The Detroit Lions head into the “Frozen Tundra” for their Week 18 matchup with the Green Bay Packers, needing to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The game has been flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the first prime-time game for the Lions this season. There’s a lot riding on the line, especially with the Packers’ recent hot streak where they control their own destiny with a win-and-they’re-in situation. So, it’s Aaron Rodgers, on prime-time television, with both teams needing a win for the playoffs.
Weather Report for the Detroit Lions trip to Green Bay
Green Bay in December is a winter wonderland. There’s a reason their field, Lambeau Field, is known as the “Frozen Tundra.” Fans are constantly layered to protect against the elements that an outdoor stadium in January, in Wisconsin, can bring.
It’s going to be cold. But, that was to be expected. Which will bring the key to victory for the Detroit Lions to the forefront: stopping the run on defense and establishing the run on offense.
It’ll be strength on strength Sunday Night for the Detroit Lions
With freezing temperatures, establishing the run game is going to be the modus operandi number one for each team. The Packers come into the game ranked 13th in rushing yardage this season (125.6 yards per game), while gaining 146.6 per game at home. On the flip side, the Lions rank 11th in the League at 129.7 yards per game, but only 109.1 on the road. Defensively, both teams are toward the bottom of the league in yards allowed per game, the Packers at 26th (141.8 per game) and the Lions 29th (149.3 per game).
Grit will be on full display for the Detroit Lions
There is no doubt this is the most significant game in a long time. And, while the NFL potentially killed the meaning for the Lions. However, all meaning is not lost. If the Seattle Seahawks do win and end the playoff hopes of the Lions, they can still have the opportunity to beat Rodgers & Co., sweeping them on the year and ending their playoff hopes.
It won’t be easy, but this team has shown the fight needed over the last nine games to get the job done. Their resilience will be put to the test against the boogeyman Rodgers, the cold conditions, and two teams with everything to play for. It’s going to be an exciting time Sunday night, just better watching it from the comfort and warmth of our own homes.
