The Detroit Lions and Raiders face three pressing questions before their Thanksgiving game.
On November 19, 2023, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams scored on a 32-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff, while being defended by Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson during the fourth quarter at Ford Field.
The Detroit Lions are set to host the Green Bay Packers in the annual Thanksgiving game, with the first game of the day taking place at Ford Field.
Jameson Williams, the Lions’ WR, has shown increased comfort and capability in the last two games, and it is likely that positive momentum will continue throughout the season. Despite not having dropped a pass in two consecutive games, Williams has earned more trust and is expected to maintain his performance.
In the fourth quarter, the Lions trailed by 12 points, but Jameson Williams’ speed was crucial in securing a crucial touchdown. His speed is unmatched at this level, and it’s frightening to think of Ben Johnson’s offense with a more involved and cleaner Jameson Williams on the other side of Amon-Ra St. Brown. Lions quarterback Jared Goff said that Williams’ recent performance has been good, with him practicing well and making good throws. He’s doing a great job blocking and doing all his assignments correctly, and his progress is exciting as the level of the Lions’ offense could possibly go with him continuing to improve.
Green Bay’s offense is currently struggling with Aaron Jones likely out with an injured knee. A.J. Dillon has averaged a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry this season. Despite this, the Lions have been strong against opposing running backs, ranking sixth in the league and allowing only 895 rushing yards in 10 games.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love is improving and appearing more comfortable, leading to a preference for the passing attack and play-action looks. Pro Football Focus ranks Love eighth among quarterbacks in the last three games, eight spots ahead of Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Young receivers Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs are boosting his play. Dan Campbell believes Love is connecting on some of his throws and is composed and athletic. The Lions could potentially win on Thanksgiving to bring them to their first division title since 1993. The Minnesota Vikings, who lost on Sunday Night Football, are the only other team in the division above.500 at 6-5, trailing the Lions by 2.5 games with two meetings scheduled between them in the final three weeks.
The Lions have a 94% chance to win the NFC North, with seven games left in the regular season. They haven’t won their division since 1993, when it was NFC Central. A win over the Packers would likely end their wild-card hopes. The Vikings face the Bears, and a win would help close the window. The Chiefs have better odds at winning their division, with only the reigning Super Bowl champion having better odds.\
The odds of the Lions winning the North are unchanged if they beat the Packers and Vikings, but increase to 98% if they win and the Vikings lose, and fall to 86% if the Lions win another Thanksgiving game.
