The Sunday Morning Packers Gameday Preview

Good Morning Packer Nation!!! Welcome to The Sunday Morning Packers Gameday Preview!  This week, the Green Bay Packers will be traveling to Detroit with the opportunity to clinch both a playoff berth and an NFC North Division Championship.  In recent years, Ford Field has been the site for many Packer triumphs from the Miracle in Mo Town to a dramatic come from behind victory last season.  

This has always been an intriguing matchup that has featured two of the most talented quarterbacks in the sport, however, the key to today’s matchup will be how each team’s rushing attack is able to control the tempo of the game. 

Will Stafford and Rodgers treat us to a shoot-out? Will the running backs change the dynamic of this game? Will the Packers find a way to clinch a playoff berth with a win in Mo Town?   I will have the answers to those questions and more in this week’s Sunday Morning Packers Gameday Preview.  

I am happy to have you with me here today for all things Packers; so just sit back, relax, and enjoy this morning’s Packers Gameday preview with your morning cup of Joe or drink of choice.

What to Expect Against the Lions in Week 14?

I find that football hardly ever provides us with the outcome we anticipate.  It is easy to anticipate that this game will be a shootout.  Both teams have talented quarterbacks and skill players who routinely make explosive plays down the field.  However, both teams struggle to stop the run.  If you are the Lions you need to find a way to limit the amount of times Aaron Rodgers touches the ball.  That is why it is essential that Matthew Stafford completes safe passes and utilizes the Packers weakness down the middle of the field.  Once the passing game is established the Lions can lay the hammer down with Adrian Peterson (especially in the RedZone), D’Andre Swift, and Kerryon Johnson.

For the Packers, I see a similar recipe for success.  I think that it is essential for them to unleash Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams early and often.  The Lions rushing defense averages 4.5 yards against them per carry which is why Jones and Williams should see a combined 25-30 carries. Established run success ensures that the Packers defense is fresh, the offense is working against a tired Lions defense in crunch time, and that Rodgers is prime to carve up the Lions defense with plenty of play-action.     

Three Burning Questions That Will Determine the Outcome of This Afternoon’s Game:

  1. Will the Packers rushing attack continue to roll and set up Aaron Rodgers for some prime play-action opportunities?
  2. As always, will Mike Pettine find a way to at least contain the Lions rushing attack and limit the Lions offensive creativity? 
  3. Will the Packers come away from this contest looking like a strong contender to win the NFC? (It’s getting close to that time when legitimate contenders emerge)

Sunday Afternoon Fantasy Football Picks (Always Start the Plug and Play Guys)

  • Allen Lazard- Lazard will continued to be featured prominently in the Packers offense.  I expect the Lions will have to try and throw the kitchen sink at Davante Adams (just like every other opponent) so look for a 5+ catch, 85 + yard, touchdown performance from the Lizard. 
  • Robert Tonyan- I think Tonyan stays hot and continues to get targets from Rodgers because the Lions are going to have to devote their focus to stopping Davante Adams Aaron Jones, and Allen Lazard.  Aaron Rodgers will not force the ball which means Tonyan should see some targets on check downs, third downs, and RedZone situations. I think Big Bob will have a big 5+ catch, 50+ yard, touchdown performance.
  • Adrian Peterson- I mean we have seen this script for over a decade now right? Do we really think the Packers rush defense will stop Adrian Peterson from getting a touchdown or two? Yea, I didn’t think so either.  
  • T.J Hockenson- Hock’s skill set and size will make him a matchup nightmare in the Redzone.  Look for a 5+catch, 75+ yard, touchdown + performance. 

Picks, Parlays, and Game Props

  • Viable Anytime TD Scorer Options: Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, Adrian Peterson, Marvin Jones, T.J Hockenson, Bob Tonyan, and Aaron Jones. 
  • Anytime TD Scorer Parlay: Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, T.J Hockenson, and Adrian Peterson (+1788) 
  • Two Touchdown Scorer: Adrian Peterson (+800) and/or Davante Adams (+260)
  • Game Pick: I think the Packers and Lions play a back and forth entertaining game.  Look for both rushing attacks to shine and make their quarterback’s lives easier.  Ultimately this game will be decided by a crucial turnover or play on special teams.  I think that the Packers will force a turnover and give their offense an extra possession which will give them the edge they need to come out on top.  Give me the Packers by a score of 38-31.        

Packer fans, I want to hear from you!  Let me know your thoughts on this game against the Lions.  How do you see it playing out? Did you hit on any fantasy or game/parlay picks from the last few weeks?  What are your picks for this week?

-------------------

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

4 points
 

Comments (26)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Johnblood27's picture

December 13, 2020 at 07:09 am

The Pack can drop a 50 burger on this defense if MLF and AR have the guts to play loose and let it fly.

Im not saying how much the Pack could give up... Lets hope that Martin fills in admirably for the Greene role.

I wish Golladay and Griffin were playing, I dont like to win by attrition, especially at this time of year. True performance is what matters and stiff competition brings out the best in a championship caliber team. Inquiring minds want to know... are the 2020 Packers contenders or pretenders??? Time and competition will tell.

3 points
4
1
Stroh's picture

December 13, 2020 at 01:35 pm

The NFL is a game of attrition. Each game and especially each season. Sometimes luck, but every team has to overcome obstacles along the way. A win is a win.

No need to wish another team was healthier, not when the Packers themselves have their own to overcome.

1 points
1
0
PatrickGB's picture

December 13, 2020 at 07:55 am

It’s a one game at a time league and this game is a division rival. Don’t take anything for granted and play good ball. My big concern this game is our so-called special teams. A step forward (or at least, not a step back) would be good.

6 points
7
1
Coldworld's picture

December 13, 2020 at 08:00 am

Who will be covering Hockenson? Without Raven Greene, Pettine will have to make a big decision. I hope it’s not a d/b. Something to watch. Also, will our new big man get some playing time?

4 points
5
1
stockholder's picture

December 13, 2020 at 08:15 am

Amos has to cover Hockenson.

1 points
1
0
murf7777's picture

December 13, 2020 at 08:10 am

I know, I know, this is suppose to be an easy win. Nothing is ever easy in most Nfl games unless of course you get to play a team who has all QB’s out and they are playing a WR as their QB. More importantly thou the number one reason is because it’s a division game and the Lions almost always give us a tough game.

That said, our team’s Offense is on a Roll and seemingly unstoppable. All of our wins have been by double digits except one. My prediction, similar to game one, 42-21 Packers and Rodgers throws 4 TD’s.

1 points
2
1
Lphill's picture

December 13, 2020 at 09:39 am

This infolinks pop up is killing me on this page.

8 points
8
0
Since'61's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:14 am

Agree, it’s totally annoying. However it is a revenue stream for CHTV and helps keep the price right for us CHTV bloggers.
Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
3
0
Kb999's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:22 am

Amen brother

1 points
1
0
Kb999's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:22 am

Amen brother

-1 points
0
1
Kb999's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:22 am

Amen brother

-1 points
0
1
Kb999's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:23 am

Amen brother

0 points
1
1
Lphill's picture

December 13, 2020 at 08:17 am

David gifting the Lions 31 points? I don’t think so , how can the Packers be considered a contender when you think it will be a 3 point differential? The Packers need to show up today , and show up early and pound the Lions from the get go!

-1 points
2
3
Lphill's picture

December 13, 2020 at 09:34 am

Do we know if Dillon is active today?

-1 points
1
2
Lphill's picture

December 13, 2020 at 09:33 am

Packers 31 Lions 21

0 points
2
2
Lphill's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:44 am

The line went from 7.5 Packers to 9.0 Packers

-3 points
1
4
PeteK's picture

December 13, 2020 at 08:42 am

Now you really are like a broken LP. Lol You're correct, we need to get that running game into high gear against this porous D.

1 points
1
0
PeteK's picture

December 13, 2020 at 08:49 am

I'm not worried about Peterson because he's a 3 yds and a cloud of dust now, but Hockenson will have a big game. I still have visions of games against Vikes and Jags when we couldn't get the ground game going, but that was then and now Jones and Williams are lathered up and ready to gallop.

2 points
3
1
mnbadger's picture

December 13, 2020 at 09:13 am

Stafford is always good against the pack, but I'm not sure if his cast can support him today. I really want to see Mr Rushmore get some PT today, if for no other reason than getting him in sync with the rest of the defense. we'll need him and entire run defense playing well going forward. Pack by less than a touchdown in a choppy game, I'd be glad to be way off if we run up the score. Stay healthy and bank the win. GPG

1 points
2
1
canadapacker's picture

December 13, 2020 at 09:44 am

I think that we will blow them out of the water. Defensively if we get pressure on Stafford he will throw some picks - besides Hockensen we need to cover Jones I just hope we dont have any of those stupid mental lapses and give up those jumbo plays. I believe that we can handle AP but their new guy has some moves. BTW - what is with this love affair that Evan Massey has with Jordan Love. We havent even seen him in a take a knee - we havent even seen him in a pre-season game of meaninful preseason practices due to Covid. I remember when AR was behind Favre he was nailing those target drills. Anybody who thinks that 12 is going anywhere for at least 2 more full seasons is not being realistic. I hope that Love develops but just look at all of the cant misses - who are struggling - and while I know that the Bears Still Suck - they moved up ahead of Mahommes to take Trubisky. So what does that tell you? You show it on the field. AR showed it on the field in his 3rd year during a mop up against Dallas. Lets just let this thing play out.

-1 points
0
1
Lare's picture

December 13, 2020 at 09:58 am

The Lions won't beat the Packers unless the Packers beat the Packers.

5 points
5
0
Ferrari-Driver's picture

December 13, 2020 at 10:03 am

Look at this game for a minute from the Lions' perspective. They've got likely the best
the best quarterback to ever play the game coming in and he is playing "Lights Out". Couple that with a running back that can take it to the house on any carry. In his second season, LeFleur, has his offense running like a charm with misdirection, play action passes and a solid game plan tailored to each opponent.
Now compare that to the Lions who just fired their head coach; have been losing games due to poor play and mistakes; have no chance to win the North Division.
I'll take the Packers 35-17 with Detroit getting a score in garbage time when the game is already decided.

3 points
3
0
Since'61's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:16 am

Packers 34- Lions 20 unless the Packers beat themselves.
Thanks, Since ‘61

3 points
3
0
Kb999's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:20 am

If the packers are contenders they need to kick some serious ass. Packers 38 Lions 17. Also stick these pop ups where the sun don’t shine.

4 points
4
0
Irish_Cheesehead's picture

December 13, 2020 at 11:50 am

Please, just one game where I don't have to take extra blood pressure medication! GO PACK!!

0 points
0
0
JohnnyLogan's picture

December 13, 2020 at 12:01 pm

Don't know if we're allowed to post videos, but this interview with Jamaal and Aaron Jones is wonderful. I'll really be sorry if we lose one or both.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1338158751367348230

0 points
0
0