never count them out.
But at those odds, it might be worth skipping your morning latte and putting a couple of dollars on Goff.
Highest Scoring Team in Week 18: Green Bay Packers +1600; Detroit Lions +3500 (DraftKings)
If this were a typical week, the Packers would be in contention, but this week, maybe not. It depends on how long Rodgers plays and how poorly the Lions play. If Detroit’s defense plays as bad as it did last week against Seattle, Green Bay has a shot.
The Lions, however, do not. It would take an incredible imagination to devise a scenario in which the Lions are the highest-scoring team this week.
Lowest Scoring Team in Week 18: Green Bay Packers +6600 (BetMGM); Detroit Lions +2500 (BetMGM)
If Love was going to play the whole game, there would be value in taking the Packers. He showed little against the Chiefs earlier in the season. While the Lions’ defense would not compare to Kansas City’s, there is no reason to think Love would fare much better this week especially since he’ll be playing with backups and reserves.
As for the Lions, if the Packers were to play their starters for the entire game, it is not hard to imagine Detroit struggling to put points on the board. However, Jacksonville (+650) is a better bet with the Jaguars facing the Colts and their top-notch defense this week.
The Jets are the favorite (+400) for this ‘honor.’
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