Game day: How to watch and 3 things to watch for Lions vs. Packers
● When: Sunday, Nov. 3, 4:25 p.m.
● How to watch: Fox (Kevin Burkhardt/Tom Brady/Tom Rinaldi/Erin Andrews)
● How to listen: 97.1-FM The Ticket in Metro Detroit or any number of network affiliates around the state.
● Line: Lions -2.5
● Injury report: The Lions have ruled out Josh Paschal, Malcolm Rodriguez, Mekhi Wingo and Sione Vaki. Meanwhile, the Packers ruled out safety Evan Williams, listed starting center Josh Myers as doubtful and quarterback Jordan Love, running back Josh Jacobs and cornerback Jaire Alexander as questionable.
● Officiating assignment: Clete Blakeman’s crew. Since his promotion to referee in 2010, the Lions have drawn Blakeman 19 times, going 9-10 in those games. Last season, he officiated the team’s Monday night victory over the Raiders, as well as the NFC Championship loss to the 49ers.
● Last meeting: The teams split the season series in 2023, with the Lions coasting to a 14-point win on the road in Week 4 before getting thumped by the Packers at Ford Field on Thanksgiving.
Coverage from the week
● Three and out: More than usual to tighten up after blowout
● Film review: Evaluating the ups and downs of the defense
● Film review: Ben Johnson's red zone wizardry
● Report: Detroit police investigating why Lions' Williams avoided arrest
● How 2024 Packers are different, improved
● Pressers and scrums: Jamo 'worth hanging with’
● It took 13 seasons, but Wisconsin native Kevin Zeitler ready for Lambeau debut
● What the Lions are saying about rookie class development and contributions beyond Terrion Arnold
● 5 thoughts to end the week led by eagerness to get past trade deadline
● DFN Lions Mailbag: Trade talk, a little more trade talk and a draft question, for good measure
Three things worth watching
● Anyone who has spent more than a few days in the Midwest understands how quickly a forecast can change, but the night before the Lions and Packers are set to meet, it’s looking like it will be a soggy affair.
Current hourly reports suggest showers throughout the morning, and by the time things are scheduled to get underway, precipitation percentages range from 82-100% during the three-hour game window.
The Lions have played their first seven contests in climate-controlled conditions, so this will test their ability to adapt against a team used to the elements.
Lions coach Dan Campbell joked earlier this week that his message to his team ahead of the critical NFC North matchup was, ‘Shoes.’ Furthering the point, he noted the team that maintains the best footing in these matchups tends to emerge victorious.
From the passing game to defense to kickoffs and field goal attempts, Mother Nature could have a huge impact in this contest.
● As we near the midpoint of the 2024 campaign, the Lions are Packers rank first and second in takeaways. The Packers have a game in hand, but are averaging 2.38 per game, followed closely by the Lions, who are generating 2.14 turnovers each week.
It’s no wonder Campbell predicted Sunday could come down to one team making a critical error in the late stages of the contest.
For what it’s worth, the Lions have been much better at taking care of the ball this season, with just five giveaways, and only one in the past four games. The Packers, meanwhile, have coughed it up a dozen times, with nine interceptions.
That’s music to the ears of Detroit’s safety tandem of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, who have combined for nine picks through seven games. Individually, they trail only Green Bay’s Xavier McKinney, who has snagged six interceptions on the season.
● The hits keep coming for Detroit’s defensive line, which will be down Paschal for a second straight week, and Wingo, who suffered a mid-week ankle injury. Instead of adding someone ahead of Tuesday’s trading deadline, the team continues to restock the cupboards via its practice squad, temporarily elevating Al-Quadin Muhammad again, while adding defensive tackle Chris Smith to the 53-man roster.
So far, the team has gotten away with its patchwork solutions up front, even getting six QB pressures from Muhammad in his debut last Sunday. That said, the last two opponents both ranked in the bottom half in sacks and pass-rush pressure allowed. Conversely, only three teams have allowed fewer sacks than the Packers’ 12.
Beyond the pass rush, the Lions have also faced some run game struggles tied to their depth issues on the edges. The Packers prefer to run up the gut, but don’t be surprised if they test what kind of damage Jacobs can do on the perimeter. They’ve averaged 5.7 yards on carries around both the left and right edges of their line.
My wife, son and I will be at the game, section 127 on the Lions side between the 10 and 15 yard line. Bought the tickets from a friend that decided he wanted to deer hunt instead of going in the rain. I have never been to Lambeau Field before but looking forward to it even though it is going to be raining all game. Go Lions!!!!!