Detroit (6-1) faces Green Bay (6-2) in a key NFC North matchup on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EST, broadcasted on FOX. The Lions are favored by 3.5 points according to BetMGM odds, with their spread record standing at 6-1 while the Packers sit at 4-4. Historically, the Packers have had the upper hand in the rivalry with a series record of 106 wins to 76 losses and 7 ties. In their last encounter, the Packers edged out the Lions with a 29-22 victory during a Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit on November 23, 2023.
In the previous week, Detroit put on a dominant performance, defeating the Tennessee Titans 52-14 at home. Meanwhile, the Packers secured a tight 30-27 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both teams boast potent offensive capabilities; the Lions rank sixth overall, with impressive rushing and scoring stats. The Packers also rank high, sitting fifth in total offense with notable passing and rushing metrics. Defensively, however, both teams show some vulnerabilities, particularly in pass defense which is a point of concern.
For the Lions, safety Kerby Joseph stands out as a player to keep an eye on. He has achieved a career-high of five interceptions, a feat not seen by a Lions player in the first seven games of a season since Hall of Famer Yale Lary in 1962. In three games against Green Bay, Joseph has made a significant impact with three interceptions. On the other hand, Packers safety Xavier McKinney recently claimed his sixth interception of the season, leading the NFL, making him the first player in Packers history to reach that milestone in the first eight games.
The matchup to watch will be between the Lions’ running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, against the Packers’ run defense. Last season, the Lions averaged 175.5 rushing yards in two games against Green Bay, with Montgomery notably rushing for 121 yards and three touchdowns in one of those encounters. Although the Packers have shown improvements in their run defense this season, they have still allowed significant yardage to several talented running backs.
In terms of injuries, Detroit’s linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is dealing with an ankle issue and is the only player with an uncertain status for the upcoming game. For the Packers, quarterback Jordan Love’s availability remains in question due to a strained groin. Other notable Packers players, such as running back Josh Jacobs and cornerback Jaire Alexander, did not practice midweek due to various injuries.
Historically, the Packers’ recent Thanksgiving victory ended a four-game winning streak for the Lions against them in the series. The Lions have secured victories in their last two visits to Lambeau Field, including a decisive win in the 2022 regular-season finale, which kept the Packers out of the playoffs. Additionally, the Lions are enjoying a notable season, currently at 6-1 for the first time since 1956, and are striving for their longest winning streak since 1995. They have notched more than 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in every game this season for the first time since 1936, showcasing remarkable offensive prowess.
Statistically speaking, the Lions have set franchise records recently, including scoring 162 points over a four-game stretch and having scored 30 or more points in four straight games. Conversely, the Packers are also finding success, amassing 1,255 rushing yards, their best total through the first eight games since 1971. As the game approaches, fantasy players may want to consider picking up Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond, especially with the return of Jameson Williams after his suspension.