Happy Thanksgiving Packer Nation! The Packers take on the Lions in a NFC North Battle. Here are some things to watch for.
The Odds
This is a huge game for both sides. With the Packers win today, they take a 72% chance to win the division with them to take on the Bears the following week per The Athletic. With a loss, the chance to win the North drops from 51% entering today to 31%. If the Packers can pull this off, their chances to win the NFC North will be significantly better.
Christian Watson
Christian Watson has been a big part in sparking the Packers' offense. Moving forward, Watson gaining more targets will be essential. Another idea we have seen come back is the play action for the Packers. Watson being used to spread out the defense will be huge for Jordan Love, as well as Josh Jacobs in the run game. In order to win this big in division game, they will need to be able to play their offense sideline to sideline.
Play Action
The Packers need to continue to open up the offense and work side to side. One way in order to do that is to continue to run the play action. When the offense has been at its best, the play action game has been involved. Not only does it open up the other schemes in the pass game, the run game benefits as well as the opposing defense has to keep guessing.
Can Micah Parsons Continue To Pressure?
One thing in order to get this Lions' offense out of sorts will be putting pressure on Jared Goff. With a top 5 player in the NFL in sacks with Micah Parsons, it will be big to continue getting pressure on the opposing offense. Alongside Parsons, will be Rashan Gary, who will look to get in the backfield again due to the amount of double teams on Micah Parsons.
Third Down
The Packers are the best team in the NFL on third down. The Lions on the other hand are in the bottom half of the league at just over 37% conversion rate. Whoever can win the battle of third down conversion will have a big step up on the other sideline.