The Green Bay Packers will seek to avenge their Week 14 setback to the Detroit Lions when they return to Ford Field to face the NFC North division leaders. At 9-3, the Packers have already matched their victory total from last season, while the 11-1 Lions are vying for the NFC’s top seed and a coveted first-round bye. This game is more than just a rivalry; it’s a crucial matchup with playoff ramifications for both clubs. The Packers hope to reduce the division gap, while the Lions want to maintain their dominance. Here are three reasons why Green Bay will win in Detroit for the second consecutive season.
Reason 1: Packers Start Fast
When leading, the Lions have been a force to be reckoned with, unleashing a balanced attacking style that keeps defences guessing. With a strong running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, as well as a passing game captained by Jared Goff, Detroit can dictate terms once in control. That is precisely why the Packers must change the script early. During their current three-game winning streak, the Packers have outscored opponents 31-3 in the first quarter. This quick start allowed them to dictate the pace, pushing opponents to abandon their game plans and play catch-up.
The Packers’ first drive against the Dolphins on Thanksgiving set the tone, with Jordan Love managing a methodical march down the field to score touchdowns. That is the blueprint for victory versus Detroit. The Packers must strike first and force the Lions out of their comfort zone, where they have struggled to execute as well when down.
Reason 2: Lions’ Defensive Injuries
Being lucky is sometimes preferable than being excellent, and the Packers have been both this season. In general, Green Bay has avoided injuries, particularly with their key players. Although Jaire Alexander has only appeared in seven of the team’s twelve games due to his ongoing health difficulties, the Packers’ main players have largely remained on the field. As the Packers prepare for their postseason run, even Jordan Love, who struggled with early-season aches and bruises, is now completely healthy. The Lions, who have suffered greatly from injuries on the defensive end of the ball, cannot say the same.
Their standout pass rusher and defensive mainstay, Aidan Hutchinson, shattered his leg in October, ending his season. Along with rookie Mekhi Wingo, fellow defensive end Marcus Davenport has also been placed on the sidelines. Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez are all battling with serious ailments, so the Lions’ linebacking corps isn’t doing much better. Even Carlton Davis, the cornerback, may not play in this game. The Lions’ defensive front seven, who thrive on toughness and physicality, would suffer greatly as a result. With an offensive line that has been absolutely nasty during their three-game winning streak, the Packers, on the other hand, have become a bruising, tough team themselves.
The Packers should embrace that identity now more than ever. They ought to go at the Lions’ defence, which is now lacking in depth and skill. Working side by side with Josh Jacobs. Add a few play-action passes that are downward. Make Detroit pay for their tragedy and keep them on their heels. The Packers shouldn’t feel bad about their luck. They ought to take use of it instead. Green Bay has the chance to take the game early and smack Detroit in the mouth against a defence that is shorthanded.
Reason 3: A Healthy Jordan Love
Love wasn’t himself the last time the Packers and Lions played. Love returned to play Detroit just a week after sustaining a lower-body injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which forced him to leave the game early. However, it was evident that he wasn’t fully recovered.
His timing was wrong and his mobility was restricted, which were probably aftereffects of his injury. The end result was a mediocre stat line: a backbreaking pick-six, 23 completions on 39 attempts for 273 yards, and no touchdowns. However, it was back then. Green Bay’s bye week after that game gave Love a much-needed reprieve, enabling him to recuperate and regroup for two weeks.
His appearance as a quarterback has changed dramatically since then, and the outcomes are self-evident. Green Bay has won all three of its games since the Lions’ defeat, and Love has been playing his best football of the year. He has completed 47-for-68 throws, or 69.2 percent of his total, for 698 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception during that time. Even better, he hasn’t been picked in two games in a row, which is a first for him this season. A healthy Love is a more dynamic playmaker in addition to being a more accurate passer. His ability to keep defences honest and lengthen plays with his legs has revolutionised Green Bay’s offence.
For the first time this season, the Lions are up against a completely healthy Love going into the Week 14 rematch. And Detroit should be very concerned about that. Green Bay’s rushing game is made simpler by a sharp Love, who also improves their passing assault because defences can no longer afford to stack the box.
Love’s development since the bye is more than just a plot point; it’s the reason the Packers’ offence is thriving. And it’s the one and only thing that could make this game go Green Bay’s way. Love might make the difference that allows the Packers to both make amends for their previous defeat and establish themselves as serious NFC contenders if he keeps playing at this level.