GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - The Packers continue finding ways to win, and that was no different last week against the Jaguars, with kicker Brandon McManus walking off in Jacksonville 30-27.
But what happened last week means absolutely nothing compared to NFL Week 9, where the Green Bay Packers (6-2) host NFC North foe, the Detroit Lions (6-1). This is the game of the week, as it is one of two matchups between teams with winning records in the NFL.
While the anticipation for this game remains high, only time will tell if Packers quarterback Jordan Love will get the starting nod after injuring his groin against Jacksonville. Backup quarterback Malik Willis played a good portion and led the game-winning drive during Love's absence.
Love says he remains optimistic to play, but Lions head coach Dan Campbell will likely be preparing for both quarterbacks on Sunday afternoon.
Jordan Love isn't the only injury concern for Green Bay, as their injury report has several players questionable. While many of those players are still likely to play, it does raise a bit of concern on whether they're truly 100% good to go.
Similar to the Packers, the Lions are facing an abundance of injuries, including quarterback Jared Goff, who is dealing with a sore ankle. Similar to Jordan Love's situation, Goff expects to be good to go for the marquee matchup.
Then we have to take into the fact that rain showers are likely in Green Bay on Sunday afternoon, adding another variable to the game. But enough "yapping," let's take a look at this week's facts on Prior to the Snap!
✍️ Game Information
Matchup: Detroit Lions (6-1) @ Green Bay Packers (6-2)
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Time: Sunday, November 3, 2024, 3:25 p.m. CST
Spread & O/U: Lions -3.5, 47.5
Projected Weather: 54 °F, Rain Showers, Winds 10MPH (As of 10:30 a.m. on Thursday)
📊 Statistics
All-Time against Lions: 106-76-7
Last game against Lions: 29-22 GB (11/23/2023)
Last game at Lambeau Field against Lions: 34-20 DET (09/28/2024)
Last ten games against Lions: 6-4
Last ten games at Lambeau Field against Lions: 5-5
🎟️ Ticket Prices – Including Fees
| Cheapest 2 Tickets | $270 Per Ticket |
| Cheapest 4 Tickets | $293 Per Ticket |
| Most Expensive 2 Tickets | $561 Per Ticket |
| Most Expensive 4 Tickets | $2,884 Per Ticket |
🔎 Players to Watch
S Evan Williams
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, Packers rookie safety Evan Williams left Green Bay's matchup against Jacksonville with a hamstring injury. He is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Detroit.
However, should Williams play, he's this week's player to watch on Green Bay's side. After he left last week's game, there was a noticeable dip in Green Bay's defense. Without Evan Williams, the Jaguars looked like they were going to pull off the upset, but again, the Packers keep finding ways to win.
It's hard to believe that Williams is a rookie because he certainly doesn't play like one. He's been one of the top-rated safeties all season long and plays a perfect counterpart to Xavier McKinney, who has impressed in his first season with Green Bay.
Should Williams be good to go, it will throw a wrench in Detroit's offensive game plan. Yes, he's that much of a game-changer as a rookie.
PREDICTION: S Evan Williams plays on Sunday and records eight total tackles.
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
There's zero surprise here that Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is this week's player to watch. He's a top-five wide receiver in the league and makes cornerbacks regret their choice to line up against him.
On the season, St. Brown has 41 receptions for 408 yards and five touchdowns. According to ESPN's projected stats, he's on pace for 100 receptions, nearly 1,000 yards, and 12 touchdowns. That's an excellent wide receiver.
St. Brown has scored a touchdown in his last five games and although the Tennessee Titans of all teams kept him in check last week with two receptions for seven yards, he's primed and charged up for a big game against the Packers.
The last time St. Brown played Green Bay, he had nine receptions for 95 yards. Before that, he had five receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. Before that, six for 49. He's been consistently getting better against Green Bay, and he may head for the century mark come Sunday.
PREDICTION: St. Brown goes for eight receptions, 110 yards, and a touchdown.
🏥 Injuries (Q=Questionable, D=Doubtful, O=Out, IR=Injured Reserve)
Green Bay Packers
| Player | Position | Injury Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Jaire Alexander | Cornerback | Q |
| Corey Ballentine | Cornerback | Q |
| Kenny Clark | Defensive Tackle | Q |
| Tyler Davis | Tight End | IR |
| AJ Dillon | Running Back | IR |
| Ralen Goforth | Linebacker | IR |
| Josh Jacobs | Running Back | Q |
| Elgton Jenkins | Guard | Q |
| MarShawn Lloyd | Running Back | IR |
| Jordan Love | Quarterback | Q |
| Josh Myers | Center | Q |
| Rasheed Walker | Offensive Tackle | Q |
| Evan Williams | Safety | Q |
| Devonte Wyatt | Defensive Tackle | Q |
Detroit Lions
| Player | Position | Injury Designation |
|---|---|---|
| David Bada | Defensive Tackle | IR |
| Michael Badgley | Kicker | IR |
| Derrick Barnes | Linebacker | IR |
| John Cominsky | Defensive End | IR |
| Marcus Davenport | Defensive End | IR |
| Taylor Decker | Offensive Tackle | Q |
| Connor Galvin | Offensive Tackle | IR |
| Jared Goff | Quarterback | Q |
| Antoine Green | Wide Receiver | IR |
| Aidan Hutchinson | Defensive Tackle | IR |
| Nate Lynn | Defensive End | IR |
| Brodric Martin | Defensive Tackle | IR |
| Ifeatu Melifonwu | Safety | IR |
| Emmanuel Moseley | Cornerback | IR |
| Netane Muti | Guard | IR |
| Josh Paschal | Defensive End | Q |
| Kyle Peko | Defensive Tackle | IR |
| Malcolm Rodriguez | Linebacker | Q |
| Sione Vaki | Running Back | Q |
🔮 Game Prediction:
Let it be known, I am coming off a week where I went 9-0-1 in picks against the spread, and with the Packers being +3.5 at home, I think Green Bay wins outright. Now whether you choose to believe I'll keep the hot streak is up to you, but despite being the underdogs, I think the Packers win.
It's going to be a sloppy, wet, ugly game, but I think Josh Jacobs, who is questionable but expected to play, will be able to run all over Detroit's banged-up defensive line.
Should Jordan Love play, I can almost gaurantee an interception. I am not a non-believer in Jordan Love, but we have to look at some of the errant "gunslinger" mentality throws he makes. With Detroit stacking up with Green Bay as having one of the best safety duos between Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, one of those two will lurk and pick off J-Love.
That being said, Jared Goff will have to deal with issues of his own between McKinney and Evan Williams, so look for a lot of running the ball. It wouldn't surprise me if both Green Bay and Detroit's running backs surpass 100 yards.
Detroit: 20
Green Bay: 21
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