Opponent Preview: Detroit Lions face Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9, Minnesota Vikings in Week 10
With half a season over the Lions will finally see where they stand and what the rest of the season entails for them.
The second half of the season will be testing for Detroit as games will get tougher.
Faced with two games against division rivals Green Bay Packers and a host of other difficult opponents, Detroit will need a good first half of the season to set themselves up for the difficult fixtures which they will face in the final eight games.
Week 9: Jacksonville Jaguars
Bought by Pakistani-American businessman, Shahid Khan who wishes to change the Jaguars to a competitive franchise, Jacksonville Jaguars have taken steps in the right direction during the offseason.
Bringing in talented Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon with their fifth overall pick, the Jaguars have signed a great weapon to help struggling rookie quarterback, Blaine Gabbert.
Last year Gabbert underwent a baptism of fire and struggled to perform in his rookie year as he was hampered by a lack of options in front as well as not having a complete offseason to adapt to the NFL.
This year though, Blackmon’s arrival has fulfilled the Jaguars need for a talented playmaker and Gabbert will likely improve in his second NFL season.
Jacksonville though still looks more like a work in progress but might give a much tougher time to opponents.
Running back, Maurice Jones-Drew remains their best player and his contributions will be key to the franchise’s hopes for an improved 2012-13 season.
Head-to-Head
This will be the fifth encounter between the two sides in their history.
Just four games have been played between Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars with the Lions winning just once while Jacksonville have three wins to their name.
Week 10: Minnesota Vikings
We have already covered the Vikings in an earlier post.
Week 11: Green Bay Packers
One of the best encounters in the NFL, the 2012 games between Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers will be expected to once again showcase the best the league has to offer.
Like Detroit, Green Bay are heavily geared towards offence and with Most Valuable Player (MVP) Aaron Rodgers leading the team they will be a tough nut to crack for the Lions.
Last year the Packers were almost unbeatable and this year too they will be heavy favourites to challenge for the Super Bowl.
Head-to-Head
165 games have been played between these two division rivals with Detroit winning 65 and the Packers have 93 victories to their name.
Seven games ended tied between the two teams.
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