Sunday’s bundle of Week 2 NFL games are officially in the books, meaning that fans are now turning their attention to an exciting Monday Night Football contest. This week’s game is a matchup between a pair of NFC North rivals as the Green Bay Packers (0-1) will play host to the Detroit Lions (0-1). Both rivals will be looking to get into the wins column for the first time this year, which should make for some entertaining football tonight.
There’s a lot to take account of before tonight’s Monday Night Football clash, so continue reading this guide for the betting odds heading into the matchup
Lions vs Packers General Information and Statistics
Tonight’s game will be held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin where the Packers will play their first home game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. EST and the contest itself can be viewed on ESPN and other streaming platforms around the world.
The Packers are currently averaging 3.0 points per game, which is the lowest total in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Lions are averaging 33.0 PPG — the fourth-highest total. Defensively, Green Bay is allowing 38.0 PPG (30th) while Detroit is surrendering 41.0 PPG (32nd).
Monday Night Football: Lions vs Packers Odds
Odds via Bovada as of Monday, September 20
- Detroit Lions (0-1) vs Green Bay Packers (0-1)
- Moneyline: Lions (+400) vs Packers (-565)
- Spread: Lions +11.5 (-105) vs Packers -11.5 (-115)
- Total: 48.5 — Over (-115), Under (-105)
Complete list of odds and prop markets are available at Bovada.lv.
Lions Enter MNF as Underdogs
The Lions will enter Week 2’s Monday Night Football matchup as the +400 underdogs. Detroit has struggled over the last couple of years, especially when it comes to facing Green Bay. The Packers have won their last four outings against the Lions and now the road team will try putting an end to that streak tonight.
Detroit started its 2021 campaign with a 41-33 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. While it was clear that the Lions defense needed some work, the offense looked solid for the most part. Veteran quarterback Jared Goff put up 338 passing yards and three touchdowns (to one interception) in his regular season debut, so it’ll be interesting to see how he follows that up. Running back D’Andre Swift (questionable) and tight end T.J. Hockenson were Goff’s favorite targets in the season opener, each seeing 11 apiece.
The Packers are going to want to start this game off with a bang after being embarrassed last week, which means this matchup could potentially end in a shootout. Detroit’s going to want its offense to be at its best, which will be tougher than usual because No. 1 wideout Tyrell Williams has been ruled out of Monday Night Football with a concussion. Wide receivers like Quintez Cephus and Amon-Ra St. Brown are going to have to step up in his absence to give the Lions a fighting chance.
Monday Night Football: Can the Packers Bounce Back?
No team was as embarrassed as the Packers were in Week 1 when they lost 38-3 to the New Orleans Saints. After all, Green Bay was seen as a Super Bowl contender before the year even begin. Fortunately, for the organization, that loss is in the past and there’s a chance to avenge it tonight against the Lions.
There was a lot that didn’t go right for Green Bay last week. For starters, 2020 NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers completed just 15 of his 28 passing attempts for 133 yards and a pair of interceptions. That was clearly an uncharacteristic performance and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a player of his caliber bouncing back. He’ll need help from his pass-catchers to do so, though. Aside from WR Davante Adams (56), no other Packers player had more than 32 receiving yards. That just won’t cut it, even against a weaker team like the Lions.
As mentioned earlier, the good thing is that the Packers have won their last four meetings against the Lions. The last matchup between the two rivals saw Green Bay winning 31-24 on December 13, 2020. Adams led the charge with seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown while the Packers held the Lions to a total of 293 yards. If that can happen again, Green Bay is in good shape to win this week’s Monday Night Football battle.
