Can't say the same for previous years, but the 2009 Lions, despite a pretty shoddy record have shown a pretty vast improvement -- particularly on defense with Jim (may the) Schwartz be with you at the helm.

I think this game is just what the Packers need. But that doesn't mean I think they need an easy win. I think the Lions will test them on both sides of the ball. If it's one thing they do, it's fight hard for 4 quarters. If the Packers once again play down to their competition, if Barnett does more talking(tweeting) than studying and playing and if McCarthy refuses to alter his strategy even though it's not working, then it's going to be a rough one for the Pack.

That all said, I think the Packers simply out-talent the Lions.

And it'll start, with this week's KEY player. The guy that makes a difference, that blows up statistically or that steps up to will his team to victory.

For me, my key player VS. the Lions is:






The Safeties

Yes, I'm breaking my own rule here choosing two, not one player, but this week it's got to be a team effort by our safeties to try and contain the Lions passing game (i.e. Megatron). The easy choice is LT or LG, but I think the Lions pass rush is weak enough that it'll make our line look a bit better than it's been. But with a stud WR, a good rookie TE and a QB not afraid to attack the seams, it'll become even more important that Collins and Bigby/Martin to play well. They need to cut off the seams that seemed to be completely vacant vs. the Vikings and help in run support to contain a shifty Kevin Smith in the backfield. IF, they can do that, the Packers should be able to wrap this game up early. If not, it'll just be another tough battle.

Is Johnson playing?

From ESPN:

I'll go with Greg Jennings and say he has a break out, Pro Bowl caliber game!

Runner Up: Aaron Rodgers. After we trounce the Lions, his name gets mentioned more and more with association to Hawaii!

I'm picking Rodgers. I predict he has a sharp game, shows poise, accuracy and good decision making. 300+ yds, 2 tds. AND I predict he gets the ball out quicker!

Ryan Grant

Chad Clifton

Is he healthy? Can he protect Rodgers?

I'll have to disagree that the Lions look better than last year. They were very competitive last year as well. It was inevitable that they were going to win a game at some point. Let's not forget that we were actually losing to the Lions halfway through the 4th quarter in week 2 of last year. They were within one score late in the 4th quarter in Week 17. What is really different about them? They were very competitive last year. They nearly beat the Bears at Soldier Field and were very closet to beating Minnesota at the Metrodome. Remember Orlovsky scrambling out of the end zone for a safety? The Vikes won that game 12-10. They lost both games against the Vikings by a combined total of 6 points. Sure they were blown out a few times but they were in nearly half of the games they played last year. Sure they've improved but its not like they are a vastly different team. I agree that you should never overlook an opponent but I would be royally POd if the Packers lost to Detroit at Lambeau for the first time in nearly 20 years. Then again, its going to happen sometime right? You never know in the NFL.

I'll say the key player is Greg Jennings. I can't say I disagree with him when he said, "When I get the ball good things happen". The two games where Jennings had 100 yards this year, we won. In the other two games combined he has 3 catches for about 30 yards. We need a big day from Greg Jennings. He has to break out of this slump sometime. He has torched the Lions in the past and see no reason why he can't this Sunday.

Steven Jackson

Ah, I can wish.

I think the key player of the game is, and will continue to be, either Woodson or Rodgers. As they go, their units go.

No Megatron this week.

After a bye week, the Pack should be licking their chops and looking to win big.

I'll say that JerMichael Finley will back up his ridiculous twitter chatter and come up big this week.

Jordy Nelson is going to take a return to the bank. Detroit's been giving up some big returns.

Prophetic! Called back