Packers vs. Lions: The official Week 3 prediction
By Tim Muma
Matthew Stafford has been an offensive force since Week 6 last season, and has played fairly well against the Packers recently.
Beginning with the Lions’ 37-34 win over the Chicago Bears last October, Stafford has been elite.
In his previous 13 games, Stafford has 30 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 106.7 passer rating. He also owns a 68 percent completion percentage and is averaging 281 passing yards per game.
Stafford will be the one who determines the direction of the game on Sunday, one way or the other.
In 11 career games against Green Bay, Stafford has 17 interceptions compared to 20 touchdown passes.
Detroit is 8-5 in those 13 contests while scoring more than 25 points a game. However, he’s just 3-8 in his career against the Packers.
The key to beating Stafford, especially in this rivalry, has always been to force turnovers. His ability to create big plays can lead to foolish throws.
He still has a strong arm and often believe he can fit a ball into a tight window or beat the safties deep down the sideline.
In 11 career games against Green Bay, Stafford has 17 interceptions compared to 20 touchdown passes.
Last season, he combined to throw for 462 yards with four touchdowns and one interception against the Packers. Despite the Lions winning in Green Bay in 2015, they were held to just 18 points.
Stafford will certainly be around 300 yards passing by game’s end on Sunday. If things break right for him – or wrong for the Packers – he could have a huge day.
I’d predict Stafford goes 23-for-36 for 292 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.