The highly anticipated NFC North showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions is set to unfold this Thursday at Ford Field, bringing back memories of last season’s pivotal matchup that shaped the playoff landscape.
As these division rivals prepare to face off in what promises to be an electrifying contest, both teams find themselves in intriguing positions that could dramatically impact their postseason aspirations.
The storylines surrounding this matchup are compelling, particularly given the Packers’ recent surge in performance under the leadership of Matt LaFleur and the emergence of Jordan Love as a legitimate franchise quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Lions, despite their impressive 11-1 record, are grappling with significant defensive personnel challenges that could potentially level the playing field in this crucial divisional clash.
The dynamics of this matchup have shifted considerably since their last encounter. The Lions have maintained their dominant form throughout the season, but recent defensive setbacks have raised questions about their ability to maintain their impressive win rate.
The Packers, sporting a 9-3 record, have demonstrated remarkable resilience and improvement, winning seven of their last eight games in convincing fashion.
The betting markets have taken notice of these developments, with the initial point spread of 5.5 points in favor of Detroit shrinking to 3.5 as of Monday.
This movement reflects growing confidence in Green Bay’s ability to compete in this hostile environment, particularly given their recent offensive efficiency and the Lions’ defensive concerns.
A fascinating subplot to this matchup involves former Packers defensive end Z’Darius Smith, who played a crucial role in preserving Detroit’s victory over the Chicago Bears last week.
The narrow escape in that game, marked by questionable clock management by Chicago, has added another layer of intrigue to this week’s contest. The Packers’ journey to this point hasn’t been without its challenges, including their earlier loss to the Lions.
However, their subsequent three-game winning streak has showcased significant improvements in both execution and team chemistry. This evolution sets the stage for what could be one of the most competitive matchups of the 2024 NFL season.
What time is Packers vs Lions on Thursday?
Start time: 7:15 p.m.
What channel is Packers vs Lions on Thursday?
TV Channel: Amazon Prime (the game is also available locally on Channel 6 in Milwaukee and Channel 26 in Green Bay)
What’s the Packers’ record?
The Packers currently stand at 9-3, having established themselves as one of the hottest teams in the NFL with their impressive seven victories in their last eight games.
This remarkable run has positioned them as legitimate contenders in the NFC North and strengthened their playoff aspirations.
What’s the Lions’ record?
The Lions boast an impressive 11-1 record and are seeking to complete a season sweep of their division rivals. Their dominant performance throughout the season has established them as one of the premier teams in the NFL, though recent defensive injuries have introduced an element of uncertainty.
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Packers vs Lions odds
Point spread: Lions by 3.5 O/U: 51.5 Moneyline: Packers +155, Lions -190 Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday
According to ESPN’s predictive analytics, the Packers have a 39.6% chance of securing a victory in this crucial divisional matchup.
Packers injury update on Jaire Alexander and Romeo Doubs
In significant developments for the Packers, both Jaire Alexander and Romeo Doubs have made their return to practice. This news comes as a substantial boost to the team’s prospects heading into Thursday’s crucial matchup.
Doubs, who sustained a concussion during the third quarter of the Packers’ impressive victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12, was forced to miss the team’s subsequent Thursday night triumph over the Miami Dolphins. His return to practice signals positive progress in his recovery protocol.
However, the team is still monitoring the status of linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and cornerback Corey Ballentine, who were both absent from Sunday’s practice session. Their availability for Thursday’s game remains uncertain.
Lions injury update
The Lions are facing significant defensive challenges with linebacker Malcom Rodriguez and defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo both being ruled out for the remainder of the season due to knee injuries.
The situation is further complicated by injuries to defensive linemen Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring), who sustained injuries during the team’s victory over the Bears.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed these concerns, indicating that both Paschal and Onwuzurike could miss substantial time. “We got defensive injuries. If that makes us do something different offensively and special teams, we’ll do that,” Campbell stated. “If it’s offensively, we’ll play a little different on defense and special teams and we’ll find a way to balance the levies.”
Packers-Lions last meeting
The previous encounter between these teams resulted in a 24-14 victory for the Lions, marking the second consecutive year the Packers struggled on their home turf against Detroit. However, the outcome wasn’t necessarily indicative of a talent disparity between the teams.
The Packers were hampered by a series of self-inflicted wounds, including penalties, problematic snaps, dropped passes, and a costly interception. These miscues proved too significant to overcome against a quality opponent.
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Packers schedule 2024
All times Central
- Sept. 6: vs. Philadelphia in São Paulo, Brazil, L, 34-29
- Sept. 15: vs. Indianapolis, W, 16-10
- Sept. 22: at Tennessee, W, 30-14
- Sept. 29: vs. Minnesota, L, 31-29
- Oct. 6: at Los Angeles Rams, W, 24-19
- Oct. 13: vs. Arizona, W, 34-13
- Oct. 20: vs. Houston, W, 24-22
- Oct. 27: at Jacksonville, W, 30-27
- Nov. 3: vs. Detroit, 3:25 p.m. L, 24-14
- Nov. 10: Bye
- Nov. 17: at Chicago, W, 20-19
- Nov. 24: vs. San Francisco, W, 38-10
- Nov. 28: vs. Miami, W, 30-13
- Dec. 5: at Detroit, 7:15 p.m.
- Dec. 15: at Seattle, 7:20 p.m.
- Dec. 23: vs. New Orleans, 7:15 p.m.
- Dec. 29: at Minnesota, noon
- TBD: vs. Chicago, TBD
- Record: 9-3
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