The Detroit Lions (6-1) hit the road again for two more weeks after a dominant 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans that saw the Lions match their second highest point total in franchise history.
Detroit will visit the division rival Green Bay Packers (6-2), who enter Sunday's game on a four-game win streak. The winner of Sunday's game will take the top spot in the NFC North heading into Week 10.
Packers report: The Packers enter Sunday's game winners of their past four games, three of which have been decided by three points or less in wins over the Rams, Texans and Jaguars.
Last time out, Green Bay escaped Jacksonville with a 30-27 win that saw Josh Jacobs score two touchdowns on 25 carries for 127 yards. Quarterback Jordan Love, who left Sunday's game with groin injury, finished with 196 passing yards on 14 completions while backup quarterback Malik Willis led the final drive to set up a short game-winning field goal in the final seconds. Love said earlier in the week it's 'realistic' he plays Sunday but Willis is prepared to start in case Love cannot go.
In contrast to the Titans, who have recorded the fewest takeaways in the NFL, Green Bay boasts the highest number of takeaways with 19, which is four more than the next closest team. Packers safety Xavier McKinney leads the league with six interceptions, just ahead of Lions safety Kerby Joseph (5), and cornerback Jaire Alexander has two.
Offensively, the Packers average 27 points per game, and rank in the top 10 in both passing and rushing offense. Aside from a 16-10 win over the Colts in Week 2, the Packers have scored at least 24 points in all other contests.
Last meeting: On Thanksgiving Day last season, the Green Bay Packers handed Detroit their seventh consecutive loss on the holiday, defeating the Lions 29-22. The Packers jumped out to a 23-6 first-half lead behind two Love touchdown passes and a fumble recovery for the touchdown. A Jared Goff to Sam LaPorta touchdown connection would be the only points in the first half for Detroit.
David Montgomery rushed into the end zone from six yards out to trim the lead to nine points midway through the third, but Love connected with Christian Watson to extend the lead that was too much to overcome despite a Josh Reynolds touchdown in the final minute of the game.
Quick hits:
1. Head coach Matt LaFleur has the second-highest percentage (.681) among active coaches with a minimum of 50 games.
2. The Packers lead the league with 62 points off their top-ranked 19 takeaways.
3. Jacobs has a league-high 531 rushing yards after contact and is averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Data dive:
Stats are based on Weeks 1-8 followed by the rank.
| Team | Total Offense | Total Defense | Rushing Offense | Passing Offense | Rushing Defense | Passing Defense | Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 385.1 (6) | 349.4 (20) | 156.7 (6) | 228.4 (11) | 101.9 (5) | 247.6 (27) | 15 (T-2) |
| Packers | 388 (5) | 327.4 (15) | 156.9 (5) | 231.1 (9) | 111.6 (10) | 215.8 (19) | 19 (1) |
Next on the schedule:
- Green Bay: Bye
- Detroit: at Houston, Nov. 10, 8:20 p.m.
Here are five Packers storylines to follow into Sunday afternoon's matchup:
1. Packers QB Jordan Love on playing vs. Lions: 'I think it's realistic'
Starting quarterback Jordan Love's status is up in the air following an injury suffered in Green Bay's win over the Jaguars last week, but Love says there's a decent chance he can play Sunday vs. Detroit. READ MORE
2. Mike's Mid-Week Chat: How do the Packers slow down the Lions?
Packers.com editor Mike Spofford answers fan questions in his weekly live chat, previewing Green Bay's matchup with their NFC North rivals in the Detroit Lions. READ MORE
3. Malik Willis staying locked in with potential start vs. Lions
Backup quarterback Malik Willis addresses the media about the possibility of starting in place of the injured Jordan Love against the Lions at Lambeau Field on Sunday. WATCH
4. Three Things: Pass catchers, Chris Brooks and winning close games
Packers Senior Writer Wes Hodkiewicz, Editor Mike Spofford and Analyst Larry McCarren share three things to watch in Green Bay's matchup with Detroit. WATCH
5. Packers Daily: Rivalry renewed
Packers.com editor Mike Spofford gives a quick two-minute look into what to expect in Sunday's NFC North rivalry showdown between Green Bay and Detroit. WATCH
