How the Packers can pass their toughest test vs. Lions in Week 4

The Green Bay Packers were able to rally and finish off an impressive comeback victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3, but the time for celebrating is over. Green Bay will be facing its toughest test of this young season when it plays host to the Detroit Lions Thursday night.

Detroit's defense is middle of the pack after three games in points allowed, with its 21 points given up per game being 15th in the NFL.

But it is the Lions' ability to limit opposing offenses from accumulating a large yardage total that could be a problem for Green Bay. The Lions' 297.3 yards allowed per game is 11th fewest. This is propeled by their rush defense being ranked fifth in fewest yards per game allowed on the ground (72).

Packers vs. Lions: Winning through the air key for Green Bay

The path to scoring on offense appears to be through the air. The Lions' defense has allowed four touchdowns through the air versus two on the ground. At 225.3 yards allowed per game, Detroit's pass defense sits in the middle after just three weeks and could be the path to victory for the Packers.

This means the pressure will be on Jordan Love and Green Bay's passing game to be effective early. The Packers cannot afford to find themselves in the same situation they were in last week, as coming back against the Lions is a significantly more difficult task than what they were able to accomplish last week.

Conversely, the Packers will be tasked with slowing down the surprisingly effective Jared Goff-led Lions passing game. Detroit's average of 269.7 yards through the air is the seventh-most in the NFL. But that does not mean anyone should overlook their rushing attack. The Lions are averaging 111.7 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 11th.

Even though the Packers are not favored to win as things stand currently, there is still a way that Green Bay comes away with a victory Thursday night.

The margin for error is incredibly small, and that could make things difficult for a Packers team featuring a quarterback without a ton of experience. It is not impossible for Green Bay to win, but the possibility of the final result not ending up in their favor is very real.

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