Xavier McKinney: Lions 'Try to Embarrass People,' Packers 'Don't Take That Lightly'

In addition to being a battle for first place in the NFC North, the Green Bay Packers are looking forward to Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions to see if they can slow down the league's most potent offense.

Speaking to reporters, Packers safety Xavier McKinney said he thinks the Lions "try to embarrass" their opponents and that's something "they don't take lightly" going into this matchup.

Three of the Lions' last four wins have come by double-digits, including a 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys and a 52-14 romp over the Tennessee Titans. They had a 10-point lead over the Arizona Cardinals before a late field goal got the score to 20-13 before Detroit ran out the clock.

The victory over the Titans was one of the most remarkable team performances in recent memory. Their 52 points came in a game they gained just 225 yards of offense. Jared Goff completed 12 passes for 85 yards, but three of his completions went for touchdowns.

Detroit's only real close call since an overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 was a 31-29 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20. The Vikings took the lead on Ivan Pace's 36-yard fumble return touchdown with 5:50 remaining, but their two-point attempt failed. The Lions won on Jake Bates' 44-yard field goal in the final seconds.

This matchup between the Lions and Packers is hard to pin down because the status of Jordan Love is still up in the air. He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a groin injury.

Malik Willis has played well when he's been called upon, but his two starts this season were against the Titans and Indianapolis Colts. The Lions are an entirely different animal (no pun intended) than the AFC South clubs.

Green Bay's defense will be an even more important factor in this game if Willis has to play because they can't get into a shootout without Love.

First-year Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has his unit ranked 12th in points allowed per game and DVOA. McKinney, who leads the league with six interceptions, is going to be a huge factor in trying to contain Goff and the downfield passing game for Detroit.

The Lions and Packers will play at Lambeau Field on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET with first place in the NFC North on the line.