Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Lions, Week 6
By Joe Kipp
After a dominant performance last week, the Green Bay Packers host the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. Five bold predictions for Week 6.
The Green Bay Packers enjoyed a rout of the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday by a final score of 34-24. After a 4-1 start, the Packers appear to have found their stride, especially on the defensive side of the ball. They’ll face off against the Detroit Lions in a pivotal NFC North matchup on Monday night.
Green Bay’s defense has been the heart and soul of the team as of late, led by the two dynamic pass-rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. The two Smiths have combined for 10.5 sacks and 54 combined quarterback pressures (per PFF, subscription required) after five games. Perhaps most importantly, the Packers have a plus-seven turnover margin, which currently ranks second in the NFL.
Thanks to the stellar play from the defense, the Packers offense hasn’t had to carry the load like it used to. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played a game manager-like role, tasked with protecting the ball and limiting mistakes. Rodgers didn’t throw a touchdown pass last week for the first time all season, thanks to a four touchdown performance from running back Aaron Jones.
Head coach Matt LaFleur appears poised to lean on Jones and the running game going forward, though it might be more difficult against a stout Lions run-defense on Monday night.
Though the Lions are allowing 4.8 yards per carry, defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison is arguably the best run-stuffer in the entire NFL, while fellow defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson is one of the more underrated defensive linemen in the league. It doesn’t help that the Packers are likely to be without their starting center Corey Linsley (concussion).
Meanwhile, Detroit’s secondary has emerged as one the better groups in the league this season, led by All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay. The Packers are likely to be without star receiver Davante Adams (turf toe), who said he has no timetable for a return earlier this week.
The Packers have a big test ahead of them on Monday night, though they remain a slight favorite in the majority of sportsbooks. Here are five bold predictions for Green Bay’s Week 6 matchup against the Lions.