Packers 2017 schedule release: Game-by-game predictions
By Kenn Korb
Week 9: vs. Detroit Lions
Through the majority of my life, there had been only one time where the Lions had beaten the Packers on the road: a 21-17 win on December 15, 1991, when I wasn’t even yet a one year old.
We were one month away from having 25 straight years and 26 straight games (one in the playoffs) of not giving the Lions a victory in Green Bay.
Things didn’t work out that afternoon, however. Green Bay struggled to just three points through the first three quarters, and though they woke up right at the end (and their defense kept things close enough despite the offensive problems), a missed 52-yard kick by Mason Crosby at the end saw the team come up short.
That’s old news now though. The Packers started a new streak with a 34-27 home win last season, and that success should continue here.
Detroit does play these Packers tough even as they’ve haemorrhaged defensive talent the past few seasons, but their best efforts have almost all been in their own home confines: the Packers’ 14-4 record against the Lions since Aaron Rodgers became their starting quarterback in 2008 includes an 8-1 record at Lambeau.
That home success over their rival should continue, even if it’s still closer than we would like on the scoreboard.
Outside of Darius Slay there’s little to like at corner for the Lions, and the receiving corps should manage to have a happy afternoon of making sizeable gains all over the place. Since Matthew Stafford is a comeback savant, some late possessions should keep it close, but they’ll fall short when it’s all said and done.
Packers 34, Lions 27 (6-2)