Stacking The Green Bay Packers Against NFC Playoff Foes

Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Detroit won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions

We’re going to get a much better perspective on how these two teams stack up against each other after their Week 17 game, but this Detroit Lions team is different from years past.  This is not an undisciplined Jim Schwartz-led team, and the Packers experienced that first-hand in Week 3.

Yes, the Lions did beat us all the way back in September, but there isn’t much to suggest that the same outcome could occur either Week 17, or a possible matchup in the playoffs.  The Detroit defense has improved drastically this year, and have one of the toughest front sevens in the game.

Jim Caldwell has this team disciplined, and Detroit definitely has the tools to put together a win against Green Bay.

Where the Packers can take advantage however, is against Matthew Stafford.  Stafford has been inconsistent all year and likes to turn the ball over.  In their Week 3 game, Stafford threw two picks while Rodgers didn’t throw any.

The Packers defense thrives in the takeover department, and if they can win the turnover battle against Detroit, I think this offense has evolved enough over the season to be able to cash in on Stafford mistakes.

If Green Bay is able to keep this matchup in Lambeau and not at Ford Field, they would be favorites on paper and rightfully so.  Just don’t be surprised if Lions continue to smother the Green Bay offense while making enough plays of their own to steal a game.

Next: Dallas Cowboys