Packers’ priority versus Lions is slowing down Gibbs

By GERY WOELFEL

The Detroit Lions have a plethora of big-time players.

They have an elite quarterback in Jared Goff, an all-world defensive end in Aidan Hutchinson and, in Jahmyr Gibbs, they have arguably the most explosive running back in Roger Goodell’s NFL kingdom.

It’s the latter star who makes the Lions’ engine run, though. When Gibbs performs at a high level, the Lions are almost unbeatable. When Gibbs doesn’t play like a franchise player, the Lions are clearly vulnerable.

All of the Lions’ four losses this season vividly illustrate Gibbs’ importance:

Loss No. 1 – The Lions were trounced by the Green Bay Packers in the regular-season opener 27-13. Gibbs managed a meager 19 yards on nine carries.

Loss No. 2 – The Lions were dispatched by the Kansas City Chiefs 30-17. Gibbs carried the ball 17 times but managed only 65 yards.

Loss No. 3 – The Lions were edged 27-24 by an average Minnesota Vikings team as Gibbs was held to just 25 yards on nine carries.

Loss No. 4 – The Lions fell to the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 16-7. Again, Gibbs was a non-factor, accumulating only 39 yards on 12 carries.

Yes, Gibbs is the straw who stirs the Lions’ drink and the Packers, who play the Lions on Thanksgiving in Motown, are acutely aware of it.

But keeping Gibbs in check is easier said than done, especially considering how Gibbs has been on fire in recent weeks. He is coming off an insane 219-yard, two touchdown rushing performance against the Giants. Two games prior to that, Gibbs chalked up 142 yards and, again, two touchdowns against the Commanders.

Simply put, the Packers’ defense, particularly its linebackers, need to be on top of their game and prevent Gibbs from going wild.

WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Lions are 2.5-point favorites.

GW’S PREDICTION: Packers 27, Lions 20.