Packers catch massive break with crucial Lions showdown on horizon

The Green Bay Packers' top priority is beating the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. However, a crucial divisional showdown with the Detroit Lions is just around the corner.

Green Bay hosts Detroit on Thursday Night Football next week, with the two teams battling for first place in the NFC North.

While the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are winless with brutal upcoming schedules, it could quickly become a two-team race for the division crown, making next week's matchup so important. And the Packers have caught a massive break ahead of Week 4.

Packers catch massive break with Lions missing key players in Week 4

The Lions could arrive at Lambeau Field shorthanded. They have placed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and edge rusher James Houston on injured reserve, ruling them out of Week 4.

Gardner-Johnson is one of the best safeties in the league. He led the NFL with six interceptions last season and would've made life difficult for Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Houston has made eight sacks and 12 QB hits in only nine career games for the Lions.

The Lions could also miss other key starters in Week 4.

Running back David Montgomery suffered a thigh injury last week and could miss time, cornerback Emmanuel Moseley hasn't played yet this season, and starting offensive linemen Taylor Decker and Halapoulivaati Vaitai are also doubts.

Safety Kerby Joseph, who intercepted Aaron Rodgers three times last season, suffered a hip injury in the Lions' loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He did return, but it's something to watch.

The Lions are dealing with injuries on both sides of the ball. So are the Packers, of course, having gone without Christian Watson, Aaron Jones, and David Bakhtiari last week.

With only three days separating Sunday's matchup and such an important divisional clash next Thursday, the teams may be forced to consider when to bring back injured players.

The Lions lost momentum from beating the Kansas City Chiefs with a home defeat to Seattle, but they remain the best team in the NFC North. However, an ever-growing injury list means they could arrive at Lambeau Field next week far from full strength.

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