Walt of WalterFootball.com is pretty awesome. He's hilarious and knowledgeable. His site is worth bookmarking. WalterFootball.com: NFL Picks Against the Spread - Week 14, 2010
Here's his synopsis of the Packers-Lions game, and he also hones in on the wagering aspect of the games. He tends to win money every year, which is nice if we have any gamblers here. He picks the PACKERS to win, but not cover. That's fine with me. He picks the Vikings to beat NY Giants, for 3 units. He also liked New England for 1 unit, which isn't quite as confident. Let's hope he goes 3-3 in picking the winning team in these games! If so, the Packers will be moving up and closer to the top.
GREEN BAY OFFENSE: The Packers may have found the missing piece to the puzzle in their win over the 49ers. Seeing action for the first time all year because of injury, rookie running back James Starks was very impressive against San Francisco's third-ranked rush defense.
Starks ran for 73 yards on 18 carries on Sunday. He'll be far more effective this week because the Lions are 26th versus ground attacks. Four of Detroit's previous five opponents have compiled at least 91 rushing yards against them.
As if Aaron Rodgers needed more help, right? Rodgers is on fire; he hasn't thrown an interception in his past 177 attempts. Donald Driver is also looking as healthy as he's been all year.
DETROIT OFFENSE: The Lions put up 20 points on the Bears last week. However, all but 51 of their total yards came in the first half, as Chicago struggled to tackle before intermission.
If the Packers show up completely focused - I'll get to that later - Detroit won't be able to score. Running the ball won't be an option because Green Bay is eighth against the rush (although Cullen Jenkins won't play).
Meanwhile, Drew Stanton will do the usual - drop back 15 yards in the pocket and pray that Calvin Johnson can catch his desperate heave.
RECAP: Will Green Bay be completely sharp? I don't think so. The Packers are in a major Breather Alert. Following what should be an easy victory over Detroit, they have the Patriots, Giants and Bears to deal with.
The Lions are a feisty team that plays their opponents close. They took Green Bay down to the wire at Lambeau earlier in the year, losing 28-26.
The Psychology. Edge: Lions.
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Major Breather Alert for the Packers; this is their last "easy game;" after this, they have the Patriots, Giants and Bears.
The Vegas. Edge: Lions.
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Where do you think the money is going?
Percentage of money on Green Bay: 84% (50,000 bets)
The Trends. Edge: Packers.
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History: Packers have won the last 10 meetings.
Packers are 25-13 ATS on the road under Mike McCarthy.
Jim Schwartz is 1-5 ATS as a divisional underdog of 7+.
Opening Line: Packers -7.
Opening Total: 47.
Weather: Dome.
Week 14 NFL Pick: Packers 31, Lions 27
Lions +6.5 (2 Units)
Over 46.5 (0 Units)