The Green Bay Packers begin their NFL season on Sunday as they take on the Detroit Lions at home at 4:25 EST. Prior to the NFC North matchup, here are some player updates and some predictions heading into Sunday.
This is the first time the Packers open at home in the Matt LaFleur era. How much does this matter? Over the years, the Packers have failed to take advantage of their home field advantage, but I think that changes this season.
Kicking off the season against Detroit is no easy task. The Packers were swept by the Lions last season but are looking to turn their luck around and kick off the season with a win on Sunday.
Jordan Love stated, “I think we’re all ready and excited to get the season kicked off. Obviously, get a home game here at Lambeau and just an NFC North team. We’re excited about it and ready.”
As many pointed out this offseason, the Packers were indeed a fingertip away from being swept by the NFC North last season. If the window of opportunity is now, going 1-5 in the division will not scare anyone.
Love addressed this earlier this week stating, “Not even going against the Lions, but just our performance against every team in the NFC North wasn’t good enough, wasn’t up to our standards. That’s definitely something that’s lingered with us throughout the offseason.”
Injury Updates
Packers
Questionable: WR Jayden Reed (foot), CB Nate Hobbs (knee), S Zayne Anderson (knee), DE Micah Parsons (back), DE Barryn Sorrell (knee), WR Dontayvion Wicks (calf), WR Savion Williams (hamstring).
Lions
Out: LB Trevor Nowaske (elbow), RB Sione Vaki (hamstring), T Jamarco Jones (ankle).
It’s hard to imagine the Packers won’t have Micah Parsons to some extent on Sunday. Whether he be on limited snaps or not, Green Bay will need his presence in the pass rush.
Parsons said himself, “I’ve been trying to practice hard with the reps they’ve gave me on the ramp-up and see what their plan is for me this game and see how they’re going to unleash me.”
Predictions/Keys to Victory
As already established, this is quite the test for the Packers to open the season. The Lions are a legitimate threat in the NFC and the way the Packers look Sunday could set the tone for the rest of the season.
One of the bigger matchups will take place between the Packers offensive line and Lions star pass rusher Aiden Hutchinson. Hutchinson suffered a broken leg early last season but will make his return on Sunday.
Described as a “game wrecker” per Matt LaFleur, the ability to limit the damage of Aiden Hutchinson will be crucial for the offense. It will be important to establish Josh Jacobs and give Jordan Love enough time to operate comfortably.
Parson’s involvement will obviously depend on how well his back is feeling and what the Packers have managed to scheme up for him since he has landed in Green Bay. Regardless, his presence will be needed.
Getting to the quarterback can significantly impact the game. We’ve seen games in which Jared Goff has been rattled because of consistent pressure.
Do the Packers have the ability to win Sunday? Absolutely, but starting off slow or taking half the game to get in a rhythm will not win them this game. This is a new season, and the expectations are extremely high, especially after the Parsons trade.
Jordan Love on Sunday, “We’ll be ready for them, and it just comes down to going out there, executing and playing our best game.” If the energy is as improved and as focused as the players claim it is, Green Bay wins 31-28.
