The next opponent of the Green Bay Packers is 11-1 and has looked like the best team in the NFL this year. Though their high powered offense has been the focal point of their success, the Detroit Lions have managed to be stout on defense all year as well. Although, “stout” might not be the word, maybe “splashy” suits them better. Detroit has created 19 takeaways on defense this year, which has helped propel their offense into scoring position enough that they are tied with Baltimore, who have played one more game than Detroit, for first in points scored this season. Can the Packers really beat a team like that?

What I’m getting at here is this: the Lions defense is extremely banged up. Here’s a look at their current injury report.

DJ Reader, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzirke and more could possibly be absent from the Lions defense on Sunday. Keep in mind they are already without Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Alex Anzalone. There is no question that the Lions will have at least some issue creating pressure with their defensive line this week.

The Packers have their best shot to prove who they can be:

Last year the Lions dismantled the Packers in Green Bay early in the season only to get beaten handily at their home field later on. Part one of that checklist is sadly already complete. We might just be in for a repeat of those events if the Packers offense can do what is necessary. Ultimately if you’re the Packers you live with what the defense can get you in this matchup. Green Bay’s defense is a pretty good unit, and they should see Jaire Alexander return this week, but ultimately the offense will simply need to score as much as possible against a Lions defense that will most likely give Jordan Love all day to throw the ball.

A win this week wouldn’t necessarily put Green Bay in the driver’s seat for the NFC North, but it is a necessary game if they want any chance at taking the division and even possibly the number one seed.

It wouldn’t be great to see the Lions lose just because they’re banged up right now, but you can only play the team that’s in front of you. A win for this Packers team might instill the confidence to feel like they’re the best team in the NFL, and that’s all you can ask for when you’re this close to the playoffs.

Looking Ahead

Kickoff between the Lions and Packers will be at 7:15 local time at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday. Look for injury reports to come out 90 minutes before kickoff, this will likely be one of the most important factors for the outcome of this game, so make sure to keep your eyes open.

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Zack is a college student and cheesehead from California. When he’s not in class or writing, you can find him talking about the Packers on Twitter at @Zack_Upchurch.

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