Ten years ago, Lions Week had a totally different outlook for the Green Bay Packers. This week, the winner will be in first place in the NFC North.
The Packers escaped with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it came at a cost, as several key players were injured. Top corner Jaire Alexander and standout rookie safety Evan Williams both left the game early.
Meanwhile, after exiting in the third quarter, Jordan Love’s status is also uncertain as he nurses an aggravated groin. Even with less mobility, Love could give the Packers their best chance of winning.
If Love is unable to play, the offense will turn to Malik Willis, who has done nothing but impress since arriving in Green Bay. Willis is 2-0 as a starter this season and delivered the clutch throw to Jayden Reed to set up the game-winning field goal to defeat the Jaguars.
However, Detroit won’t care who the starting quarterback is or who is hurt on the Packers’ defense. This is a well-rounded and well-coached Lions team with a physical defense and an offense that can put up a ton of points.
All signs point toward this being a can’t-miss matchup in Week 9. Detroit has won four of the last five contests against Green Bay, but the Packers are at home and riding a four-game win streak.
If they hope to keep the win streak alive and claim the top spot in the division, it could come down to these three key matchups.
Green Bay’s Pass Rush vs QB Jared Goff
Matt LaFleur is a big fan of Goff, dating back to when the two were together with the Los Angeles Rams. On Thursday, LaFleur said he believes Goff is playing the position as well as anybody right now and that’s tough to argue when you look at the numbers. He leads the league in completion percentage and has thrown for 1,695 yards and 13 touchdowns with just four interceptions. However, one area where Goff has struggled is avoiding sacks, having been sacked 15 times over the past five games. Green Bay’s pass rush has been hot and cold all season, but it has to show up this week if they hope to slow down Detroit’s passing attack. Taking advantage of a vulnerable Lions offensive line could be the difference.
RB Josh Jacobs vs Detroit’s Run Defense
When Love left in the second half against Jacksonville, it quickly turned into the Jacobs show. Even when the Jaguars expected the run, they had no answer, as Jacobs finished with 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Packers’ lead back is fourth in the league in rushing yards, but he faces a difficult matchup this week against a top 5 run defense. In both games Love has missed this season, the ground game has been able to carry the offense. That could be a lot tougher to do this week if Love can’t go.
Green Bay’s Run Defense vs RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery
There may not be a better running-back duo in the NFL than Gibbs and Montgomery. The Lions have the 6th-ranked run offense thanks to a two-headed backfield, which has combined for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in seven games. While Gibbs is the more elusive runner, Montgomery relies on his power, making for an impactful one-two punch. The Packers have been decent against the run this season (10th in yards per game), but this will be their toughest test to date.
