Detroit News predictions: Lions vs. Packers

James Hawkins, Justin Rogers, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski predict the outcome of Sunday's Lions-Packers game.

Predictions

James Hawkins: The Lions caught a break not having to travel to Lambeau Field later and deal with the cold conditions. Instead, they get to face the Packers in their home opener, a tall task for any team. It’ll be even more difficult with several starters nicked up and not at full strength. Packers 28-20

Justin Rogers: The Lions linebacker situation is a disaster and that’s something that will be tough to overcome against a quarterback as good as Aaron Rodgers. Even though he’s in a bit of a slump, expect that Packers quarterback to carve the Lions up in the middle of the field, snapping the Lambeau losing streak to the NFC North opponent at one. Packers 30-20

Lions vs. Packers preview: Backups need to step up

John Niyo: The Packers are banged up and coming off a tough Sunday night road loss to the Vikings. But the Lions are limping into Lambeau without three of their best playmakers. It’s not a lost cause, but that’s hardly the best recipe for a road win. Packers 27-21

Bob Wojnowski: Not exactly great timing for a trip to Green Bay. The Lions have injuries on defense — DeAndre Levy, Ziggy Ansah — and lost Ameer Abdullah just as he was starting to shine. Oh, and the Packers aren’t in a great mood these days, with Aaron Rodgers struggling. I have a feeling reports of Rodgers’ decline are exaggerated, or at least premature, and he’s about to feel considerably better. Packers 33-21