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Detroit Lions (2-1) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)
This is an interesting, early season battle. It is an important game, too, because it could go a fairly long way to giving one team the momentum needed to take a lead in the division race for the NFC North.
Here's the thing: these two teams sure appear to be the top two teams in the NFC North division. The Bears look like they are literally the worst team in the league, which is what they were last year as well. And the Vikings, who ran away with this division last season, are experiencing serious problems, having stumbled off to a dismal 0-3 start to the season. They don't look as bad as the Bears, but they also don't look good.
So that leaves these two teams. The Green Bay Packers, who are the usual suspects in thsi division in recent decades. And the Detroit Lions, who are the upstarts.
Yet, there is reason to be hopeful in Detroit. After all, not only have the Lions won 9 of their last 12 games, dating back to last season, but one of those wins was an important showdown at Lambeau Field in the season ender last season. The Pack needed that win to qualify for the playoffs, and the Lions handed them a humbling loss to eliminate them. If they could do that then, they might be able to pull off this win now.
And that was with Aaron Rodgers. Jordan Love looked good in the final quarter last weekend against New Orleans. But remember, prior to that, the Packers were having a miserable game, and that was at Lambeau Field. They pulled off an almost miraculous comeback, and still needed the Saints to miss a chip shot field goal in order to win that game. In other words, they got lucky. Otherwise, they might be teetering and standing at 1-2 at this point.
Meanwhile, the Lions have lost only one game, a back and forth affair against Seattle that, ultimately, was decided in overtime. They have played well in all three games, and returned to winning ways last weekend. This would likely be the biggest win for this franchise in a number of years. Should they win, they likely would be in the driver's seat not only for the playoffs, but likely for the division title, which is a rarity up in Detroit. So this game is absolutely huge for them.
I believe that the Packers can be tough, especially at home. However, the Lions just look like the better team right now. They have some momentum, dating back to last season. They have a rare opportunity to win a game that would go far in establishing them as the favorites to win the division, and to be among the relative elites in the NFC, a rarity for this franchise.
In short, this is a very important game for them. And I suspect that the Lions will respond. It will not be easy for them, to be sure. Still, they should emerge with a win, which should boost their confidence and help them to fulfill the tremendous promise that this season seems to hold for them.
My pick: Detroit
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