Week 1 Staff Predictions – Lions at Packers

As year 96 of Detroit Lions football kicks off, the staff here at The Grey Manes will be having some fun this season with our own spin on weekly predictions.  Instead of guessing the Lions W/L record for the entire year up front, we will be putting pen to paper with a weekly prediction on the winner and final score of the Lions games. We haven't worked out what the “prize” will be for the winner yet but going forward we will show everyone's accrued record with the next week’s prediction. 

Mike 

The Lions have had some turnover since the 2024 season. A new Defensive Coordinator and new Offensive Coordinator.  

Most pundits see this as a downgrade or will require an adjustment period. Both came from within the organization - Kelvin Sheppard elevated from Linebacker Coach, Johnny Morton hired away from Denver, however many forget that Morton was part of Dan Campbell's original staff when he first came to Detroit. He is familiar with Campbell and what he wants in an offense, and he has TONS of weapons to utilize.  

The OL may take a bit of time to gel but running the ball is what Offensive Lineman do best and so do the Lions offense. I expect a run heavy offence Sunday at Lambeau and a hungry Defense out to prove themselves from last year’s early exit from the playoffs.   

Lions: 28, Packers: 17 

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Brent 

Detroit has the most talent in the NFL. They have an axe to grind due to all of the pundits disrespect in picking them to lose the NFC North to the Packers and/or Vikings. 

The Detroit defense is out to make a statement.  Hutch wreaks havoc in his return and the Lions force 2+ turnovers. 

Offensively, losing Kenny Clark weakens the interior of the Green Bay defensive line.  Watch for the Lions to run the ball early right at #1 and to establish the running game mixed with play action.  Lions know Parsons is weak against the run and softens as the game goes into the deep waters.  He taps out in Q3 and the Lions control the clock. 

Campbell proves he is the Coach of the Year and Lions roll 31-21 at Lambeau. 

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Chris 

Look, the injury thing is getting old. We're hauling the same baggage from last year into this one, and while our stars are walking upright, losing Levi O, Alim, and Vaki still stings. These aren't just roster fillers - they're pieces that matter. 

But here's the deal: we've made Lambeau our second home lately. Three straight years of showing up in Green Bay and walking out winners isn't luck - it's ownership. The Packers can parade around their shiny new toy in Micah Parsons all they want, but that back of his isn't right. You can see it in how he moves. 

That gimpy back creates just enough hesitation for John Morton to dial up something special for Jamo downfield. And Gibbs? He's going to punch in at least two scores because that's what happens when you have actual playmakers. 

The Packers are good. We're better. Even banged up. 

Lions 24, Packers 20 

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Dan 

The frozen tundra of Lambeau isn't so frozen in September, but the game should be one for the season, as the two favorites for the NFC North crown go at it to get the Lions season rolling. 

There has been a groundswell of negativity around the Lions this offseason with the loss of both coordinators and two former All-Pros on the Lions interior of the OL. However, the Lions have been planning for these departure for years, and capable replacements very familiar with the systems and Lions way have slid in to replace both the coordinators and the IOL.  The Lions running and Passing game hinge on the OL play, but both should still be highly productive and even more unpredictable this season. The defense has an arguably stronger secondary and is welcoming back several playmakers including Aiden Hutchinson, who didn't play against Green Bay in either game last year. 

The Packers offense still has Jordan Love, a decent OL and Josh Jacobs running the ball, but there are some concerns with injuries as two starters are nicked up including the C, WR 1 and two additional depth WRs.  The defense, which saw some major changes, including the swap of Kenny Clark for Micah Parsons, which should boost their pass rush, but negatively impact their run defense. Their back seven has decent LBs but will struggle in pass coverage against the Lions playmakers at RB and TE and their DBs, while serviceable and with an injury to CB1, will get beat when Goff has time to throw. 

Bottom line, I think the Lions establish the run game right out of the gate, running at both Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons (if he plays) and then use misdirection and play-action to take their shots downfield.  Green Bay will put up some points, but this lions defense is being criminally underrated and will cause plenty of issues for Jordan Love and LeFluer, ultimately leading to Dan Campbell pushing his record against the Packers to an even more impressive 5-2 

Lions 24, packers 17 -------------------------