The Detroit Lions are finally diving into NFC North play for the 2026 season this Sunday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET, but they are not getting an easy start. Coming off their bye week at 3-2, Detroit faces a Green Bay Packers squad that is absolutely rolling at 4-2, fresh off a three-game winning streak that has everyone talking. This isn’t just any regular season game; it is Detroit’s first division clash at home, and the stakes are already high.
Green Bay Is “Playing at a Very High Level Right Now”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell did not hold back when talking about the Packers, practically gushing about their current form. “They’re playing really good football right now,” Campbell stated, highlighting that “two of their best games have been these back-to-back games.” The numbers back him up, too: Green Bay boasts a ridiculous plus-six turnover ratio in their last two weeks, piling up seven takeaways on defense. Campbell called them an “opportunistic defense” that “fly around the football,” “disguise well,” and “create issues.” He gave a shout-out to Matt LaFleur, saying he’s doing a “hell of a job” and that the team has “gotten better every week,” even settling things on their offensive line. Defense coordinator Jonathan Ganon is also doing a “hell of a job” with that defense, according to Campbell.
But the real kicker came when Campbell talked offense. “Love, man. He makes it go. He’s the secret sauce,” he said, clearly impressed with Jordan Love’s ability to drive the offense. The coach also pointed out that Christian Watson and Matthew Golden are “dangerous threats down the field” and Love consistently gives them opportunities. Even Tucker Kraft, coming off injury, “has gotten better every week” and is “playing good football right now.” Campbell summed it all up by reiterating, “This team’s playing at a high level. They’re big, physical and special teams. They play hard. This will be an outstanding test for us. Hell of an opponent.”
Pride of Detroit Staff Picks Lean Lions, But It Is Close
Despite Campbell’s glowing review of the Packers, most of the Pride of Detroit staff are still sticking with their home team. Out of 14 experts, a strong majority of 11 picked the Lions to win. The predicted scores were tight, often within a touchdown, suggesting this one could come down to the wire. Picks for the Lions included Morgan Cannon (31-27), Brandon Knapp (31-27), Jeremy Reisman (34-31), Alex Reno (30-28), Ty Schalter (38-35), Erik Schlitt (31-24), Meko Scott (34-28), Zac Snyder (27-24), Anthony Balaj (31-24), and Jerry Mallory (27-20).
However, three staff members believe the Packers will continue their hot streak and snatch a road victory: Ryan Mathews (Packers 31-27), John Whiticar (Packers 30-27), and Al Karsten (Packers 35-31). It is clear that while Detroit is the favorite among their own staff, the Packers have earned serious respect, and this game is far from a guaranteed win for either side.
This game is more than just another Sunday matchup; it is Detroit’s first real test in the NFC North this season. Can the Lions hold their home turf and kick off divisional play with a crucial win, or will the red-hot Packers continue their streak and stake an early claim at the top of the North?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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