Coming off a loss to the Chiefs by a score of 34-30, the Lions sit at 2-1-1 and head to Green Bay to face the 4-1 Packers. Green Bay won their last game at Dallas by a 34-24 score. Detroit is 1-0-1 on the road and the Packers are 2-1 at home. This will be the first divisional game for the Lions, while the Packers look to go to 3-0 in the division.
Detroit is averaging 24.3 points per game compared to 23.8 for the Packers, but Green Bay has a clear edge defensively, allowing only 18.6 points per game as opposed to 23.8 for the Lions. Offensively, the Lions are averaging 388 yards per game and the Packers only 337. However the Lions have been more porous on defense, giving up over 400 yards per game versus 371 for Green Bay.
For the Packers on offense, Aaron Rodgers has steadily guided the ship, throwing for 1307 yards with six touchdowns and one interception, while being sacked ten times. His favorite target has been Davante Adams who has 25 receptions for 378 yards. However, he is very unlikely to participate tonight and did not practice Saturday due to his to turf toe injury. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and his 17 receptions will have to step up if Adams cannot go. Tight end Jimmy Graham and Geronimo Allen lead the team with two touchdown receptions each.
Should the Packers wish to grind it out on the ground against the Lions who give up 125 yards per game rushing, Aaron Jones will be the key man. He’s rushed for 302 yards and eight touchdowns. Second on the team in rushing is Jamaal Williams with only 87 yards and 3.3 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Packers have 15 sacks led by Preston Smith’s 5.5. They have seven interceptions with Kevin King pacing with two and six forced fumbles. On special teams, Mason Crosby has converted all 14 extra points and 7-of-8 field goals while JK Scott is averaging a very good 48.3 yards per punt.
When the Lions have the ball, they rely on the arm of Matthew Stafford, who has thrown for 1122 yards, nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. Marvin Jones Jr leads the Lions with 18 catches for 277 yards and Kenny Golladay has burned defenses with four touchdown receptions. Rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson has also found the endzone twice.
Kerryon Johnson has rushed for a respectable 251 yards in four games but is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry. He may have better results against the Packers run defense that has been suspect all season.
Defensively the Lions have nine sacks lead by Devon Kennard with three and Christian Jones with two. They have only two interceptions but have created havoc with nine forced fumbles. On special teams, Matt Prater has made 7-of-9 field goal attempts but Sam Martin is averaging a mediocre 42.3 yards per punt.
A win by the Packers at home would put them in very solid position in the division at 3-0 and overall in the conference with a 5-1 mark. A win by the Lions would tighten the division even further. Much like last week against the Cowboys, expect to see a heavy reliance on the running game with WR Davante Adams not playing again.