Thursday Afternoon the Lions escaped with a victory in nail biting fashion against the Chicago Bears. This upcoming Thursday, they have yet another divisional game against the Green Bay Packers, who reigned victorious in a Thanksgiving battle of their own against the Miami Dolphins. Their upcoming clash should be a close affair. We will look into the top storylines to focus on ahead of the game.

Lions D-line vs. Packers O-line

The Green Bay Packers are one of few teams in the NFL, that can compete in the trenches with a frontline group like Detroit’s, who has dominated on both ends of the ball in that area. The Packers come into the game with the 4th leading rushing attack, and have also allowed only 15 sacks, good for 2nd in the league.  Detroit has leaned on their Defensive Line, which has continued to flourish despite being decimated with injuries. The Lions are allowing only 93 yards per game, and are coming off a 5 sack game, albeit against a porous Chicago Bears Offensive Line.

Turnover Differential

The Lions and Packers matchup pretty evenly, and what could tip the scales in the game may be turnover differential.  The two teams are nearly dead even in this category, with Green Bay being slightly better at plus 9. Kerby Joseph’s pick 6 in the previous game proved to be a major turning point in the game. The Lions would go on to win by a score of 24-14.

KERBALICIOUS PICK-6 🚨🚨🚨#DETvsGB 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/H2aDc7eood

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 3, 2024

Kraft vs. Laporta

Tucker Kraft is quietly having a pro-bowl like season but he will be faced with the most resistent defense as it relates to Tight end production. Meanwhile, Sam Laporta is coming off a dynamic Rookie Season, that had him ranked amongst the elite at his position. This year he has dealt with a number of injuries that has likely lended to his struggles. Laporta is coming off a 2 touchdown game vs. the Bears, and with the Packers ranking 24th against Tight Ends he is primed for another strong performance. Dolphin’s Tight End Jonnu Smith brought in 10 receptions for 113 yards in the Thanksgiving game vs. Green Bay.

Rainy weather was a major influence in their previous meeting on November 3rd. Ultimately, it would affect Green Bay more so than Detroit. We will see how things change under the dome. I would venture to say they’ll be more offense on both ends. Detroit and Green Bay split their season series last year, with Detroit taking the game in Lambeau and Green Bay matching that effort in Ford Field.