Green Bay @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 31, 2017 ) Green Bay 11, Detroit 35

Aaron Rodgers and coach Mike McCarthy insist they are on the same page as the Green Bay Packers visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a matchup of NFC North rivals. Rodgers took some not-so-subtle shots at McCarthy's offensive game plan following last weekend's 22-0 victory over Buffalo.

Rodgers questioned the play-calling and the use of playmakers after a contest in which Green Bay outgained Buffalo 423-145. "It starts with good communication and being honest with each other, and then hugging it out afterwards," Rodgers told reporters regarding his frank assessment of the offense. "There's frustration in this business, and that's what Mike always says, conflict is good. You've got to keep the conversation going, we have to find ways to be more efficient on offense." The Lions are allowing an average of 28.5 points, with a stellar 26-10 victory over New England representing their lone stingy defensive effort. Stopping the run was the problem in last weekend's 26-24 loss to Dallas as Ezekiel Elliott gained 152 of his team's 183 rushing yards.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Packers -1. O/U: 51

ABOUT THE PACKERS (2-1-1): Rodgers has passed for 1,130 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception, but he may be missing his top three receivers against the Lions as Davante Adams (calf), Randall Cobb (hamstring) and Geronimo Allison (concussion) are battling injuries. "It's about those guys taking advantage of their opportunity," McCarthy told reporters of rookies Marquez Valdes-Scantling, J'Mon Moore and Equanimeous St. Brown. "They're getting better. You're seeing it in practice. ... It's not about learning the plays of the game plan, but it's also about progressing with the opportunity to compete." The defense is allowing 20.8 points per game and cornerback Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is tied for the NFL lead with three interceptions.

ABOUT THE LIONS (1-3): Detroit is averaging 23.5 points behind Matthew Stafford (1,202 yards, eight touchdowns, five interceptions) while coach Matt Patricia is declining to give more work to impressive rookie running back Kerryon Johnson (216 yards, 5.7 average). "I think we have a lot of really good running backs, and I think we try to use them appropriately," Patricia told reporters. "I think Kerryon played a significant amount of the game. He played 20 snaps (of 53 plays), that's a good amount." Linebacker Devon Kennard is leading the defensive charge with four sacks while defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder) could return after a three-game absence.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Lions won both meetings last season by a cumulative 65-28 score, with Rodgers missing both contests.

2. Detroit CB Quandre Diggs is wearing a cast on the left hand he injured against Dallas but is hopeful of being cleared to play.

3. Green Bay LB Kyler Fackrell recorded a career-best three sacks against Buffalo.

PREDICTION: Packers 30, Lions 24