The NFC North’s top two teams collide as the Lions visit the Packers on Sunday, each riding impressive winning streaks and aiming to take control of the division. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Lions -4 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Lions vs. Packers
Sunday, November 03, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at Lambeau Field
Detroit Dominated Tennessee
Jared Goff powered the Lions to a commanding 52-14 victory over the Titans, marking Detroit’s fifth consecutive win. Goff threw three touchdown passes in a game where five different Lions players scored in the first half.
David Montgomery set the tone, and the offense executed flawlessly, converting all five red-zone trips into points. On defense, Detroit forced four turnovers, while special teams added a score on one of three returns that totaled 162 yards.
Detroit’s offense has been nearly unstoppable, averaging over 40 points per game in the last four outings. With the best record in the NFC and a historic start not seen since 1956, the Lions appear to be at their peak. Even without Jameson Williams, who is serving a two-game suspension, Detroit’s offense didn’t miss a beat. Jahmyr Gibbs stepped up with a 70-yard touchdown run, finishing with a season-high 127 rushing yards.
Packers Edged Jaguars Despite Love’s Injury
The Packers rallied to defeat the Jaguars 30-27 on the road, led by backup Malik Willis after Jordan Love exited with a groin injury. Willis stepped up to guide Green Bay to its fourth straight win, setting up kicker Brandon McManus for his second consecutive game-winning field goal.
Love, limited by the injury, completed 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards with an interception before being sidelined. Josh Jacobs took on the offensive burden, racking up 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns, helping the Packers improve to 6-2.
With Love’s injury status uncertain, Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed “a high level of concern” for his quarterback. If Love can’t go, Green Bay will rely on Willis, who has shown poise but lacks Love’s experience, especially in managing tight games.
Keys to the Game
Goff is on a hot streak, having thrown three touchdowns last week while showcasing Detroit’s red-zone efficiency. The Packers’ defense must keep Goff off balance to prevent him from finding a rhythm. Green Bay can’t afford any lapses, as Detroit’s efficient offense has consistently capitalized on defensive mistakes. If Goff can spread the ball around, the Packers will have difficulty containing the Lions’ balanced attack.
Gibbs has become a breakout star, and he’s coming off a 70-yard touchdown run with a season-high 127 rushing yards last week. His quickness and vision make him a constant threat to Green Bay’s defense. The Packers need to contain Gibbs to prevent Detroit from establishing a dominant run game; otherwise, Green Bay’s defense will have to shift its focus away from the pass, giving Goff more flexibility to exploit openings.
If Love plays, he’ll be the key to Green Bay’s offense, though his groin injury may limit his mobility. Detroit’s defense, which forced four turnovers last week, will aim to pressure Love and force hurried decisions.
If Love sits out, Willis will step in, bringing a different style of play. While Willis’s mobility offers some advantages, Green Bay’s offense may shift toward a more conservative, run-heavy approach that could struggle to keep pace with Detroit’s high-octane attack.
Detroit’s special teams unit was pivotal last week, returning for a touchdown and totaling 162 yards on three returns. Green Bay must remain disciplined, as Detroit has excelled at capitalizing on short fields and opponent errors. Both teams have leaned heavily on turnovers and special teams plays to swing momentum, so ball security and precision will be crucial.
NFL Pick
If Love starts, he could keep the Packers competitive, giving them more stability in critical moments. However, with Detroit’s red-hot offense and a defense that’s opportunistic with turnovers, the Lions hold a slight edge. Should Love be sidelined and Willis start, Green Bay may struggle to keep up with Detroit’s relentless scoring.
NFL Pick: Lions -4 (-110) at Bet365
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