The Detroit Lions were considered a trendy dark horse pick to win the NFC North and become a deep playoff-contender into the 2023 NFL season. Capping off the prior season with an impressive 8-2 run, the Detroit Prideful have many reasons to believe this franchise can finally join the conversation for championship contention. After beating the Super Bowl champion Chiefs and the 2-1 Falcons, the Lions now pose a chance to go 3-1 on the season in a matchup against the division-rival Packers. Depending on the result of this upcoming Thursday Night game (8:15 p.m. ET), the Lions’ title as “Dark Horse” may be subject to change heading into the remainder of the season.

If the Lions beat the Packers on Thursday Night…

A new challenge this week will test the Lions’ ability to win in a hostile environment. Yes, they won on the road against the Chiefs, but returning to Lambeau Field for the first time this season, in primetime, with early implications for the NFC North title on the line… this is a game to win. The Lions were able to pull it off against Green Bay in the final game of the 2022 season, but if they can once more rise to the occasion, you may very well be looking at a new host for the NFC North crown. While it is still early to fully tell, there are important factors to take note of that reveal why the Lions are a significantly improved unit who are ready to pounce on the Packers.

That Defense!

If you ignore defensive end Aidan Hutchinson’s iffy dance moves and focus on his monster NFC Defensive Player of the Week performance against the Falcons, it’s clear as day that this defensive unit has established an identity that surpasses 2022’s version. When the Lions started the prior season at 1-6, the foundational issue stemmed from poor defensive play, forcing the offense to win in shootout fashion. Against Atlanta however, the offense’s load requirement was reduced as Aidan Hutchinson and company held the Falcons' previously No. 4 ranked rushing attack to just 44 total yards, recorded seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Similar trends

If you compare the opponents’ quarterbacks from the Falcons game to Thursday night, you have young and unproven players filling that role. Desmond Ridder is a solid signal-caller but as a second year facing his first stint as a full-season starter, that Lions’ defense was bound to eat him up. Jordan Love can be argued in that same notion. It’s his first season as a starter from Week 1 and while he has played well, it’s been against: The current worst team in the NFL, that same Falcons squad which the Packers lost to, and Jameis Winston off the bench. The Lions are capable of a repeat trend in their defense.

Still a dark horse?

Winning this matchup on Thursday Night will likely prove dividends towards the implications of the NFC North race. However, if the Lions can assert their dominance on the Packers like they did against the Falcons, NFL fans and media might have to address the Lions as more than just a “Dark Horse.” With momentum and a relatively easy schedule for the 2023 season, the potential for greatness seems closer than ever for Detroit. Thursday Night’s game will serve as an opportunity to firmly establish a Lions standard that Super Bowl contending teams may have to watch out for.