Sports
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions: Preview, prediction and odds
The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers meet in a divisional clash that figures to have huge implications on the NFC playoff race.
Preview for Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions’ traditional Thanksgiving home game sees them face a NFC North matchup with the Green Bay Packers that is huge for the playoff aspirations of both teams.
A dramatic overtime win over the New York Giants last week saw the Lions improve to 7-4, but they are currently outside a crowded NFC playoff picture looking in, with Detroit a half-game back on the 7-3-1 Packers, who eased to victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Detroit will be out for revenge after suffering a 27-13 defeat to the Packers in Week 1.
The short turnaround from their narrow victory over the Giants adds to the difficulty for the Lions as they aim to jump ahead of the Packers in the standings and gain ground on the division-leading Chicago Bears (8-3), who face the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday.
However, head coach Dan Campbell and his players are embracing the challenge.
“We’ve got another opportunity in front of us at our place on a short week and we’re looking forward to it,” Campbell said on Monday. “It’s a good team.
“It’s a really good team but we are looking forward to this. We are looking forward to this a lot.
“Everybody is watching this game. You grow up as a kid watching it. Watching Detroit play and watching Dallas play. Detroit and Green Bay on Thanksgiving, I just think everybody knows what that is and everybody for the most part, grew up with that.
“Our guys know that too. I think that’s what makes it special. It’s one thing for everyone to see primetime games but most of the time, all the families get together and they are watching these games. It feels special in that regard.”
An emphasis for the Lions amid the emotion that comes with playing on Thanksgiving will be improving on defense after surrendering 517 yards to the Giants.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love, though, is not taking the test of facing that unit on the road lightly.
“I think they’ve dealt with some injuries, we have as well, so that always plays a factor,” Love said. “But I don’t think much has changed with them [from Week 1].
“It’s always a test playing there. Obviously, great environment. Very loud environment. We’ve been there before and know what it’s about. Communication has to be on point, and it’ll be another test.”
Between the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs, who had 264 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns against the Giants, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions have the offensive firepower to keep pace with the Packers if the defense struggles to contain Green Bay.
But the challenge for Lions quarterback Jared Goff comes in facing a Packers defensive front that sacked Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy five times last week.
Goff was sacked four times and intercepted once in his first meeting with the Packers. If the Lions are to gather momentum heading into the final weeks of the regular season, he’ll need to do a much better job of coping with the pressure Green Bay can create.
Prediction for Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
The Packers had the beating of the Lions in Week 1 in what looked to be an early statement of intent at Lambeau Field. However, there has been precious little consistency from Green Bay since then in a largely unconvincing campaign. The Lions are similarly difficult to trust as a true contender this season, but the home advantage at Ford Field may make the difference here.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers 31 – 34 Detroit Lions
How to watch Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
The Green Bay Packers-Detroit Lions matchup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday.
It will be broadcast nationally on Fox. It can be streamed via Fubo and NFL +.
Best betting offers for Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
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