NFL Week 14 Picks: Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

Week 14’s Thursday Night Football brings an NFC North showdown between two of the league’s best as the Green Bay Packers (9-3) visit the Detroit Lions (11-1) in what could be one of the most exciting divisional games of the season. With both teams coming off Thanksgiving victories and entering the game on a full week of rest, fans can expect high-intensity football under the bright lights of Ford Field.

Detroit Lions Week 13 Recap

The Detroit Lions have been a dominant force this season, sitting atop the NFC North and riding a 10-game winning streak. Their latest victory, a narrow 23-20 win over the Bears, came thanks to a late-game meltdown by Chicago. While the Lions didn’t play their cleanest football in the second half, they demonstrated why they’re one of the NFL’s deepest and most balanced teams.

Offensively, the Lions boast a wealth of weapons. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are at the heart of their rushing attack, with Gibbs just 27 yards shy of 1,000 on the season and Montgomery providing a powerful complement. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to shine, ranking fourth in the league in receptions (76), tenth in receiving yards (820) and second in receiving touchdowns (9). Adding to the mix is the return of deep threat WR Jameson Williams, who missed the first matchup with the Packers due to suspension but is now a key piece of Detroit’s aerial attack.

Defensively, the Lions rank fifth against the run, but their secondary remains a concern. Detroit is 25th in passing yards allowed per game, and with Green Bay’s steady, balanced offense, this could be an area the Packers look to exploit.

Green Bay Packers Week 13 Recap

The Packers are on a roll, winning three straight games, including a dominant 30-17 Thanksgiving night victory over the Dolphins. While Green Bay sits third in the NFC North, this team has found its stride, and they’ll be eager to avenge their Week 9 loss to Detroit at Lambeau Field.

Quarterback Jordan Love has steadily improved throughout the season, and his protection up front has been key. The Packers’ offensive line has allowed the fewest sacks in the league, giving Love time to find his playmakers. In their first matchup with Detroit, Love passed for 273 yards despite difficult conditions, and now, with a healthier receiving corps that includes Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and breakout tight end Tucker Kraft, he’ll look to attack the Lions’ secondary indoors at Ford Field.

RB Josh Jacobs remains a workhorse for Green Bay, just 13 yards shy of 1,000 on the season. Despite the Packers trailing for much of the first meeting, Jacobs rushed for 95 yards on only 13 carries. With Green Bay’s offensive line creating consistent push, Jacobs should continue to be a factor against a stout Detroit front.

Defensively, the Packers struggle against the run, ranking in the bottom half of the league. Stopping the Lions’ rushing duo of Gibbs and Montgomery will be a tall task, but the return of star cornerback Jaire Alexander provides a boost to their secondary as they try to contain Detroit quarterback Jared Goff.

Lions vs Packers Preview – Key Matchups to Watch and What to Expect

Here’s what to watch out for in this week’s TNF matchup:

1. Jordan Love vs Lions’ Secondary
   1. Love threw for 273 yards in the first meeting, and Detroit’s vulnerable secondary will have its hands full again with Green Bay’s deep group of pass catchers.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs & David Montgomery vs Packers’ Run Defense
   1. Gibbs and Montgomery combined for 138 rushing yards in the Week 2 matchup. The Packers must find a way to slow them down to have a chance at victory.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Jaire Alexander
   1. St. Brown had seven catches and a touchdown in the first meeting, but Alexander’s return could make this a more competitive battle.

Both teams have offenses capable of putting up points in bunches, and the controlled environment of Ford Field should allow for plenty of explosive plays. The Lions will look to continue their balanced attack, while the Packers will lean on Love to test Detroit’s secondary and keep pace.

The first meeting between these teams ended in a low-scoring 24-14 Lions victory, but expect a much higher-scoring affair this time. Green Bay’s offense is clicking, and the Lions have been nearly unstoppable at home.

With Detroit’s struggles against the pass and Love gaining confidence as the season progresses, the Packers QB is poised for a big night in what could be a statement game for Green Bay.

Our Pick: Jordan Love to Throw for 300+ Yards