3 reasons why Packers will beat Lions in Week 18 playoff decider

3. Lions’ run defense has fallen apart in recent weeks

On the season, the Lions’ rushing defense ranks fourth-worst in the NFL in yards allowed per game. They are tied for second-worst in yards per attempt, giving up 5.3 yards per carry.

They had shown significant improvements, holding the Minnesota Vikings to just 22 yards rushing in Week 14 then the New York Jets to 50 yards in Week 15.

However, Detroit’s run defense has fallen apart over the past couple of weeks.

In Week 16, the Lions gave up an incredible 320 rushing yards and three touchdowns to the Carolina Panthers. D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard each had over 100 yards.

Then, last week, the Chicago Bears rushed for 200 yards against the Lions, despite scoring only 10 points.

The Lions now face a powerful Packers’ rushing offense with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.

During their four-game winning run, Green Bay is averaging 138.8 rushing yards per game.

Jones has over 1,000 yards on the season, while Dillon has at least one rushing touchdown in his past five games, with a total of six in that span.

In cold Lambeau conditions, running the ball and stopping the run is crucial. The Packers have one of the best rushing attacks in the league, and they will test a struggling Lions run defense on Sunday night.