Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) runs on the field with the team before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Packers edged the Jaguars 30-27 on a last-second field goal. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Sunday’s battle between the Green Bay Packers and the Lions will be one for the ages, as they will clash at 3:25 p.m. These are two of the top-ranked NFC North powerhouse teams that are ready to go head-to-head in a clash that has major implications for the divisional standings.
The Packers were coming off a close 30-27 victory last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite quarterback Jordan Love leaving with a groin injury. Detroit blew out the Tennessee Titans 52-14 and are leading the NFC North with a 6-1 record.
Here are three matchups to watch out for:
QB Jared Goff vs Packers defense
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been a strong MVP candidate so far this season. He only threw for 85 yards passing against the Titans, but Goff has 1,695 yards passing with 13 touchdowns to only four interceptions this season. He has an 83.0% completion rate and 146.5 passer rating over the last five games.
The Packers defense has been strong in forcing turnovers, leading the league with 19 on the season. When this secondary is healthy, it probably ranks amongst the best in football, featuring elite safety Xavier Mckinney and All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander. This unit will be put to the test on Sunday with the high-powered Lions.
RB Josh Jacobs vs David Montgomery and Jamyr Gibbs
Packers running back Josh Jacobs had 25 carries for 127 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns against the Jaguars. Jacobs is ranked 4th in the NFL in rushing with 667 yards. His 667 rushing yards are the best by a Packer through eight games since running back Ahman Green who had 719 through eight games in 2004.
The Lions improved to 8-0 when David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs each score a TD in the same game. They become the first RB duo in NFL history to each record at least 1,500 scrimmage yards and 15 scrimmage TDs in a tandem’s first 20 games together. TE Tucker Kraft vs Sam LaPorta
Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has been one of the elite tight ends in the league. Currently, he sits 1st in ESPN’s yards after the catch rating. Since 2020, only Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Deebo Samuel have received better scores.
Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta had as many receptions last week as he did in his last three games combined. He caught all six of his targets for 48 yards including a three-yard touchdown pass from running back David Montgomery. His increased looks should continue in another week without wide receiver Jamison Williams.
