Packers vs. Lions: The official Week 3 prediction
By Tim Muma
If you’ve been paying enough attention, you probably have a sense of where I’m going with this key NFC North tilt between the Lions and Packers.
It’s not like everything with the offense will be suddenly fixed on Sunday. However, there will be more than positives to feel better about the direction of the Packers.
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With the exception of playing a putrid defense like the Oakland Raiders or Indianapolis Colts, this is a nice set up for Green Bay. They’re at home against a team they dominate historically on what should be an ideal afternoon.
There is some rain in the forecast, so that could put a wrench in things.
Regardless, Rodgers should be focused on sticking to the game plan and taking the short, quick stuff when it’s there.
McCarthy will also commit a touch more to the ground game to keep the Lions honest.
Those two things will open up the deep ball where you can expect the Packers to connect on a couple plays for 40+ yards.
I’d think the first quarter will be slow going as the teams feel each other out. Once the game hits the second and third frames, both offenses will figure out some things that work.
Next: Packers versus Lions: Four Fun Facts for Week 3
It will be a back-and-forth affair with the clubs tied at the half. The Packers will push ahead 24-17 in the third, but Detroit ties it up midway through the fourth quarter.
That sets the stage for Rodgers to put the Packers in a position to win. Last year, Mason Crosby shanked a 52-yard attempt to win the game. This year, Rodgers will watch Mason Crosby boot home a 42-yard field goal for the victory.
Final Score: Packers 27, Lions 24