The anticipation is building as two of the top contenders in the NFC gear up for a thrilling clash in Week 14 of the NFL season. The Green Bay Packers are set to take on the Detroit Lions this Thursday Night Football in a critical NFC North divisional matchup that could have major playoff implications.

Both teams head into this game riding high after securing wins on Thanksgiving Day. The Lions narrowly defeated the Bears 23-20, while the Packers showcased their prowess with a commanding 30-17 victory over the Dolphins. With current records of 9-3 for the Packers and 11-1 for the Lions, it’s clear both teams are vying for a top spot in the conference. The Packers, third in the NFC North, are on a three-game winning streak, boasting an impressive 4-1 record on the road this season. Meanwhile, the Lions, leading the division and holding the top seed in the conference, have won their last 10 games and stand at 5-1 at home in 2024.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Ford Field in Detroit. The Lions enter this game as 3.5-point favorites, an increase from the initial betting line, with an over/under set at 51.5 points, also up 3.5. Fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this matchup unfolds, especially with the help of expert insights from various predictive models that have proven successful in the past.

One such model has gained significant attention by simulating every NFL game 10,000 times and is on a remarkable 24-10 betting hot streak this season, showing top-rated NFL picks that date back to 2017. This model has maintained a strong performance as it ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch for four of the past six years.

As for the specifics of this matchup, the model projects a total score falling below the line at 50 points, thanks to the defenses on both sides. The Lions have been particularly stout, allowing just 16.9 points and 320.3 total yards per game. The Packers are not far behind, surrendering 20 points and 325.5 yards per game. Their previous meeting on November 3 saw the teams combine for just 38 points, a trend that could very well continue given their defensive capabilities.

In that early November encounter, the Lions struggled offensively, registering only 261 total yards, with quarterback Jared Goff throwing for 145 yards and one touchdown. The Packers, despite moving the ball effectively, saw QB Jordan Love throw for 273 yards but suffered a critical pick-six, dramatically shifting momentum in favor of Detroit.

As fans prepare for this exciting primetime showdown, analysts are keenly watching the performances of key players. The health of both teams’ star players, potential game-time decisions, and historical patterns in their matchups could all play pivotal roles in determining the outcome.

With so much on the line, which team will emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!