In a battle for first place in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions will travel to Green Bay on Sunday afternoon to play the Packers. Following a landslide victory over the Titans, the Lions offense managed to score 52 points despite putting up just over 200 yards. The offense had a short field since the defense managed to force four turnovers.
The Packers just defeated the Jaguars in a tight game, winning on a game-winning field goal for the second consecutive week. Jordan Love may not be able to play, but he practiced on Thursday, so it appears he is leaning toward playing. The game is expected to be very close, and if the Detroit Lions want to win, they will need to do these three things.
Establish the Run Game
This season, the Detroit Lions run game has been excellent, and they need to start fast this week. With 100 yards rushing in the last two games, Jahmyr Gibbs is now seventh in the NFL in rushing yards. Although David Montgomery has had a difficult few weeks, this week should see him improve.
Gibbs and Montgomery will try to get going early because the Packers aren’t very good against the run. Getting the run game going will greatly benefit Jared Goff, who historically hasn’t been very good outside. It would help take pressure off him, allowing him to be more comfortable and continue to play how he’s been playing. If the Detroit Lions want to win this game, getting the running game going will help out greatly.
Contain the Packers Wide Receivers
The Detroit Lions cornerbacks, particularly Terrion Arnold, had a rough game last week and will need to improve this week. Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed lead the Packers’ excellent receiving core. This season, Love has been an excellent passer who has altered games with only one throw.
One of the Detroit Lions cornerbacks may perhaps record their first interception of the season because Love does throw a couple of balls that should picked off each game. Containing this trio will be a difficult task for Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis, but if they perform as they did against Minnesota, they should be able to succeed.
Avoid Turnovers
October was a great month for Goff, and he will need to maintain that into November. One of the main reasons Detroit didn’t lose in October was that Goff had zero interceptions. He has struggled in outdoor games, so he will need to play well and avoid giving the Packers a short field. This is something they have proven they can make you pay for.
Packers Safety Xavier McKinney leads the NFL in interceptions with six, so he will be looking to pick him off all game long. Goff will have to perform well and refrain from turning the ball over if the Detroit Lions want to win this game.
Conclusion
This marquee matchup at Lambeau Field will determine the leader of the NFC North. These are two of the league’s best teams, and they will be looking for a great victory on Sunday afternoon. If Love is healthy enough to play, he and Goff will have a quarterback duel that won’t soon be forgotten in Wisconsin.