PackerNotes Staff Predictions: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

The Green Bay Packers head to Motor City for a divisional matchup with the Detroit Lions. Both teams are coming off short weeks for the Thanksgiving matchup. The Packers and Lions are both coming off wins from the previous week.

Here are the staff predictions for the game.

PackersNotes Staff Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur walks the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Malchow (5-4): Lions Over Packers 30-21

The Packers have a laundry list of injuries. Offensively, they will be without starters Luke Musgrave and Aaron Jones. Dontayvion Wicks is currently waiting to clear the concussion protocol. As of late, the Lions defense has been struggling to defend the pass. The Packers offense has gained momentum lately and has been showing improvements. I don’t believe they will have enough juice to outmatch the Lions.

Defensively, I don’t believe they can stop the Lions’ running game. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have been stellar, and the Detroit Lions arguably have the best offensive line in the game. If the Packers keep this game within reach, it’ll start by defending the run.

The last time these two met, Jordan Love had a long night. He was sacked five times and threw two interceptions. The offensive line and Jordan Love should be better this time around. Though they should be better, I have the Lions winning by nine.

Zach Weller (3-6): Packers Over Lions 28-24

I went with my heart last week, and it paid off. I think I’ll go with my heart again. The first matchup between the Packers and Lions wasn’t a fair fight. The Lions dominated the line of scrimmage and sacked Jordan Love five times.

Since then, the Packers have started a three-game stretch where the Offense didn’t look unwatchable. The Packers are starting to see the fruits of their draft day selections. Jordan Love had his best game of the season. The receivers and tight ends looked sharp. The only thing that wasn’t up to snuff was the defense.

If there is one thing that will cause the Packers to lose the game on Thanksgiving, it will be the defense. It feels like every week, they get more and more conservative. This Lions team is a team that will go on long, time-consuming drives. If the Packers can create a few turnovers and give the offense more chances. This version of the Packers offense should be able to put enough points to win.

I’ll take the Packers over the Lions on the road, 28-24.

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