Final Thoughts on Green Bay Packers v. Detroit Lions

Somehow, it is already Week 18. And although the Green Bay Packers don’t have anything to play for from a win-loss perspective, I still have plenty of final thoughts about their upcoming matchup with Detroit.

My final thoughts as well as what to watch for when the Green Bay Packers take on the Lions.

– If it were up to me — and fortunately, it isn’t — I would rest the Green Bay Packers starters. The injury risk would be too much for me, and whether they play good or bad, I don’t believe that a quarter or two of football against Detroit will have much of an effect on the Divisional Round in two weeks.

– Now, with that said, there may be no coach in football who has the pulse of his football team quite like Matt LaFleur does. So if he feels that this is what’s best for the team, then I’m 100 percent all-in with him. And as he said, three weeks off is a long time without any in-game reps.

– Aaron Jones is listed as questionable with a knee injury–just sit him. Jones already suffered a sprained MCL earlier in the season and he has also had other knee injuries in the past.

– Both Josh Myers and David Bakhtiari will suit up today. We will see where Billy Turner is at in two weeks, but there is the real possibility that despite all of the injuries, Green Bay could have four of their five preferred OL starters (minus Elgotn Jenkins) available for the playoffs.

– Also worth monitoring, while my guess would be that Myers is the center in the playoffs, I don’t necessarily think that’s a slam dunk either. While his upside is certainly higher than Lucas Patrick’s, Myers is still a rookie with only four NFL games under his belt, while Patrick has experience and has been playing some of his best football as of late.

– If Myers does take over at center, could Green Bay move Patrick to right guard, where he started most of the 2020 season? According to PFF ($$), Patrick allowed three sacks and 17 pressures last season.

– The big thing I’ll be watching for while the starters are in is whether or not this first-quarter offense can get off to a quick start. The Green Bay Packers rank 26th in average first-quarter points per game this season, but this is a Detroit defense that has really struggled and ranks near the bottom of many key statistical categories on defense.

– The Lions may only have two wins and losing benefits them more when it comes to the draft, but you can bet that Dan Campbell’s team will be playing hard for all 60 minutes.

– Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has been on a tear as of late. Since Week 13, he has 43 receptions for 451 yards and four touchdowns. Playing a majority of his snaps from the slot, Chandon Sullivan will likely be matched up on him often.

– Keep your eyes on Preston Smith while he’s in the game. Smith currently has nine sacks; if he reaches 10, he earns an additional $750,000. If he can get to 12, he will earn another $1.2 million.

– Jordan Love really struggled against Kansas City, but he didn’t get a ton of help either. This time around I want to see Matt LaFleur as the play-caller, get back to the basics of his offense. This means leaning on the run game, quick passes, play-action, pre-snap motion–there wasn’t much of this against the Chiefs.

– Don’t say it too loudly, but the special teams unit has been better over the last two weeks–especially the field goal unit. Can they carry that momentum into the playoffs? David Moore is out, so that means Amari Rodgers will be the return man this week–although once we get to the playoffs, I have to think that will be Moore’s job.

– Davante Adams needs just 22 receiving yards to break the Green Bay Packers’ all-time single-season record, which is currently held by Jordy Nelson.

– Aaron Rodgers is your MVP regardless of what happens today.

– I am excited to see Patrick Taylor get some more snaps at running back. I’ve been a big fan of his since college–he’s just such a good fit for this offense with his ability as a ball-carrier, pass-catcher, blocker, and he can be moved around the formation.

– Please, let’s stay healthy.

– Prediction: Packers 24 – Lions 20