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Next up for the Detroit Lions is a home game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. Here's an early look at the Packers:
Green Bay Packers (5-5-1)
Schedule so far
Week 1 - at 49ers - lost, 34-28
Week 2 - vs. Redskins - won, 38-20
Week 3 - at Bengals - lost, 34-30
Week 5 - vs. Lions - won, 22-9
Week 6 - at Ravens - won, 19-17
Week 7 - vs. Browns - won, 31-13
Week 8 - at Vikings - won, 44-31
Week 9 - vs. Bears - lost, 27-20
Week 10 - vs. Eagles - lost, 27-13
Week 11 - at Giants - lost, 27-13
Week 12 - vs. Vikings - tied, 26-26
Reason for optimism
The Packers haven't won a game since Aaron Rodgers got hurt. They lost three in a row before tying the Vikings at home on Sunday. Rodgers is unlikely to play on Thanksgiving, and the Packers' problems go beyond simply not having their quarterback anyway. They've allowed at least 26 points in each of their last five games, which is not a good sign for their defense. The Lions should be able to put up some points on Thanksgiving.
Reason for pessimism
The Lions have lost two straight games, and their secondary is an absolute mess. Even if Rodgers doesn't return, let's not forget what happened the last time Matt Flynn played against the Lions. At the end of the 2011 regular season, Flynn went 31 for 44 for 480 yards, 6 touchdowns and 1 interception against Detroit. It may not matter who is at QB for Green Bay.
Storyline to watch
The main storyline obviously involves the quarterback situation for the Packers. With Rodgers unlikely to play, who will start at quarterback? If it's Flynn, will the Lions get revenge against him or will he carve them up again? Also, first place in the NFC North will be on the line in this game. The standings could change again a few days later when the Bears play, but for at least a few days, the winner of Thursday's game will be atop the NFC North.
Additional info
For more on the Packers, check out Acme Packing Company.