Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer predictions for Sunday's game between the Lions and Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in Detroit (4:25 p.m., Fox/97.1 FM).
▶ Nolan Bianchi: The Packers' receiving weapons feel like a natural place to start against a Lions secondary hoping to string two solid performances together: Christian Watson and Matthew Golden should terrify Detroit. But despite Green Bay's offensive line playing better of late, the Lions' defensive line does have an advantage there, and the big question is whether they can actually get to Jordan Love on high-leverage downs to get off the field. Offensively, Lions coordinator Drew Petzing is really starting to find his groove, and Jared Goff has played mistake-free football through five games; Detroit's run game also has the advantage against Green Bay's run defense. I still think the Lions can outscore anybody in the league, and I'm expecting Detroit's defensive front to help get the occasional stop. Pick: Lions, 34-31
▶ John Niyo: A fast start would go a long way for the Lions in this one. Green Bay has scored first in all six of its games, while Detroit has managed just 10 first-quarter points total this season. But regardless of how this game starts, the Lions know they'll have to finish drives with touchdowns the way they did in Arizona. Because while the Packers' run game isn't much of a threat, the explosive plays in the pass game are and we all know that's an area where the Lions have struggled mightily. It'll be interesting to see how a new-look offensive line performs with Cade Mays making his debut at center. Green Bay's blitzing paid off last week against Dallas, but if the Lions diagnose things right, there's a chance to cash in for Jared Goff & Co. Pick: Lions, 31-28
▶ Richard Silva: The Packers haven't been able to effectively run the ball, and even with Josh Jacobs making his season debut, I don't expect them to get back on track against a Lions defense that's proven capable of bottling up opposing backs. But the Packers, winners of their last three games, have found success regardless of their poor rushing performance, relying on a defense that puts pressure on quarterbacks and, more importantly for this matchup, an explosive offense. The Lions have allowed 23 passing plays of at least 20 yards through five games. The Packers rank fourth in 20-yard passes on offense. That's where the game will be won or lost. Pick: Packers, 34-28
▶ Bob Wojnowski: The energy should be bubbling for this one, the Lions’ first NFC North clash against a team that has given them problems lately. The Packers have won two of the last three at Ford Field, and come in on a roll. Green Bay’s pass-heavy offense might get a running boost with the return of Josh Jacobs. But make no mistake, Jordan Love will be heaving deep and often to Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. The Lions lead the league in sacks, and they’ll need to get to Love before he gets to pick apart their lowest-ranked pass defense. Brian Branch returns as the secondary’s leader and could make an immediate impact. Jared Goff is playing as well as ever, without an interception, and he'll be tested by a Packers defense that piles up takeaways. A lot of strength-versus-weakness matchups here, and the Lions’ pass rush against Green Bay’s depleted offensive line will be the difference. Pick: Lions, 30-24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Predictions: Lions vs. Green Bay Packers