Zielinski: Packers will give Lions all they can handle

By DAN ZIELINSKI

The Packers are trending upwards, with two wins in their last three contests after a four-game losing streak.

They’ll try to keep the momentum going on Thanksgiving. It will be a challenging task, though. The Packers (4-6) travel to Detroit to face the Lions (8-2), one of the NFC’s best teams. This marks the 22nd time the two teams have met on Thanksgiving, with the first matchup since 2013.

The Lions are a physical, hard-nosed team led by coach Dan Campbell. They prefer to attack opposing teams with their two-headed rushing attack in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, who are averaging over 5.0 yards per carry behind a physical offensive line.

Quarterback Jared Goff has excelled this season and can make plays through the air. He doesn’t always receive the respect he deserves, but he’s capable of carrying the Lions’ offense and carving opposing defenses up in the passing game.

The Packers have lost four straight games to the Lions. If they want a chance to snap their losing skid, they must protect QB Jordan Love, capitalize on red zone opportunities and win the turnover battle.

Thursday’s game is a challenging contest. The Lions are the favorite, and rightfully so. They have the talent, chemistry and coaching to make it to the Super Bowl this season.

The Packers will have to play a near-perfect game to prevail. They’ll keep it close but will fall short in the end.

Prediction: Lions 27, Packers 20