Green Bay Packers v. Detroit Lions: Predicting the Winner

A few of our staff members at Dairyland Express have made their predictions for the outcome of tonight’s game. Let’s see how the Green Bay Packers fared.

Tonight the Green Bay Packers will face the Detroit Lions in what should be another hard-fought NFC North matchup. The winner of this game will also be alone at the top of the division through the first six weeks of the season.

Green Bay is coming off of a huge road win in Dallas that moved them to 4-1 on the season, while Detroit is coming off of their bye and sit at 2-1-1 on the year. Once again, the Packers’ offense will be without Davante Adams and the defense will have their hands full slowing down the Lions’ playmakers on offense.

Four of our writers – including myself – have each given our prediction for how we think tonight’s game is going to go and whether or not the Green Bay Packers can move to 5-1 while maintaining firm control of the NFC North. Let’s see how the Packers did.

Mike Wendlandt: Packers 34, Lions 17

Even without Davante Adams, the Lions secondary is ripe for the pickings for Aaron Rodgers and his wideouts. Darius Slay and Quandre Diggs are still questionable, and if they can’t go or are limited, it could be a big day for guys like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Darrius Shepherd, and Jimmy Graham. And with Mike Daniels and Da’Shawn Hand out, the defensive line is also significantly weaker, which gives an edge to the offensive line and Aaron Jones. With how the injury bug has favored the Green Bay Packers this week, this should be a big game for the offense.

Defensively, Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, TJ Hockenson, and Kerryon Johnson will all be a serious test for Mike Pettine, especially in the cold. But the Packers should be able to get a turnover or two thanks to the relentless pass rush and ball-hawking abilities of Kevin King and Jaire Alexander. I’m picking the Packers to get to 5-1 and more importantly 3-0 in the NFC North with a 34-17 win over Detroit.

Jacob Westendorf: Packers 27, Lions 21

I know the Lions’ record is impressive, and that they’ve done some good things early on but my mind is still programmed to think they aren’t very good. Whether that’s rational or not is up to you to decide. I think the Lions have the worst matchup on the field in this game. Their linebackers against Aaron Jones both in the running game and the passing game could spell trouble. Add in that their offensive tackles stink, and the Smiths could have another big day as well.

Brian Sampson: Packers 24, Lions 21

Both teams are ravaged with injuries heading into the Monday Night showdown for first place in the NFC North. The Green Bay Packers might be better-equipped thanks to their experience last week against the Dallas Cowboys. However, it’s about time the stout version of the Packers’ defense returned, as they slow down the Lions in this contest and take control of the division.

Paul Bretl: Packers 31, Lions 24

Without Davante Adams, I’m expecting another big day for Aaron Jones both on the ground and through the air. The Lions’ defense is giving up nearly 125 rushing yards per game this season and once again, I think the Green Bay Packers lean on Jones just as they did last week in Dallas.

Defensively there will be some tough matchups as the Packers’ defense will have to slow down Kerryon Johnson, Kenny Golladay, and Marvin Jones. However, I do expect Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith to take advantage of Detroit’s poor play from their tackles and get after Matthew Stafford. The result will be some key sacks and a turnover or two as well.