Week 18 is upon us. The Green Bay Packers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions in the regular season finale. The Packers essentially have nothing to play for this week as they have wrapped up the NFC North Division and secured the number seed in the NFC Playoffs giving them a first round bye. This week is about giving the starts some additional reps and working on some things so the team is ready for the playoffs. Our game preview will get you ready for the regular season finale against the Lions.

Game Preview: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

  • When: Sunday, January 9, 2022
  • Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
  • Time: 12pm CST
  • TV: FOX
  • Broadcasters: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver
  • Odds: Packers by 3.5
  • Last Meeting: Week 2 at Lambeau Field; Green Bay 35 Detroit 17
  • All-Time Record: Packers Lead 105-72-7

3 Things to Watch

Special Teams

Special Teams has struggled all season. With the playoffs approaching and with the Packers having Super Bowl aspirations, the special teams unit is going to play a criticial role in the success of the team during the playoffs. This is a good opportunity for the unit to get on the right track. Punter Corey Bojorquez struggled in the extreme cold at Lambeau Field last week so it would be good to see a bounce back game from him this week. Also, Mason Crosby has had an up and down season, it would also be good for him to have a good game. Field position could play a crucial role in this matchup if head coach Matt Lafleur decides to give Jordan Love and other players some extended playing time.

Jordan Love

Speaking of quarterback Jordan Love, I would really like to see him play a good portion of this game. The Packers do not have anything to play for this week and this is a perfect opportunity to give Rodgers some additional rest and Love some much needed reps. We have seen glimpses of how good Love could be in his brief appearances. The Packers need to see more of him in actual game reps and this game is the perfect opportunity to do that. One game will not determine his future, but one game will provide him with the opportunity to get the experience that he needs. I am hoping to see him play about a half against the Lions.

David Bakhtiari

The Packers 5 time All-Pro Left Tackle, David Bakhtiari, is set to make his season debut against the Lions. This is fantastic news for the team. Bakhtiari will get much needs reps in and shake off any rust before the playoffs. He practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday, conditioned on Thursday and was a full participant on Friday. He last played in a game on Dec. 27, 2020, against the Tennessee Titans. It will be really nice to see him back on the field against the Lions.

Game Preview: Final Analysis

This is a tough one to predict the outcome because we do not know how long Matt Lafleur will play his starters. I think the starters should play no more than a half and then we see Jordan Love and company. I feel that the Packers are the deeper team and will come away victorious. The Lions always find a way to be competitive against the Packers at Ford Field and crazy things always seem to happen there. This Lions team, record wise isn’t that good, but they have been tough down the stretch. Either way, sit back and enjoy this one folks as there is nothing to gain here, and the Packers have more games coming up in January.

Go Pack Go!

Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag