With a four-game lead in the division, the Detroit Lions enter Thursday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers on a hot streak. But Green Bay doesn’t have much ground to cover in a tight NFC playoff race and has been playing better ball recently. Can the Packers steal turkey day?
How the Green Bay Packers Can Steal Turkey Day
Thanksgiving Day Menu
In what will be a day full of storied rivalries, Thursday’s slate is appetizing across the board. To start the day, the Packers head into Detroit to take on a red-hot Lions team. Coming off a big win over the Chargers, Green Bay has a chance to pick up some serious momentum before their schedule softens up a bit.
A win for the Packers on Thursday could push them up the standings if Dallas can beat Washington. Also helping the Packers would be a win from the 49ers over the Seahawks, who could be starting Drew Lock at quarterback. Both Seattle and Washington are in a position to make a playoff run, but losses by both teams would only boost Green Bay’s chances of staying alive down the stretch. A Packers win would also be the headline of the day, as Detroit is a heavy favorite heading into the game.
Cooling Down the Lions
The Lions are operating at a high level, mainly because of their offense and the balance they have found in the run game. Currently, Detroit ranks in the top five for both rushing and passing attacks in the NFL. Jared Goff has leaned on Amon-Ra St. Brown for most of the work but has also connected with players like Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Kalif Raymond for passes beyond 40 yards.
For Green Bay, it comes down to preventing the big play. Teams have struggled to convert in the red zone, and on fourth down against the Packers so far this season. Against Detroit, this means limiting shots over the top of the defense. Green Bay has experienced injuries in the secondary, and they might have to wait one more week for Darnell Savage to return after coming off injured reserve. This means it will be relying on its young players to defend Detroit’s aerial attack. Forcing Detroit to settle for field goals could go a long way for Green Bay on Thursday.
Winning in the trenches will also be imperative for the Packers, as the Lions field one of the league’s best offensive lines. Detroit has found offensive success by controlling the ball and time of possession. Through ten games, they rank in the top five in a handful of categories, including points per drive, time of possession per drive, and yards per drive. If the Packers are going to pull the upset, it starts with pressuring Goff and forcing the offense into third-and-longs. Without stopping the run, Green Bay could be in trouble.
Keep the Offense Rolling
As for the offense, Green Bay will have opportunities to exploit a Lions defense that has surrendered nearly 23 points per game. In their last three games, the Packers offense has found more balance, through both the air and on the ground. Without Aaron Jones, however, Green Bay will be looking for A.J. Dillon to step up and carry the load. An effective run game should give Love chances to connect on deep throws, as he has found more success doing in recent weeks.
Injuries to key players could hamper Green Bay’s ability to pull off the upset, but the explosive plays that players like Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks have shown in recent weeks should at least give the offense a chance to hang with this explosive Lions team. If the offense can continue its balanced performances, there’s a chance the Packers can steal turkey day.
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