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3 reasons why Green Bay Packers will beat Lions in Week 2

By Brian Sampson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers catches the ball against Holton Hill #24 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers catches the ball against Holton Hill #24 of the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers will leave Lambeau Field with a victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 2 thanks to these three reasons.

The Green Bay Packers look to extend head coach Matt LaFleur’s perfect divisional record to 8-0 on Sunday, as they take on the Detroit Lions in their home-opener at Lambeau Field. The Lions are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Chicago Bears last week while the Packers are riding high following their offensive domination of the Minnesota Vikings.

To be clear, the Packers have a number of issues to work out from their season-opener. Their defense gave up a ton of yards late, as they were trying to slow Minnesota down and help the clock unwind. Their ability to stop the run will also be challenged today, as Detroit has a three-headed running back committee.

The injury report will be another thing to keep your eye on. Key players such as Billy Turner, Lucas Patrick and Josiah Deguara are all listed as questionable. Regardless, the Packers have the clear lead in talent and will be able to take home the victory thanks to these three reasons.

3. Protection

Aaron Rodgers hardly noticed the pass rush last week, as his shuffling offensive line kept the pocket clean. Green Bay should be able to do the same against the Lions, as Detroit’s pass rush isn’t nearly as dangerous as Minnesota’s. Hopefully, Turner and Patrick will be good to go as well, providing an extra boost. LaFleur will also continue to use quick passes to get the ball out of Rodgers’ hands early; there were only a few occasions last week where he had to extend the play.

2. Pass rush

On the other side of the ball, the Packers will be able to put pressure on Matthew Stafford. Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith are out for blood and Rashan Gary wants to make sure he’s not outdone by his elder teammates. This trio will prove to be extremely dangerous, and we’ll likely see a lot more of them–with Z. Smith moved to the inside–thanks to the absence of Kenny Clark.

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1. The passing game

The Packers’ passing game has all the ingredients for another successful showing. Davante Adams caught 14 of his 17 targets for 156 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. Expect more of the same especially considering the Lions will be without one of their top cornerbacks. Detroit just doesn’t have the manpower to slow down Adams at this stage in his career. Elsewhere, the Packers will continue to get the rock into the hands of playmakers such as Aaron Jones, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard through the air. They all combine to create a dynamic passing attack that will thrive once more.

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