The Green Bay Packers have not started a season 0-2 since 2005. Couple that with the fact that head coach Matt LaFleur has not lost back-to-back games during his tenure, and a loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night would be almost unprecedented.
However, the Packers can’t look past the Lions like it appeared they did the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. Dan Campbell’s team fought hard in their 41-33 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike Green Bay, they clawed their way back from a huge deficit to give themselves a fighting chance. Not to be dismissed, Jared Goff threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns in his debut as the new starter.
However, the Lions do not have a great roster, which has been the case for what feels like the last decade if not longer. In fact, the Packers might have the advantage at just about every position group. With that said, this offense is still capable of putting up points. That should worry fans following the performance of Joe Barry’s defense against the Saints.
Naturally, there will be plenty to watch for when the Packers try to right their wrongs from the season opener. Let’s highlight some important matchups every fan should take note of during their first divisional game of 2021: