The regular season finale is here and for the first time since 1999, this won’t be the last game of the season for the Lions.
Last weekend the Lions gave their fans a gift when they clinched their first playoff berth in over a decade when they dismantled the San Diego Chargers from Ford Field. However despite the guaranteed postseason spot, the Lions still have plenty to play for Sunday in Green Bay.
First Detroit is seeking their first victory in the State of Wisconsin since 1991. Second they’re searching for their first 11 win season since 1995. But most importantly a win over the defending Superbowl champs would mean the Lions clinch the 5th seed in the NFC ensuring a date with the NFC East winner (Dallas or the New York Giants) in the opening weekend of the playoffs.
Green Bay Player to Watch: Aaron Rodgers, QB
The biggest thing to watch for regarding Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is whether or not he actually plays. ProFootballTalk.com reported earlier in the week that the Packers were planning on resting a majority of their starters given Sunday’s game against the Lions means absolutely nothing to the Packers.
If Rodgers does play obviously it could have a potential huge impact on the offensive production of the Packers. But questions will also arise as to how dialed in Rodgers would be in what is more of a preseason game rather than a regular season game for Green Bay.
Detroit Lions Player to Watch: Matthew Stafford, QB
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was surgical last weekend in his picking apart of the San Diego defense. During the playoff clinching game Stafford was 29 of 36 for 373 yards, 3 touchdowns and zero interceptions.
So far on the season he’s obtained 4,518 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, a 96.6 RAT and tremendous chemistry with his receivers including Pro Bowl starter Calvin Johnson.
Stay Healthy
The Lions need to go all in today however in light of the bad weather that’s expected in Green Bay this afternoon, it’s also vital that they remain healthy after the game.
Obviously if the score get’s out of hand the Lions will surely pull their starters but the question remains is given that the Lions are slightly banged up heading into the game will Jim Schwartz decide to yank any of his starters with the game still within reach?
Keep the Momentum going
I know that the term momentum has become one of the biggest clichés in sports. Some believe in it while others don’t think it has any impact week to week.
The thing is though is you’d have to think that a win today would give the Lions plenty of confidence heading into the playoffs especially if they can win the final four games of the regular season.
Injury Report
Detroit Lions
Out: None
Doubtful: Aaron Berry (shoulder), Louis Delmas (knee)
Questionable: Corey Williams (hip), Nick Fairley (foot), Chris Houston (knee/hand), Amari Spievey (knee), Willie Young (ankle)
Probable: John Wendling (illness), Calvin Johnson (achilles), Cliff Avril (back), Kevin Smith (ankle)
Green Bay Packers
Out: Greg Jennings (knee), Randall Cobb (groin), James Starks (knee/ankle)
Doubtful: Bryan Bulaga (knee)
Questionable: Clay Matthews (ankle), Charles Woodson (knee)
Probable: Chad Clifton (hamstring/back), Jermichael Finley (knee), Ryan Pickett (concussion)
Predictions
Today is going to be a very interesting game given all the factors and questions. Despite being a meaningless game for the Packers they should still be amped up playing the Lions at home. Keep in mind too these are the defending Superbowl Champions that have a pretty deep team and are capable of beating anyone, including the Lions with their backups. Packers win 24-17.
Ref: Mlive.com, ESPN.com, Detroit Free Press, New York Daily News (image)
