Detroit Lions news: 4 key match-ups on the 2021 schedule
By Tyler Kotila
Second, on the list of key match-ups is the Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers.
On September 20th at 8:15 PM (ET), the Detroit Lions will travel to Lambeau Field to take on a Packers team that might look quite different than they usually do. Today, the Packers signed Blake Bortles to a one-year contract and also have Jordan Love itching to get into a game.
By the time the September 20th match-up rolls around, the Packers may very well be without Aaron Rodgers. The rumors all point to the fact that Rodgers will be moved; the question seems to be more of a “when” not “if” type of thing.
The Packers have taken four out of the last five match-ups between the two teams. However, this is the first match-up under the new regime and the first without Rodgers (likely) battling Stafford as the two quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see who is under center for the Packers this fall, and fans should keep an eye on this match-up for sure.
Thirdly, the Detroit Lions will take on the Chicago Bears as the Thanksgiving Day game opponent.
On November 25th, 2021 (Thanksgiving), the Lions will host the Chicago Bears at 12:30 PM (ET), bringing former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields and Andy Dalton to town. The Lions ultimately passed on Fields in the draft, and it will be interesting to see how the quarterback situation plays out in Chicago prior to this match-up.
Similar to the Packers, the Bears have taken four out of the last five in their last five match-ups. However, the Lions took the most recent match-up in 2020 after a 34-30 road win in Chicago. This will be the second of the two match-ups with the Bears.
Hopefully, Campbell and his Lions will be able to get rolling, and even if they drop the first match-up against the Bears, they can figure things out by Thanksgiving. Fans can punch in their Thanksgiving plans, knowing the Honolulu Blue and silver will be taking on “Da Bears” just before 1 PM (ET) this fall.