Here’s what to keep an eye on during today’s matchup:
1. Weather
The Lions are playing their first of only three outdoor games this season. The other two will be in Weeks 16 and 17 against Chicago and San Francisco.
Today in Green Bay, there’s a 99 percent chance of rain with winds between 15-20 mph, which will undoubtedly impact the game.
“We’ll make sure we have the right cleats,” Lions quarterback Jared Goff said this week. “It’s usually either molded cleats or seven studs, and on these grass fields, you typically go with seven studs so you don’t slip. You see guys on film slipping, and you don’t want that to be you.”
Whichever team can establish and stop the run effectively will likely have an advantage in these conditions.
2. Protecting the football
The Lions have excelled in this area through their first seven games, ranking fourth in the NFL with only five turnovers. They’ve lost just one fumble all season, and Goff hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 3 against Arizona.
However, Green Bay leads the NFL in takeaways with 19 and has multiple takeaways in seven of their eight games. In a challenging road environment like Lambeau Field, the Lions need to avoid giving the Packers extra possessions or short fields. The same applies to the Packers.
3. Halting Green Bay’s running game
The Packers’ 1,255 rushing yards through eight games are their highest total since 1971. Veteran running back Josh Jacobs has been a solid addition, contributing to their fifth-place league ranking with an average of 156.9 rushing yards per game.
Green Bay has 28 explosive runs (12+ yards), the third most in the NFL. Detroit, meanwhile, has been strong against the run, ranking fifth in rushing yards allowed per game (101.9). This matchup will be a test of strength versus strength.
4. Can Goff stay on fire?
The Lions’ quarterback was recently named NFC Offensive Player of the Month after leading the team to a 3-0 record in October. He posted an 80 percent completion rate and a passer rating of 149.8, leading the NFL in both categories. Goff is just the third player in league history to have a passer rating of 125 or higher in four straight games.
He’s playing the best football of his career and will look to maintain that level against an aggressive defense ranked 19th in passing defense (215.8 yards per game).
5. Seizing opportunities
Lions head coach Dan Campbell anticipates a game that will come down to the fourth quarter.
“They’re actively going after the ball and are an opportunistic defense. This game will come down to one critical mistake,” Campbell said. “It’ll be decided in the fourth quarter, and whoever makes that mistake will lose.”
The Lions need to capitalize on opportunities when they arise. Green Bay has turned the ball over 12 times, with nine interceptions ranking third most in the NFL. Can players like Kerby Joseph or Brian Branch make a key play when needed?
Detroit’s offense has been effective at creating big plays, while the Packers’ defense has allowed 26 passing plays of 20+ yards, ranking 26th. When chances arise on Sunday, will the Lions capitalize?
