Bill Huber references the Green Bay Packers for OnSI packers. He recently answered five questions from Lions OnSI to preview Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field between Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers.

Were there any noticeable differences between the team’s offensive style with Jordan Love and Malik Willis under center? What challenges could Willis present to the Lions defense if he is the starter?

Bill Huber: Yes, without a doubt, which I suppose could work to Green Bay’s advantage if there is some doubt as we go through the practice week.

With Willis, the packers they are a run first attack. Against the Colts in Week 2, Josh Jacobs carried the ball 32 times. He carried the ball 13 times in less than a half on Sunday at Jacksonville after Love was out with a groin injury. It’s clichéd but true, the attack on the offense to run the ball to keep the offense in good down-and-out situations and set up easier passes.

Those easier passes, more often than not, are faked with Willis. Willis is a superb athlete and threw the ball with great accuracy, so these plays work to Green Bay’s advantage and put the defense in a bind. Against the Jaguars, Travon Walker was coming clean for a sack and Willis froze him before taking off for 20. On the next play, Jacobs broke two tackles and scored a 38-yard touchdown.

With Loveit’s the approach we’ve seen for years with Aaron Rodgers and Love. The running game sets up the pass, just like with Willis, but there’s a lot more dropback to take advantage of Love’s skill and talent at receiver.

Which of the Packers’ young receivers poses the biggest threat to the Lions’ secondary on Sunday?

Huber: Jayden Reed is perhaps the best player on offense and I would think Reed vs. Amik Robertson would be a matchup the Packers would want to take advantage of.

Reed he is a superb player. He leads the team with 31 receptions, 507 yards and a 16.4 average and is third with three touchdowns. He runs the entire route tree at receiver and frequently lines up in the backfield for handoffs and screens. He’s not the stereotypical throw-one-short-and-throw-them slot receiver.

He is so good that his mere presence keeps defenders busy. There were a few moments when he was part of a tandem with two defenders at the back. Reed flashes for a pass, which sucks his defence, only for it to be a handoff to the other back in the opposite direction.

He’d be the first to tell you he’s dropped too many passes, but he’s a threat down the field or after the catch.

The Packers made some notable additions this offseason in free agency. Which of these newcomers made the biggest impact in 2024?

Huber: Xavier McKinney has six interceptions in eight games. The Packers had seven interceptions all of last season. So to say he changed defenses might be the understatement of the century.

It’s not just that he’s picking passes left and right. He played excellent coverage; it’s not like he’s getting out of position and chasing interceptions. He is also a top tackler at the position and an important leader. When McKinney speak, people listen. Those “people” include the two rookie safeties, Javon Bullard and Evan Williams, who are playing plenty of snaps.

What are 1-2 key matchups that could decide Sunday’s game?

Huber: Green Bay’s defensive front has been hot and cold. The Packers had eight sacks against Tennessee and spent the afternoon on the Texans’ CJ Stroud. Other games, the group is MIA. Against the Jaguars, the Packers had just one sack. With plenty of time to throw it, Trevor Lawrence topped 300 yards passing. Lawrence is a good player, but he’s not Jared Goff.

Stay with the defense, who will stop Amon-Ra St. Brown? Cornerback Jaire Alexander suffered a knee injury on the last defensive snap against the Jaguars. He is a top player. Per PFF, he’s allowed one catch in each of his last three games. He allowed 2 passing yards against the Jaguars; there was carnage everywhere. I would assume Alexander will be questionable for Sunday and maybe even a game-time decision.

The Packers need to successfully run the ball with Jacobs. Whether it’s Willis or Loved hobbled, the Packers can’t afford to live in three-and-eight.

Who wins and why?

Huber: I share an office with ESPN’s Rob Demovsky and The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman. Before last year’s rematch at Ford Field, I said something to the effect of Schneidman: “These teams could play 100 times and the Lions could win 99.” Or maybe I said 100.

Whatever the number, lions they’re really good, and I don’t know that the Packers are tough enough to hold up against Detroit’s offensive line and power running back.

Well, I was obviously wrong, which Matt has reminded me a few times over the past 11 months. The point remains, though. I think Detroit is the better team and would win the most games and certainly win a high percentage of games with Jordan Love stuck in the pocket with a groin injury.

i will take Detroit to cover the spread… with the caveat that I’d probably be down if I bet on the games.