NFL Week 2: Trends which will decide each game

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers scrambles with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 13: Kenny Clark #97 of the Green Bay Packers congratulates teammate Za’Darius Smith #55 on a sack of Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions (0-1) at Green Bay Packers (1-0), 1:00 pm

Lions: Last Sunday at home, Matt Patricia’s team – now losers of 10 consecutive games – squandered a 23-6 fourth=quarter lead in giving up three touchdown passes in the final 15 minutes. Last season, Detroit allowed a total of 152 points in the fourth quarter and OT – topped only by the Dolphins (157). It ain’t over ‘til…

Packers: After finishing 1-4-1 versus their NFC North rivals in 2018, the Packers now own a seven-game winning streak versus their divisional foes as they host the Lions. A year ago, Green Bay swept Detroit for the first time since, posting a pair of comeback wins after trailing by 13 and 14 points, respectively, in Week 6 and in Week 17.

Minnesota Vikings (0-1) at Indianapolis Colts (0-1), 1:00 pm

Vikings: A year ago, the Vikings finished 14th in total defense, quite a departure for a team that ranked third, first and fourth, respectively, in the NFL in yards allowed per game the previous three seasons (2017-19). In last week’s 43-34 home loss to Green Bay, Mike Zimmer’s defense allowed 522 yards, had zero sacks and no takeaways.

Colts: After a respectable start last season, Indianapolis’ defense has had its issues, especially when it comes to the pass. After allowing just 13 TD tosses in their first nine games a year ago, Frank Reich’s club has given up 20 scores through the air in their last eight contests – three last week to Jacksonville’s Gardner Minshew.

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