Next up for the Detroit Lions is a road game against the Green Bay Packers. Here's an early look at the Packers:
Green Bay Packers (11-4)
Schedule so far
Week 1 - at Seahawks - lost, 36-16
Week 2 - vs. Jets - won, 31-24
Week 3 - at Lions - lost, 19-7
Week 4 - at Bears - won, 38-17
Week 5 - vs. Vikings - won, 42-10
Week 6 - at Dolphins - won, 27-24
Week 7 - vs. Panthers - won, 38-17
Week 8 - at Saints - lost, 44-23
Week 10 - vs. Bears - won, 55-14
Week 11 - vs. Eagles - won, 53-20
Week 12 - at Vikings - won, 24-21
Week 13 - vs. Patriots - won, 26-21
Week 14 - vs. Falcons - won, 43-37
Week 15 - at Bills - lost, 21-13
Week 16 - at Buccaneers - won, 20-3
Reason for optimism
The Lions have already defeated the Packers once this season. In fact, the Lions dominated the Packers in a 19-7 win. The Packers looked like a much different team after that game, but the Bills did something similar to them in Week 15 by shutting down Aaron Rodgers. In other words, the blueprint for a victory is out there; it's just a matter of executing for the Lions.
Reason for pessimism
The Lions haven't won a road game against the Packers since 1991, and just generally speaking, Lambeau Field has been very cruel to this team over the years. There certainly wouldn't be a better time for the Lions to end their road losing streak against Green Bay, but the Packers haven't lost a single game at home all season. It seems like a lot would have to go wrong for the Packers to lose this game.
Storyline to watch
The winner of this game wins the NFC North and clinches a first-round bye. Need I say more?
Additional info
For more on the Packers, check out Acme Packing Company.