Heading into a potential win-and-in game to close out the regular season, here are three key matchups for the Detroit Lions against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.
Well, this is it. This is what the Detroit Lions season has been building towards. Week 18 Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, with the potential for the winner to go to the playoffs. Eight weeks ago, there two teams were near rock bottom and have risen from the ashes to push for a playoff spot.
It is both cruel and fitting for the Lions’ season to come down to a game against their most hated rival. The Packers have been the big brother of the NFC North for years, and now the Lions are being awarded an opportunity to change the narrative.
The red-hot Lions against the red-hot Packers, winner takes all. One thing is for sure, this will be a very different game than the one we got in Week 9.
Here are a few key matchups that could turn the tide on Sunday Night in the final game of the regular season.
3 key matchups for the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Week 18
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Matchup 1: Lions C Frank Ragnow vs. Packers NT Kenny Clark
Ragnow is one of the best centers in the league, and Clark is one of the best nose tackles–it’s that simple. Watching these two square off, especially in the run game, is always a treat to watch.
This matchup has typically favored Ragnow, but he obviously has not been anywhere close to 100 percent healthy this season. A nagging foot injury has limited his practice activity, increasingly so as the season has wound down, but he continues to suit up on game day.
Ragnow is a warrior, so you know he’s going to be out there on Sunday night. However, this is a more challenging matchup than most. Clark is going to be disruptive in the middle, and now he’ll face a not fully-healthy Ragnow.