5 keys to Packers beating Lions in Week 9

The Green Bay Packers host the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Packers have won four straight games to move to 6-2, but the Lions have won five straight and currently lead the division at 6-1. The winner on Sunday will take control of the NFC North starting in Week 10.

Matt LaFleur’s team will wear a throwback uniform on Sunday, and it may take a throwback-like performance to take down the high-powered Lions at Lambeau Field.

Here are five keys for the Packers to beat the Lions in Week 9:

Hold on, protect the ball

With an injured starting quarterback and rain expected in the forecast, the Packers must find ways to maintain drives with the run game and avoid turnovers. Winning possession and the turnover battle will be crucial. The Packers need to keep the explosive Lions offense off the field and prevent the Lions from getting short fields with giveaways. Consider this: If the Lions win the turnover battle this season, they will be up 3-0 with an average winning margin of almost 30 points. This could be a game where the Packers need zero giveaways on offense while producing 1-2 takeaways on defense to win. It’s worth noting that the team that won the turnover battle won both games last season, including a 3-0 turnover advantage for the Packers in the Thanksgiving win at Ford Field.

Tackling rebound

The Packers defense needs to rebound after what was probably Jacksonville’s worst tackling performance of the season. The coming test is tough. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are a dynamic running back duo, while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta can both create big plays after the catch. The Lions are going to run the football and consistently find completion in Ben Johnson’s scheme. The key for Jeff Hafley’s defense is making tackles and limiting explosive play. The Packers need to force Jared Goff to take long, methodical drives, especially when the weather isn’t good. Explosive play is the lifeblood of Detroit’s No. 1 scoring offense, but a good tackle on Sunday could limit the damage.

To flash, or not to flash

Jared Goff and the Lions have been one of the best passing teams against the blitz this season. Goff is averaging 12.2 yards per attempt against the blitz, and he was perfect completing passes against extra pressure last week, according to Next Gen Stats. The Packers have struggled to pressure the quarterback with just four rushers, but blitzing — especially with second-level linebackers — has been Jeff Hafley’s best way to disrupt quarterbacks, especially when money is in the mix. Keep a close eye on the line of scrimmage on Sunday. Can the Packers apply pressure with four, or will Hafley have to risk giving up big plays by applying extra pressure? With Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams both dealing with injuries in the secondary, the Packers’ defensive front should dominate.

Third down

The Lions are the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season, ranking third. The Packers are No. 8. This ties back to controlling the football: Which team can consistently convert third downs? The fact that he doesn’t have to face Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (injured reserve) is a boost for the Packers, as he can ruin the game in obvious passing situations. But the Lions have two ballhawks in the secondary (Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph), so the Packers need to stay on target and have play-action calls available in big spots on offense. In defense, pressure will be crucial on third down. Goff has already been sacked nine times this season at third down.

Take special offers into account

Jared Goff currently leads the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt, but offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will come up with a gadget in the passing game once or twice a game. Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery have both thrown touchdown passes this season, and even punter Jack Fox has a pass attempt. Kalif Raymond, who returned a punt for a touchdown last week, can be a dangerous player when it comes to gadgets. The Lions force a team to defend a lot of different things. It may be trickier to execute a trick play against a division opponent, but the Packers should be wary of the specials in the Lions playbook. Allowing even one successful trick play could change Sunday’s game.