Zielinski: Packers will show their ‘pride’ and tame the Lions

By DAN ZIELINSKI

The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions will square off in a meaningless game at noon today at Lambeau Field. Both teams are out of playoff contention and will finish with losing records.

The Packers lost to the Lions, 31-23, on Oct. 7 in Detroit and are trying to avoid a season sweep by their division rival for a second consecutive year.

In the first meeting between these two teams, the Lions jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the first half. The poor start haunted the Packers, who outscored the Lions, 23-7, in the second half.

The Packers have won two of their last three games. Although they are playing at home in their final game of the regular season, a loss wouldn’t be the worst thing, as it would allow them to have a higher draft pick.

The Packers want to win this game for pride, while interim coach Joe Philbin needs to conclude the season on a positive note to strengthen his resume in hopes of receiving the permanent job.

This game will be a back and forth affair with the Packers wrapping up the season with a victory.

Prediction: Packers 31, Lions 17