The Detroit Lions have been performing well this season, but defensive injuries are starting to take a toll. Malcolm Rodriguez’s season ended last Thursday, marking the third major defensive injury, with Aidan Hutchinson and Alex Anzalone also unavailable for this game. On the bright side, the Lions’ high-powered offense has been firing on all cylinders recently.
A victory for Detroit could secure their second consecutive NFC North title, while a Packers win would add some unpredictability to the division race heading into December. Here are our bold predictions for the Lions in Week 14’s Thursday night matchup.
Jared Goff throws for 275 yards and two touchdowns
The Lions have found multiple ways to win this season, including a dominant 52-14 victory over the Titans where Goff threw for just 85 yards. However, against the Packers’ potent offense, this won’t be a game they can win by relying solely on the running game. Expect Goff to put up 275 yards and two touchdown passes.
It’s been two games since Goff last posted impressive numbers, including a 412-yard outing against the Jaguars. His recent performances have been more modest, but he typically doesn’t have three subpar games in a row. In the previous meeting with Green Bay, the Lions dominated, but Goff only managed 145 passing yards. This time, in a dome setting, expect a much more productive outing from the quarterback.
Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown each score a touchdown
Last week, Sam LaPorta was the only Lion to score a touchdown, with the running backs, including Jahmyr Gibbs, failing to reach the end zone despite a solid running performance. This week, Gibbs, nicknamed “Sonic,” will make his presence felt, finding the end zone. He’s been a standout performer and will need to be even better to keep pace with Green Bay.
Meanwhile, Amon-Ra St. Brown, after a relatively quiet Thanksgiving game, is primed for a big showing. With the Packers boasting strong defenders like Jaire Alexander and Xavier McKinney, who have had success intercepting passes, Goff will look to challenge them and connect with St. Brown for a touchdown, giving the star receiver a boost as the playoffs approach.
