5 keys to the Packers beating the 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 and are 6-2, but the Lions have won five straight and currently lead the division at 6-1. Sunday’s winner will take control of the NFC North entering Week 10.

Matt LaFleur’s team will be wearing throwback uniforms on Sunday and it might take a comeback performance to knock off the mighty Lions at Lambeau Field.

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

Hold, protect the ball

With an injured starting quarterback and rain expected in the forecast, the Packers must find ways to sustain drives with the running game and avoid turnovers. Winning time of possession and the turnover battle will be vital. The Packers need to keep the Lions’ explosive offense off the field and avoid giving the Lions short fields with giveaways. Consider this: When the Lions win the turnover battle this season, they are 3-0 by an average margin of victory of nearly 30 points. This could be a game where the Packers need to have zero giveaways on offense while producing 1-2 giveaways 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 victory at Ford Field.

The rebound approach

The Packers defense needs to bounce back after what was arguably the team’s worst tackle performance of the season in Jacksonville. The next test is a tough one. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are a dynamic defensive duo, while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta can both create big plays after the catch. The Lions will run the football and constantly find additions to Ben Johnson’s scheme. The key for Jeff Hafley’s defense will be making tackles and limiting explosive plays. The Packers need to force Jared Goff to create long, methodical drives, especially if the weather isn’t good. Explosive plays are the lifeline of Detroit’s No. 1 offense, but a good approach Sunday could limit the damage.

To blitz, or not to blitz

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 completed passes perfectly against extra pressure last week, according to Next Gen Stats. The Packers struggled to pressure the quarterback with just four rushers, but the blitz — especially with second-tier linebackers — was Jeff Hafley’s best way to disrupt quarterbacks, especially on downs of money. Keep a close eye on the game line on Sunday. Can the Packers pressure with four, or will Hafley have to risk giving up big plays, sending extra pressure? With Jaire Alexander and Evan Williams both battling injuries in the secondary, the Packers’ defensive front must dominate.

Third down

The Lions are the No. 1 defense. 1 in the NFL on third downs this season. The Packers are No. 8. This relates to controlling the football – which team can consistently convert third downs? Not having to face Aidan Hutchinson (injured reserve) is a boost for the Packers, as he can break up plays in obvious passing situations. But the Lions have two ballhawks in the secondary (Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph), so the Packers need to stick to the schedule and have play-callers available in big spots on offense. On defense, pressure will be vital on third down. Goff has been sacked nine times on third down this season.

Be on the lookout for special offers

Jared Goff currently leads the NFL in completion percentage and yards per attempt, but offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will put together a gadget play once or twice a game in the passing game. Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery have both CAST 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 in gadget games. The Lions force a team to defend a lot of different things. It might be harder to pull off a trick play against a division opponent, but the Packers have to be on the lookout for specials in the Lions’ playbook. Allowing just one successful play could change Sunday’s game.