Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Matchup Preview 12/29/2019: Analysis, Depth Chart, Daily Fantasy

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The final matchup between these division rivals will end the season for the Detroit Lions who are 3-11-1 coming into this matchup, who have had a challenging year this season. Suffering such key injuries to their offense including Matthew Stafford, Kerryon Johnson, and Marvin Jones this season. The Packers have had quite the opposite season from the Lions, finding success on the field and winning in close matchups and coming into week 17 with a 12-4 record for the season. Below you will find analysis, depth chart, injury report, and daily fantasy picks to play. All statistics used in this article can be found on our website at https://www.lineups.com/nfl.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, December 29, 2019
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
Coverage: FOX

Injury Report:

Green Bay Packers: T Bryan Bulaga (Q), LB Oren Burks (Q), DT Kenny Clark (Q), LB Rashan Gary (Q), WR Allen Lazard, C Corey Linsley (Q), DL Dean Lowry (Q), LB Blake Martinez (Q), S Will Redmund (Q), G/T Billy Turner (Q), FB Danny Vitale (Q), RB Jamaal Williams (Q)

Detroit Lions: DT Damon Harrison Sr. (Q), DT A’Shawn Robinson (Q), LB Devon Kennard (Q), LB Steve Longa (Q), T Rick Wagner (Q), S Tavon Wilson (Q), T Taylor Decker (Q)

Green Bay Packers Analysis:

Aaron Rodgers has not been the same Aaron Rodgers we know from past season. Throwing for one of his lowest yardage totals this season when playing a full season. Especially for fantasy, Rodgers has been somewhat of a disappointment this season. Despite the relatively low season for Rodgers, the Packers have secured themselves a playoffs spot and winning the NFC North. Even though winning the NFC North, the Packers could secure themselves a first-round bye week for the playoffs by beating the Detroit Lions. The Lions defense has been one of the worst defenses in the NFL, making for a great matchup against the Packers. Allowing the most passing yards, 4th most passing touchdowns, 4th highest yards per completion, and the 6th highest yards per attempt in the NFL. This plus matchup should make quick work for Aaron Rodgers and this Packers team.

The running-back situation has been an interesting one to watch unfold. Seeing two different backs getting a majority of the workload at different times it has recently become clear with a Jamaal Williams injury that Aaron Jones will be receiving a majority of the workload. Jones is just 16 yards from cracking the 1,000-yard mark this season. Jones also leads the league in touchdowns this season with a yards per carry of 4.7 yards. Facing the Lions run defense who has allowed 12th most rushing yards, the 20th highest yards per attempt (4.1 yards), and the 13th most rushing touchdowns in the NFL. A good matchup for Jones to crack that 1,000-yard mark and then some.

The Packers wide receivers have been forgettable outside of Davante Adams. Adams is less than 100-yards away from cracking the 1,000-yard mark this season. The next best receiver, Marquez Valdes-Scanting, is under 500 yards receiving on the year. Facing the Lions defense who has been one of the worst against opposing wide receivers. Allowing the most passing yards, 4th most passing touchdowns, 4th highest yards per completion, and the 6th highest yards per attempt in the NFL. This great matchup is a great opportunity for the Packers’ wide receivers to have a great game to end the season.

Green Bay Packers Depth Chart

QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB1: Aaron Jones
RB2: Jamaal Williams
WR1: Davante Adams
WR2: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
WR3: Geronimo Allison
TE: Jimmy Graham

Detroit Lions Analysis:

The Lions have had a troubling season this year. Losing many key pieces including franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford to a back injury, placing him on IR for the rest of the season. David Blough has come in during Stafford’s absence and the Lions have not been the same. Throwing for less than 1,000-yards in the 4 games he has played so far. Completing just 56.6% of his passing attempts so far this season. The Lions are desperately missing Stafford but will be looking forward to next season. The Packers defense has allowed the 15th most passing yards, 28th most passing touchdowns, the 6th highest yards per completion, and the 12th highest yards per attempt in the NFL. A solid matchup for Blough to try to leave Lions’ fans with a good taste in their mouth of him.

There have been rumors swirling running back Kerryon Johnson and his potential return from IR in week 17. A huge improvement in the rushing game if Johnson were to make his return this week. However, as of right now the Lions still have Bo Scarbrough leading the running back depth chart. Facing the Packers’ rush defense that has allowed the 10th most rushing yards, 10th highest yards per attempt (4.5 yards), and the 12th most rushing touchdowns. With the Packers having a larger vulnerability in the running game and with the potential return of Kerryon Johnson, expect the Lions to establish the run game early in this week 17 matchup.

The Lions wide receiving core took a massive hit with the injury to Marvin Jones, knocking him out for the rest of the season and putting him on IR. The passing game has been funneled to Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola since his exit. Facing the Packers young secondary who has allowed the 15th most passing yards, 28th most passing touchdowns, the 6th highest yards per completion, and the 12th highest yards per attempt in the NFL. This plus matchup will allow Kenny Golladay to continue to shine with Blough under center. Even with very little to play for at the end of yet another troubling season, the Lions will be looking to play spoiler against their division rival.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart

QB: David Blough
RB1: Bo Scarbrough
RB2: JD McKissic
WR1: Kenny Golladay
WR2: Danny Amendola
WR3: Travis Fulgham
TE: T.J. Hockenson

Daily Fantasy:

Aaron Jones (DK: $8,200 |FD: $8,000)

Coming into a game that, even though they have secured their playoff spot, means a potential first round bye for the Packers. Giving the Packers plenty of motivation to play their starters and end the year right. Jones is the most interesting piece of this offense, one of my favorite running-backs coming into this season. So close to cracking the 1,000-yard mark and well ahead of other running backs in rushing touchdowns. The Packers have been seen giving a large workload of 25+ touches in games. Facing a great matchup against the Lions with a game script that will favor the run makes Jones a great daily fantasy option.