Matt LaFleur has valuable insight into the Lions, having faced them ten times as the Packers’ head coach. A Mt. Pleasant native and former Saginaw Valley State player, LaFleur is well-acquainted with the team.

When assessing the Lions, his opinion carries weight. “Arguably the best team in the NFL,” LaFleur remarked during a Monday press conference in Green Bay.

LaFleur spoke ahead of the Packers’ 2024 season opener against the Lions, scheduled for Sunday in Green Bay. The Packers will encounter a Lions team on a five-game win streak, the longest for Detroit since 2016. With 172 points over their last four games, Detroit leads the league in scoring for that stretch since 2019.

Quarterback Jared Goff is in the MVP conversation, ranking second in passer rating, supported by a strong run game and resilient defense, despite Aidan Hutchinson’s absence.

“They’re very, very good,” LaFleur said. “We’ve known that from the start of the season. This is a team we understand well, so we’ll need to perform at our best. It all starts with preparation, and we need a strong week of practice.”

Meanwhile, the Packers are also on a four-game win streak, following a recent 30-27 victory over the Jaguars, where Malik Willis took over in the second half for the injured Jordan Love.

Love’s status will be monitored throughout the week, but LaFleur confirmed he won’t hold Love back due to injury concerns. “If he’s able to play, he will,” LaFleur stated. “We’ll evaluate by week’s end, but we won’t risk him if he can’t protect himself.”