On the heels of four consecutive losses, the Green Bay Packers have one finger over the panic button. A loss this week to the Detroit Lions 1-6 would probably be the tipping point, as falling to 3-6 would make it very tough for the Packers to make the playoffs – cue the Jim Mora rant.
Green Bay isn’t focused on the postseason yet, but it’s tough to ignore the strain another loss would put on a wavering season. The Packers want to win one game, which Aaron Rodgers thinks could be enough to change the momentum and possibly alter the course of the season. He would know because it has happened before.
“Nobody feels sorry for us. We’ve got to find a way to get one win. I feel like if we can just get one, then the whole momentum changes,” Rodgers said after last Sunday’s 27-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
But the Lions aren’t going to lie down like tabby cats and let it happen. Detroit has actually played decent football in 2022, despite what the win-loss column says. They have lost four games by four or fewer points and would have a winning record if they knew how to finish their opponent.
Jared Goff and the offense are capable of putting up points. The Lions are 9th overall in points per game and may want to turn this week into a shootout against an indistinguishable Green Bay offense. Meanwhile, Rodgers and company have an opportunity to get back on track against a bottom-dwelling defense.
However, before we get too specific, let’s discuss four key matchups to look forward to in this meeting between two NFC North foes.