Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers 2019: Prediction Against The Spread, Monday Night Football Odds

First place in the NFC North is on the line in the Week 6 “Monday Night Football” matchup. The Green Bay Packers sit alone atop the division, but the Detroit Lions can take their spot with an upset on the road.

Off to a 4-1 start, Green Bay is a four-point favorite against the 2-1-1 Lions at Lambeau Field, according to the latest betting line at OddsShark. The over/under is 47.

Both teams have been impressive against relatively difficult schedules. The Packers have wins over the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, all of whom are above .500. Detroit was narrowly defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs right before their Week 5 bye. The Lions defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, who won in Green Bay, as well as the Los Angeles Chargers.

Green Bay’s defense has surpassed expectations, but it’s not much of a shock that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are in first place. Detroit has been one of the most pleasant surprises through five weeks of the 2019 NFL season, looking like a real contender in the league’s best division.

Detroit’s one misstep came when they were road favorites against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. The Lions blew a 24-6 lead in the final 12 minutes of regulation, going on to tie a game they should’ve won.

As underdogs in their next three games, Detroit covered the spread each week, winning twice straight up. The Lions are 4-1 against the spread in their last five road games and their last five meetings with the Packers.

The overall stats might not put the Lions among the league leaders, but Detroit’s defense has been a key to its success. Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Patrick Mahomes were all less than spectacular against the Lions.

Rodgers could suffer a similar fate in Week 6. He’s thrown for fewer than 240 yards in four of the team’s five games. Twenty-one quarterbacks have a higher passer rating this season.

Davante Adams could miss his second straight game with a toe injury. There’s a good chance Lions’ cornerback Darius Slay will return after missing Week 4 with a hamstring injury.

The Packers are only 23rd in yards per play. The Lions are eight spots ahead of them at 15th overall.

Matthew Stafford has nine touchdowns and two interceptions with a career-high 102.6 passer rating. Green Bay has thrived off takeaways, tied for second in the NFL with seven picks and leading the NFC with a plus-seven turnover differential.

If Stafford can take care of the football, Detroit might steal a road win and sole possession of first place in the NFC North.

Prediction: Detroit over Green Bay, 23-20