(Photo: WKOW)
Special Preview- NFL, Week One
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Lions:
They’re relevant once again. In 2023, they won their first NFC North division title since the divisions were realigned in 2002. Last season, they won 15 games, clinched the division, and secured home-field advantage — a first in franchise history. At one point, they were breezing through the competition and were even labeled as the best team in the NFL. They were winning games despite having key players on injured reserve, including Aidan Hutchinson, who fractured his leg. Unfortunately, injuries and the poor play of Jared Goff hurt the Lions in the postseason, as they were eliminated by the Washington Commanders. Remember, this was a team that came one game away from the Super Bowl just a few years ago. When healthy, they’re a force in the NFC. This year feels different, though. The Lions suffered two significant offseason losses — both of their coordinators. Ben Johnson, who did wonders with a Detroit offense that became one of the most balanced units in the league, is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears. On defense, Aaron Glenn, who had been running Dan Campbell’s unit, is now back where his playing career started in East Rutherford as the head coach of the New York Jets. Losing one coordinator is tough enough, but losing both in one offseason can seriously impact team chemistry. Players now have to buy into new systems on both sides of the ball. The Lions have been strong in the regular season, but when will that success translate to the playoffs? This Sunday, they begin their new season against a division rival.
Packers:
One thing I’ll give Green Bay credit for is their ability to draft quarterbacks. Since the ’90s, they’ve had just three starting QBs: Brett Favre, followed by Aaron Rodgers, and now the Jordan Love era, which began in 2023. I had no problem with them extending Love’s contract last summer, but I disagreed with the money given. He had only one full season as a starter under his belt, and I felt he still had more to prove. Still, teams will do what they must to lock in talent. At one point last season, the Packers were rolling, and the NFC North was being hailed as the best division in football. They won 11 games — solid — but the number that stood out to me was 1-5, their record within the division. They lost twice to the Lions, twice to the Vikings, and once to the Bears to end the season. To win the division, you must take care of business in the division. My only gripe with the Packers last season was how they handled opponents outside the division fine but consistently stumbled within it. Five of their six losses came against divisional rivals! That said, they struck gold (pun intended) in April by selecting Matthew Golden from Texas with their first draft pick. He’ll provide Jordan Love with a true No. 1 receiver. Christian Watson can’t stay healthy, Romeo Doubs isn’t a threat that scares defenses, and while Jayden Reed is solid, he doesn’t strike fear into secondaries. That’s where Matthew Golden comes in. And just last week, they acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. Huge move. They’ll welcome the defending NFC North champs to town this Sunday.
Lions X-Factor: David Montgomery-
One reason the Lions’ offense has thrived is their commitment to the run game. They don’t shy away from pounding the rock and wearing teams down in the trenches. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs form the best running back tandem in the league — one beats you with speed, the other with power. Look for Montgomery to get his touches early and often.
Packers X-Factor: Xavier McKinney-
His impact on the Green Bay defense has been monumental. I compared his signing to when the Packers brought in Charles Woodson. Xavier McKinney didn’t just stabilize the secondary — he became the glue for the entire defense. He’s an excellent tackler in space, sees the game at all levels, and plays the pass with great instincts and range. Watch what he brings to the table not just in this game, but all year.
Final Thoughts:
This is an intriguing divisional showdown right out of the gate. It’s a chance for the Packers to start strong against the team that has finished atop the division the last two seasons and this will also be the Packers debut of Micah Parsons. This move gives me Reggie White and Charles Woodson vibes and when those two legends signed in Green Bay, a Super Bowl trophy came with it, I’m just saying! Last year, Detroit swept the NFC North, including two wins over Green Bay. With new coordinators in place, I hope they stick to their identity: run the football and set up the pass for Goff. Last season was a down year for Jordan Love, and I’m eager to see how he bounces back in his third year as the starter. The Lions are still the more complete team, and their physicality in the trenches could pose a real challenge for Green Bay in this one. The Packers have also struggled against Jared Goff recently. I could give Green Bay the edge due to Detroit’s transition at coordinator, but the Lions are simply the more well-rounded team. I like them to get the win at Lambeau to open their season.
