Ranking Packers 3 possible playoff opponents in wild-card round

2. Detroit Lions

The Packers already have a victory at Ford Field this season, which would give them confidence. Repeating that performance would be a real test. Dan Campbell and his staff will have learned from that game, especially on offense, and could dominate against Joe Barry's defense.

Green Bay raced into an early lead against Detroit on Thanksgiving Day, in part due to excellent offense and uncharacteristic turnovers from the Lions. But receivers were getting open with regularity against the Packers' secondary.

Beating the Lions again would be a challenge for Matt LaFleur's team, but there are reasons to have confidence. Detroit's defense has allowed 26.3 points per game over its past eight contests. It's possible to move the ball against the Lions through the air with their struggling secondary. They have the eighth-worst passing defense.

But this is a daunting matchup. Detroit is one of the NFL's most balanced teams. Its defense is dominant against the run, allowing only 88.8 yards per game, while its offense is as good as any. The Lions rank inside the top five for total offensive yards, passing yards, rushing yards, and points per game.

Green Bay's path to victory was laid out on Thanksgiving Day. Start fast, build a lead, and force turnovers. But that's easier said than done against an excellent Lions team who will be hosting their first playoff game since 1993.