After the teams dismal performance in week 1 against the Saints, week 2 is finally upon us. The Packers return home for a primetime matchup with a division rival in the Detroit Lions. Lambeau Field will be loud Monday Night and it will be the first time a sold out crow is in the stands at Lambeau since 2019. The alone should give the Packers the extra boost to right the ship after last weekend. Here is your game preview for Monday Nights matchup.

Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions

  • When: Monday, September 20 at 8:15 p.m. ET
  • Where: Lambeau Field — Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • TV: ESPN
  • Broadcasters: Steve Levy joins analysts Louis Riddick and Brian Griese in the booth with Lisa Salters reporting from the sidelines.
  • Radio: WTMJ (620 AM)
  • Radio Broadcasters: Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play), Larry McCarren (analyst) and John Kuhn (sideline)

Game Preview: 3 Things to Watch

Passing Game versus Lions secondary

The Packers receivers struggled to get open and create separation against the Saints secondary. There should be no reason the receivers corps can’t get open and create easy throwing lanes for Aaron Rodgers against a Lions secondary that will feature two rookies. This is probably the biggest mismatch of the night with the talent that the Packers have at receiver. We should see an explosive night through the air at Lambeau.

Packers Defense

What is there left to say about the Packers defenses performance in week 1 against the Saints? It was bad. They got torched in every aspect. Now in week 2 they will be without linebacker Za’Darius Smith. In week 1, Lions quarterback, Jared Goff was under pressure 21 times. Even without ‘Z’, this Packers defense has several guys that should be able to get to the quarterback. Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Kingsley Keke and Kenny Clark are the primary rushers now and their roles become that much more important. Definitely keep an eye on how Joe Barry’s defense pressures the Goff. On the backend of the defense, the secondary was getting burned. To no ones surprise, Kevin King was horrible in against the Saints. This week against the Lions, should not only be a building block for King to regain some confidence, but for the Packers to utilize highly touted rooked Eric Stokes. For the Packers to get to where they want to go, King and Stokes are going to have to be productive. This should be a perfect matchup for both of them.

Packers Run Game

Last season against the Lions at Lambeau, the Packers rushed for 259 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown by Aaron Jones. Last week, the San Francisco 49ers had 124 yards and a touchdown against the Lions defense. After last week, Pro Football Focus rated the Lions defense the second worst against the run in the league. One key to get the offense rolling is the running attack. The Packers need to stay patient and continue to pound the rock. They should have a big night on the ground.

Final Analyst

I do not remember the last time that Aaron Rodgers started the season 0-2. Frankly, I don’t think he ever has in his career and don’t expect it to happen this season. The Packers are far more talented than they showed in week 1. Basically, I think the Packers to dominate in Primetime in front of our rowdy crowd at Lambeau. The team should prove that last week was an outlier and beat a division rival.

Go Pack Go!

Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag