The Lions lead the NFC North with an impressive 11-1 record but face a tough challenge in their Week 14 matchup against the Packers.
Though Detroit defeated Green Bay 24-14 at Lambeau Field in Week 9, the Packers have gained momentum, winning three straight games since that loss.
Focus on Kickers Ahead of Lions-Packers Rematch
The upcoming Thursday game at Ford Field could hinge on the final possession, with Detroit favored by 3.5 points according to ESPN Bet. A pivotal factor might be the kickers.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard predicts Lions kicker Jake Bates will rebound in Week 14 after missing a key field goal in Week 13.
Woodyard’s prediction: Bates won’t miss a single attempt next week. In the Lions’ win over the Bears, Bates missed a 45-yard attempt in the fourth quarter, breaking his streak as the NFL’s only perfect kicker. Before that, he was 19-for-19, including clutch game-winners in Week 7 and Week 10.
Meanwhile, Packers kicker Brandon McManus, a former Super Bowl champion, has been reliable. He was perfect in Week 13, making all three field-goal attempts in Green Bay’s 30-13 win over the Dolphins. However, McManus missed one of his three attempts in the Week 9 loss to Detroit at Lambeau Field.
