Lions to get first crack at Matthew Golden-era in Green Bay in Week 1

Well, we knew that the Detroit Lions were going to be pitted against some serious competition in their own division this season. The NFC North is one of the strongest in the NFL, with the Lions atop the division as of now given their 2024 15-2 record.

But, they have some legitimate competition now with the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears on their heels, and as the Minnesota Vikings almost entirely run it back with a new signal caller under center in J.J. McCarthy.

The Packers are probably the closest to the Lions in terms of ability to actually contend, though, with Green Bay having gone to the postseason this past season and still retaining quarterback Jordan Love to help try to lead them over the hump of the Divisional Round. In Week 1, Detroit will have a chance to see just how close the two teams are to one another as they square off at Lambeau Field.

And, the Lions' secondary will have an up close look at just how good the newest duo of Love and rookie Matthew Golden can be, as he's set to get some major playing time alongside Jayden Reed in 2025.

Lions set to test Golden era in Green Bay in Week 1

Golden, the Packers' first round pick in the 2025 draft, is set to become a starter with the team in the absence of Christian Watson and as the team probably cannot rely on their 3rd or 4th string depth pieces in the wide receiving room. Golden is set to add youth and speed to Love's arsenal, and he's a great playmaker to look to to help Love cut down on his turnovers from 2024.

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However, Detroit will have something to say about that new duo in the NFC North. Their secondary, currently headed by players like Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, Terrion Arnold, and D.J. Reed, is coming to make some serious noise in the league against a very tough schedule. The Packers are simply the first team set to get a look at this newly revamped Lions secondary.

Arnold expressed some serious excitement about facing off with the Packers in Week 1 on social media prior to the schedule officially being released to the public, so you already know this Detroit defense is locked and loaded for this NFC North battle. Golden is going to get his first Welcome to the NFL moment the second he begins his career, it seems.

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