Predictions: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

Nolan Bianchi, John Niyo, Richard Silva and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer predictions for Sunday’s Lions-Packers game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin (4:25 p.m., Fox/97.1).

▶ Nolan Bianchi: It’s not just the NFC North lead on the line this weekend; the Lions are also trying to protect their standing as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Lambeau isn’t as scary as it once was. Case in point: Despite this being a matchup of two teams with six wins, the Lions are favorites despite this being their first outdoor game this season. The Lions should probably expect a slight regression in their recent offensive output (especially with some heavy rain in the forecast), but this offense was built to win in these conditions. Even with a battered and bruised defense, the Lions have been the definition of complementary football this season. I’m expecting them to find a win — be it by offense, defense, or special teams — when it counts. Pick: Lions, 23-20

▶ John Niyo: The Lions have won two in a row at Lambeau, including a cold-weather statement at the end of the 2022 season. But this will be their first outdoor game this season, and the rainy weather will be a factor. That shouldn’t be a huge problem for a Lions offense that’s built to win in the elements with a reliable — and explosive — run game. The Packers can run it, too, especially if it’s Malik Willis starting at quarterback for an injured Jordan Love. And there has been some slippage in the Lions’ run defense with all the injuries up front. Still, on a day where ball security may be the difference, the Lions probably have the edge. Green Bay and Detroit rank 1-2 in the NFL in takeaways, but the Lions have only committed five turnovers all season. Pick: Lions, 27-24

▶ Richard Silva: This is what it’s all about. Lambeau Field, divisional implications and a couple of historic franchises duking it out in November. In a contest where weather could be an issue — there’s rain in the forecast for Sunday — expect both teams to lean heavily on the run game. The Packers rank No. 5 in rush yards per game at 156.9, and the Lions aren’t too far behind at No. 6, with 156.7. Detroit does have a better run defense, however, which could make the difference. If Jared Goff continues to take care of the ball — he has a 12-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last five games — the Lions should be in good shape. That won’t be easy, though, with Xavier McKinney and his NFL-high six interceptions roaming in the back end. Pick: Lions, 24-20

▶ Bob Wojnowski: These trips to Green Bay keep getting bigger and bigger, and this one is for control of the NFC North. The Packers (6-2) technically need it more than the Lions (6-1), but that never slows Dan Campbell’s bunch. Green Bay has roughed up Jared Goff, at times, and the Lions’ staunch offensive line has been a little leaky, allowing four sacks against the Titans. That’s all the incentive Goff, Ben Johnson and the rest of the NFL’s best offense need. With Green Bay’s offensive line and quarterback situation (Jordan Love? Malik Willis?) jumbled by injuries, the Lions will focus on powerful back Josh Jacobs, and feature their own powerful backs. It doesn’t take much to inspire David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and on the wet (but unfrozen) tundra of Lambeau Field, running is always the best option. If they protect the ball — and Kalif Raymond unleashes another 90-yard punt return! — the Lions will avenge last year’s Thanksgiving loss and stay firmly atop the NFC. Pick: Lions, 27-20