Packers Lions Preview and Prediction!

Having grown up in Favre-era Wisconsin, I tend to feel sorry for the Detroit Lions. Since 1996, a joyous year in Packer annals, the Lions are 71-166. They've managed just 2 winnings seasons, one .500 season, and of course the infamous winless year, after which they shook things up by hiring a new coach, giving their logo sharper teeth and... yeah that was about it. I'll admit, that's a bit harsh. They have managed to stack their quarterback depth chart with playmakers, bring in a top wideout, a potent ball-carrier, and juice their defense with both veteran leadership and young talent. But somehow, the fact still remains, this Lions team does not know how to win football games.

This Sunday, the Packers head to Detroit to wrap up the season series against the Lions. I refuse to use the "t" word, as I'm positive that coach McCarthy and the team have spent enough time prepping for a seemingly talented division foe, and won't fall into a trap. Their more mature than that. Frankly, they're just a much better team than the Lions - injuries notwithstanding. Here are some Detroit playmakers to keep an eye on.

QB Drew Stanton is part of a rotating door of talented gun slingers in Detroit. I don't know any other team that could field a 3rd string quarterback in 4 games and expect him to post a 60% completion rate and an 84.8 passer rating. Plus this kid can do the "Dougie." Word up.

WR Calvin Johnson is just nuts. He's averaging 14.1 yards per catch, and has 12 touchdowns on the season. 2 of those came against the Packers in their Lambeau Field bout earlier this year. The guy is 6'5", 236 lbs, and is certainly not afraid to go for the jump ball. Hopefully CB Charles Woodson's tweaked ankle is good to go this Sunday, as Johnson will surely try to twist it all over again.

RB Jahvid Best is a rookie who was expected to produce big right out of the starting gate. He's only got 447 yards on 136 attempts (3.3 yard average), but his skill set as a shifty back with lightning speed is something the Packers must not ignore.

DT Ndamukong Suh is an obvious point of emphasis in Green Bay's game plan. The giant rookie may not do the "dougie," but his moonwalk isn't so bad. Oh yeah, and he has 8 sacks as a rookie rushing on the INSIDE of the line. Insane. If the Packers can contain Suh, I'd look for a big day out of QB Aaron Rodgers, but I'd avoid rushing directly at him.

Just like last week, I think this game is a gimme. The Packers will have to do some soul searching if they're not able to pull this one out.

Packers 42 - Lions 21