
The Green Bay Packers are coming off a victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3 that pushed their record to 2-1 on the season. If they want to put together their first winning streak of the campaign, they will have their work cut out for them in Week 4.
The Packers will be kicking off the week by hosting the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on Thursday Night Football. Detroit is also coming into the game with a 2-1 record after defeating the Atlanta Falcons this past weekend.
There is always a little extra energy during a rivalry game, especially one that has something on the line. The winner of this matchup will take over first place in the NFC North at the quarter point of the season, which is a good place to be.
What can we expect to see when the Lions and Packers face off? Here are five bold predictions for Thursday Night Football in Week 4.
5. Packers Keep Jordan Love Clean
One of the biggest advantages that the Packers have over the Lions is in the trenches. Green Bay’s pass protection has been excellent in the early going of the season, while Detroit’s pass rush hasn’t been overly productive.
The Lions have a star in the making in Aidan Hutchinson, but it takes more than one player to create consistent pressure. If the Packers can game plan to take him out of the equation, Love is going to find plenty of clean pockets to work from.
Green Bay is going to keep their starting quarterback clean once again, as he won’t be sacked more than once in the game while dropping back at least 30 times for a pass.
4. Lions Rookie Keeps History Alive
One of the more intriguing matchups worth keeping an eye on Thursday night is Lions tight end Sam LaPorta matching up against Packers’ linebacker Quay Walker. Walker has been solid in coverage thus far this season, but LaPorta has come out of the gates on fire.
The second-round rookie is the first tight end with at least five receptions in each of his first three games in the NFL. He also has the most receptions through three games for a rookie tight end with 18.
He will add to those numbers on Thursday night, catching at least 6 more passes for 50 yards, continuing to be an integral part of their offensive attack.
3. Packers Offense Gets Huge Boost From Returning Players
Green Bay hasn’t had their full allotment of skill position players around Jordan Love yet this season. But, that could change in Week 4 as they are trending toward having their injured stars back in the mix.
Wide receiver Christian Watson hasn’t played yet this season but is hoping to be back on the field. He will record at least one reception of 40+ yards, making his presence felt right away. Potentially joining him back on the field is running back Aaron Jones.
Jones was injured in Week 1 and missed the subsequent two games. He was close to returning against the Saints, but the team erred on the side of caution. Even if he is limited, Jones will record 100+ total yards for the second time in as many games.
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown Has a Huge Game
The biggest advantage that the Lions have offensively is wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Operating mostly out of the slot, he will be matched up against Keisean Nixon most of the evening, something Detroit will look to exploit.
St. Brown has quickly become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Keeping him in the slot is one way to avoid Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas. While Nixon played well against the Saints, he has been shaky at times this season.
Expect St. Brown to run rampant in the Packers’ secondary, breaking the 100-yard mark and catching at least eight passes for a big game.
1. Packers Exact Some Revenge
This is a measuring stick game for Green Bay. Coming into the season, a lot of people were expecting a jump from the Lions, but expectations were more muted for the Packers. This a chance to prove those people wrong, and that is exactly what the green and gold will do.
Green Bay will defeat Detroit 27-21, exacting some revenge on their NFC North rivals for knocking them out of the playoffs in Week 18 last season. While this game won’t clinch a playoff berth, it will go a long way in improving the Packers’ odds of making the postseason.
At the quarter point of the season, they will be 3-1 with a ton of momentum heading into their mini-bye week.