The Sunday Morning Packers Gameday Preview

In this week's edition of The Sunday Morning Packers Gameday Preview, I give my thoughts on all things Packers as we get set to kick of the home schedule of the 2020 season at Lambeau Field against the Detroit Lions. 

Good Morning Packer nation!!! Welcome to the 2020 Green Bay Packers home opener at iconic Lambeau Field! I hope some of you can make it down to the Lambeau Parking Lot for some tailgating festivities and can bring the gameday feel to the surrounding neighborhoods in a socially distant way! 

Today, I will talk about how I see this week’s game playing out, three burning questions that will determine the outcome of the game, as well as some fantasy players I think you should use from today’s contest, as well as my picks, parlays, and game props for week 2.  I am happy to have you with me here today for the home opener, just sit back, relax, and enjoy this morning’s Packers Gameday preview with your morning cup of Joe or drink of your choice.

What to Expect Against the Lions in Week 2:

I’m just going to get right to it; I see this game becoming a shootout early and coming down to which team can come up with a sack or a turnover during crunch time.  Despite looking impressive in week 1, it is clear the Packers defense is rounding into form and still is having issues stopping the run (at times) and containing the middle of the field.  The secondary showed that they still are not 100% immune to giving up the big play which does not bode well when you are tasked with stopping Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola.  

If Stafford is able to get his premium weapons rolling early, Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson could provide the balance to keep the Packers defense searching for answers, especially since they will be without Kenny Clark plunging the A-gap.  It will be interesting to see if the Packers front seven can contain guys like Johnson, Peterson, and Hockenson long enough to make Stafford become one dimensional throwing deeper patterns to Jones, Amendola, Quintez Cephus, and other reserve receivers.  

The key for the Packers offense to excel like they did last week is, and always will be, to protect Rodgers, have success through the air early, and get rid of the ball quickly and accurately.  I think the Packers depth on the offensive line is a huge plus for this team and I think their offense explodes again.  I just don’t see a cornerback on the Lions roster that is going to be able to prevent Davante Adams from having another double digit catch game.  I think Patricia will eventually try and swarm Adams leaving Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling with plenty of opportunities to get involved with big yardage plays downfield.  I also feel that the line does some damage to the Lions front seven and Aaron Jones really gets it going with 125 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.  I think this game has all the makings to be an offensive masterpiece. 

Three Burning Questions That Will Determine Today’s Game:

  1. Can the Packers Secondary make a couple of big plays and avoid giving up the big play?
  2. Can the Packers front seven hold it together without Kenny Clark?
  3. Can Aaron Jones explode for multiple big runs?

Players to Start/Sit from Week 2, Packers vs. Lions (Excluding Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, Davante Adams, and Matthew Stafford)

  1. Play Marvin Jones (daily fantasy): I feel like Marvin Jones could be a solid and economical option in daily fantasy leagues as he usually turns in a big day against the Packers and will be the Lions primary receiver with Golladay out.
  2. Invest in Danny Amendola in daily fantasy leagues: With Danny Amendola exceling in intermediate routes in the middle of the field and Kenny Golladay being out, I see plenty of targets coming Amendola’s way especially if Jaire Alexander is having success against Marvin Jones.
  3. Play Allen Lazard: I think Lazard could be an option at the flex position in deep PPR leagues and will be an even nicer option at a flex position in daily fantasy leagues.
  4. Kerryon Johnson as a flex in daily fantasy: Despite a very slow week against the Bears front seven, Johnson will be poised to get involved in the offense more with Kenny Clark and Kenny Golladay out.  I look for Johnson to receive touches and targets against a Packers defense who has had trouble stopping him in the past.
  5. Marquez Valdes-Scantling: Daily Fantasy (high risk/high reward) MVS definitely has the potential to have a 5 catch, 100+ yard, touchdown day as a lot of the focus will be directed at Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, and Allen Lazard.

Picks, Game/Player Props, and Parlays:

  1. The Home Opener: I think this game ends up becoming an offensive display by both quarterbacks and will be determined by a late sack, interception, or fumble.   Ultimately, I think the Packers offensive juggernaut, powered by Aaron Rodgers and Aaron Jones will not be stopped and the Packers pull out a 38-31 victory which would incline me to take them at (-6), although I’d feel safer buying 3.5 points and taking them at (-2.5) and over (49.5) points. 
  2. Game Props: In the spirit of my offensive predictions, give me the over on points at (49.5). 
  3. Player Prop: Give me Aaron Jones as a two-touchdown scorer.
  4. Player Prop Parlay: Give me Allen Lazard over 51.5 receiving yards and an anytime touchdown scorer at (+339)
  5. Player Prop: Give me Marvin Jones over 60.5 receiving yards.
  6. Player Props I like: Give me Davante Adams over 7.5 receptions, Allen Lazard longest reception over 21.5 yards, and Aaron Jones as an any time touchdown scorer, Marvin Jones as an anytime touchdown scorer, Adrian Peterson as an anytime touchdown scorer.
  7. $5, five team parlay: Bills, Titans, Bears, 49ers, and Chiefs (+333).

Packers Fans; I want to hear from you! How are you feeling coming off of a big win in Minnesota? What are your predictions for the home opener against Detroit?

Please be sure to tune into Cheesehead TV today for all things Packers from sunrise to sunset, we've got you covered!

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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave 

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Comments (8)

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Mistergee5's picture

September 20, 2020 at 06:52 am

Great points and questions to be answered.... I also expect an impact from "Swerving Ervin" to get us going. We might get to see a little more from Dillion as well. Control the clock and hold onto the ball. Go Pack Go!!!

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JefeSosa5's picture

September 20, 2020 at 07:22 am

GM Pack Fans
Ways I see Packers take the win
1. Keep 12 clean
2. Stop the run
3. Don’t play at DET level of play. (No stupid penalties, turnovers, mental errors.
We should roll over Detroit because our defense is far superior.
I see Packers playing base D early because Patricia will show his hands early to get a quick start. 2nd half Pettine will amp it up.
Packers offense SHOULD dominate DET D missing multiple pieces & offense not being able to sustain long drives.
Don’t give Stafford a shot to beat you because he will.
38-24 Packers

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SpikeHyzer's picture

September 20, 2020 at 09:28 am

The Packers announced 2 days ago that BOTH the stadium and the parking lots are completely closed to fans for this game.
Under the lockdown rules in place, anyone caught in the parking lot tailgating--or for any other reason--will be arrested.

A note to Cheesehead: let's get the gambling and fantasy football out of the articles. REAL football fans don't care about that crap.

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Handsback's picture

September 20, 2020 at 09:47 am

I suspect that the Bears hangover will linger for a few games. Doubts will creep in if Rodgers gets on a hot start and the running game will become secondary to keep up with the Packers. (key on MVS) If all of that happens...expect another Packer victory by 10 points or more.

If the Lions are focused and play discipline offense with a 50/50 mix between pass and run, it will go down to the wire. So I see the Packers winning either by a late score or going away. Just don't see a Lions win this week.

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Leatherhead's picture

September 20, 2020 at 09:47 am

I think we’re better, top to bottom.

Better organization, better HC, better QB, best WR on the field, better RB, better defense. And it’s at home. We should beat these guys by two TDs.

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NitschkeFromTheGrave's picture

September 20, 2020 at 10:17 am

This is a chance for the Packers to _N O T_ play down to their opponent's level. Packers always do and need to shake that! How about steamrolling and not letting up?

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JohnnyLogan's picture

September 20, 2020 at 10:59 am

Worried about stopping the run. Adrian and Johnson and the rookie Swift could run wild over Lowry and Lancaster. They're two Jags that I think will be playing much fewer snaps later in the year. Meanwhile, Pettine has to find a way to compensate for lack of Clark and I think he'll try Gary in the middle although I don't think it will work. I see the problem as Rodgers not having as much time this week to work his magic because the Lions will have a much better TOP than the Vikes did. Until Gute shores up the run D this team is vulnerable if it sputters at all on offense. Packers in a shootout, 38-34.

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Qoojo's picture

September 20, 2020 at 11:30 am

I don't respect the packers defense. Seems like Rodgers has the new offense under control. I have visions of 2011 with a great offense and a paper bag defense, although I do think this defense is capable of few more stops than that 2011 defense.

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