Last Updated: December 11. 2010 3:52PM
1 p.m. Sunday | TV/Radio Fox/WXYT
Sunday preview: Packers (8-4) at Lions (2-10)
Chris McCosky / The Detroit News
Lions player to watch: Drew Stanton
[img_r]http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20101211&Category=SPORTS0101&ArtNo=12110327&Ref=AR&Profile=1126[/img_r]He used his legs a little bit last week against the Bears, but with the way the Packers drop defensive backs and rush linebackers, there may be some room for him to roam. It's probably not a coincidence the longest run from scrimmage the Packers have allowed this season was QB Shaun Hill 's 40-yard scamper.
It will also be interesting to see how much more Stanton is allowed to run. The game plan was ultra conservative, as you would expect. He threw only a couple passes downfield.
Packers player to watch: Charles Woodson
Watch him because, for one, he's the best defensive player on the field and arguably one of the great Lions killers in history, and two, because he injured his ankle in practice Wednesday so he might not be at full capacity.
But he doesn't have to be at full strength to hurt the Lions. In Week 4, he returned an INT for a TD (he's had a pick-six in three consecutive seasons against the Lions), had 13 tackles and made three straight plays that effectively killed the Lions' last scoring drive in a two-point game.
Lions' biggest advantage: Special teams
The only phase the Lions might have the edge is in special teams.
P Nick Harris has been excellent at pinning teams deep in their own end. He's knocked 18 down inside the 20. K Dave Rayner has been a solid fill-in for Jason Hanson and his kickoffs have been deep and well-placed.
But there are few players who draw as much attention from opponents than return ace Stefan Logan . He has had four returns of 50 or more yards and he's also been a force on coverage teams.
Lions' biggest problem: Packers defense
This is a little like picking the biggest defensive lineman; they're all big. But trying to move the ball against the Packers defense is going to be a huge hurdle for an offense relying on backups at quarterback and running back.
The Packers allow 15.2 points, No. 1 in the league. They're 10th in total defense, first in rushing TDs allowed, fifth in rushing yards allowed, second in passer rating and first with 46 INTs.
Keep an eye, too, on LB Clay Matthews. With 11.5 sacks, he's been known to wreak a little havoc on an offense.
Staff predictions
Chris McCosky: Without DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, without CB Alphonso Smith, with an underachieving linebacker corps and playing indoors I see great things from Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Packers 35-21
Tim Twentyman: The Packers played aterrible game at Lambeau Field the first meeting, and the Lions almost made them pay. Don't expect the Packers to make the same mistake a second time as they try to keep pace with the Bears. Packers 31-20
Bob Wojnowski: Two words: Uh. Oh. The Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers come to town a game behind the first-place Bears, and the Lions just lost two more defensive starters. To have any chance, Lions QB Drew Stanton will have to create a little, and WR Calvin Johnson will have to create a lot. Packers 30-17
John Niyo: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is on a roll, and against the Lions' depleted defense, and that spells trouble. Packers 31-20
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