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Packers at Lions: Winner on Sunday earns the NFC North Division title

In recent playoff history, the Redskins have faced the Seahawks three different times – after the 2005, 2007 and 2012 seasons – all resulting in loses.

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Detroit will now take on Green Bay on New Years Day in a victor take all match-up. While the Lions are at home with the NFC North title on the line against the Packers, it is not totally out of the question. But the Redskins would be all but assured of a playoff spot.

From the Redskins’ POV, everything appears to be falling into place nicely: Washington not only gets the Giants at home, but NY has already clinched a wild card spot and can not improve its position.

Teams still competing for a playoff spots (Week 17 opponent and chances to make playoffs in parentheses, via FiveThirtyEight).

For Seattle to get the two seed back, they’ll need a win over the lowly San Francisco 49ers and a Falcons loss. For what it’s worth, Detroit has won two out of its last three home games against the Packers. A tie counts as a half game won and half a game lost.

Why they can’t win it all: Their offense is prone to flopping and that Patriots game was before Tom Brady returned.

Before the season, I picked the Packers to beat the Steelers in Super Bowl LI. Fellow starting receiver Randall Cobb was scratched with an ankle injury but is hopeful to play in Detroit. “But our real focus is on this ball game, trying to get ready”.

Keys for Victory: Offensively our Redskins need to start fast and score first, making the NY Giants play from behind. Green Bay has gone 3-1 against the spread in the past four meetings. In a year when the Chicago Cubs can win the World Series, anything can happen.

Detroit could get as high as the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a victory. Despite the losses, the Lions still control their own fate, and the victor of their final game in the season will be headed to the playoffs.

New England (13-2) can wrap up the top seed with a win over Miami or an Oakland loss to Denver.

It’s a long way since November 13 when Washington thrashed the Packers on Sunday Night Football 42-24.

Offensive line help is also something that the front office will take a look at come draft time. If Slay still can’t go, the Detroit defense is missing a vital component.

McCarthy didn’t have many updates to the injury report, but said he is expecting second-year cornerback LaDarius Gunter to play against the Lions after leaving with an elbow injury during the Packers’ 38-25 win over Minnesota on Saturday. He’s arguably coming his worst outings, catching one of the seven passes thrown his way for 16 yards. The big five of Marvin Jones, Golden Tate, Anquan Boldin, Eric Ebron and Riddick all have caught at least 50 passes, so the pressure will be on the secondary and pass rush.

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If Stafford were 100 percent, I’d likely take the points here. The running game sucked. “We have got to get him healthy first – it’s a moot point if he doesn’t get healthy”. Go under the total.

Green Bay Packers at the Detroit Lions