Welcome to week 17, the last week of the NFL regular season as the Detroit Lions travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin and the iconic Lambeau Field to square off against the Green Bay Packers in what is now the NFC North division title decider. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:25am (AEDT) Monday 29th December 2014.
Both of these teams sit at 11-4 and the winner here wins the NFC North division title and a first round playoff bye. Yes, it’s all to play for in this one. The Detroit Lions come into this one off the back of a hard-fought 20-14 win last week against division rivals the Chicago Bears and the biggest news to come out of Detroit this week is the suspension of centre Dominic Raiola after his infamous stomp last week on Chicago Bears defensive tackle Ego Ferguson’s ankle.
The Lions do, however, come into the game with a healthy Calvin Johnson after his recent injury struggles this season and so look for quarterback Matthew Stafford to look his way as well as Golden Tate who himself has had a great year. But even if the Lions lose they are still guaranteed a playoff spot, as are the Green Bay Packers should they lose.
Speaking of the Green Bay Packers, they too chalked up a win last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-3 and so far they have been unbeaten at home this season with an average margin of victory being a very impressive 20.7 points.
With NFL MVP favourite, quarterback Aaron Rodgers under centre, and arguable the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb we can expect them to give the Lions’ number 2 ranked defense at least something to think about. But if anyone can limit the Packers offense it is the Lions.
The last time these 2 teams met was back in week 3 when the Lions were victorious in a 19-7 win, however the Packers as already mentioned have been unbeaten at home this season and Detroit has not won in Lambeau since 1991 and haven’t won the division since 1993 when it was actually named the NFC Central.
Players to watch for the Green Bay Packers will be running back Eddie Lacy. Can he be effective enough against the Lions league-leading defense against the run to give the Packers a more balanced attack? Also look for the Packers defense to get pressure on Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to limit the time he’ll want to find Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate.
For the Lions their defense will be watched closely and whether they will be able to limit the Packers opportunities as they did back in week 3. If they can repeat that performance then they have a very good chance of winning this game. On the other side of the ball keep an eye on running back Joique Bell who is both an effective runner but also pass catcher who can be very effective as a check-down option for Matthew Stafford if he’s getting pressurized all day.
OK, so prediction time – a lot of people have picked the Green Bay Packers for this game and I too think they’ll win. The Lions weren’t convincing last week in their game in Chicago and the Packers are unstoppable at home so they’ll win here, thus taking the NFC North title by a score of 28-17.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Well that's it from me. Thank you for joining us here on The Roar for live coverage as the Green Bay Packers clinch the NFC North in what was a great game today. Don't forget to check out the Cincinnatti Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in under an hour from now, as the winner of that game will win the AFC North. Should be a good one!
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
The Green Bay Packers are your NFC North Champions as they win this one 30-20. Detroit Lions go into the playoffs as a wild card.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Stafford is sacked on 1st down and that should be the game.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
4th down now for Green Bay who will punt the ball back to Detroit. Under a minute left in this game.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
1.29 left in the game as Lions call for their last timeout.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Packers run with Lacy who will surely run the clock out here and win the NFC North and get a first round playoff bye as well as a home playoff game.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Lions attempt onside kick but Green Bay recovers.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
2 point conversion has been REVERSED! Packers now lead 30-20. 1.45 left in the game.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Joique Bell runs in for the 2 point conversion. Green Bay leads 30-22.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
TOUCHDOWN LIONS! Stafford over the middle to Theo Riddick. 2 point conversion attempt.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Stafford completes to Riddick for 6 yards out in the flat.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
2 minute warning. Lions have the ball on the Packers 14. Packers lead 30-14.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Stafford completes to Riddick and Lions on the Packers 24 yard line. Stafford then runs down to the 14 yard line.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
He certainly is James.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
1st and 10 Lions. Stafford pass incomplete.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Lions get the ball back! Lions punted after the safety, ball seemed to hit Packers player before Lions recovered. Play being reviewed.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Green Bay now leads 30-14 after the safety. 2.32 left in the game.
James
Guest
Rodgers is one tough son of a.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Stafford almost sacked in the end zone. SAFETY PACKERS! Stafford pass was given intentional grounding.
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
Packers now punting.