Packers Top Lions 31-24 on Thanksgiving, Complete Season Sweep in NFC North Clash
The Green Bay Packers held off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Detroit Lions to win 31-24 on Thanksgiving Day Ford Field in Detroit, completing a rare season sweep in one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries. Kickoff at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, broadcast nationally on FOX, drew a passionate crowd despite the unreported attendance, turning the annual holiday tradition into a high-stakes divisional showdown that could echo through the playoffs.
History Meets Hype in the Motor City
This was the 88th consecutive Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game — a tradition dating back to 1934, when the franchise still played in Portsmouth, Ohio. The rivalry with the Green Bay Packers has simmered for decades, but this year’s meeting carried extra weight. The Packers had already beaten Detroit 27-13 on September 7, 2025, in a game that exposed defensive flaws in Detroit’s secondary. This rematch was supposed to be the Lions’ chance to even the score — but Green Bay came prepared.
The Quarterback’s Masterclass
Though his name wasn’t officially confirmed in game reports, the Green Bay Packers quarterback threw for 234 yards and four touchdowns, orchestrating a precision-driven offense that kept Detroit’s defense guessing. Three of those scores came in the first half, including a 42-yard bomb to a streaking receiver that sent the visiting sideline into a frenzy. The Lions, led by Jared Thomas Goff, responded with grit — connecting on key third downs and keeping the game within striking distance. But when it mattered most, Green Bay’s defense held firm.
Lions’ Late Surge Falls Short
Down by 10 with under six minutes left, Detroit mounted a desperate drive. On a critical third-and-3 from their own 35-yard line, Amon-Ra Kyari St. Brown caught a 7-yard pass — the same play that had worked earlier in the quarter — advancing the ball to the Packers’ 28-yard line. But the drive stalled after a miscommunication on a slant route near the goal line, forcing a field goal attempt that cut the lead to 31-24. With 1:47 remaining, the Lions had one last chance… but a well-timed blitz by linebacker De’Vondre Campbell pressured Goff into an incomplete pass on fourth down, sealing the outcome.
Divisional Implications: Packers Climb, Lions Stall
The win pushed the Green Bay Packers to an 8-3-1 record, good for second place in the NFC North — just one game behind the Chicago Bears (8-3-0). The Lions, now 7-5, fell into third, two full games behind Green Bay with only five games left. The standings tell a clear story: Chicago leads with 289 points scored and 292 allowed, while Green Bay’s defense — once a liability — has tightened up, allowing just 226 points this season. Detroit, despite leading the division in scoring (350 points), can’t stop anyone when it counts.
Why This Matters Beyond the Standings
This wasn’t just another win. It was a statement. The Packers had lost three of their last four road games in the NFC North heading into Thanksgiving. Their identity had been questioned — were they a playoff team or just a team with a strong offense and shaky defense? This win answered that. It showed resilience. It showed poise. And it showed they can win in hostile territory, something they haven’t done consistently since 2021.
For Detroit, the loss was more than a missed opportunity — it was a psychological blow. With a 4-2 home record before this game, Ford Field had been a fortress. Now, they’ve lost two of their last three at home, and their playoff hopes are slipping. The Lions’ offense still looks dangerous — David Michael Montgomery ran for 92 yards and a touchdown — but without a consistent pass rush or secondary stop, they’ll keep losing close games.
What’s Next?
Green Bay heads home to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 — a team they’ve beaten twice in a row since 2023. A win there would put them in sole possession of second place. The Lions, meanwhile, travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals, then host the Bears in a potential elimination game on December 22. That matchup could decide who gets the final playoff spot in the NFC North.
The Bigger Picture: A Thanksgiving Classic
Thanksgiving Day games have long been NFL staples, but this one stood out. It had everything: divisional stakes, a historic rivalry, clutch plays, and a dramatic finish. Analysts called it “the best Thanksgiving game in recent memory,” and for good reason. It wasn’t just about the score — it was about momentum, identity, and what’s still possible in a season that’s far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Packers’ playoff chances?
The Packers’ 8-3-1 record puts them in strong position for a wild-card berth, and with only one divisional loss remaining, they’re now favored to finish in the top two of the NFC North. Their next two games — against Minnesota and Chicago — are essentially must-wins to secure home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Why didn’t the Lions’ offense work in the fourth quarter?
Despite having a top-5 scoring offense, Detroit’s passing game stalled under pressure. The Packers’ defensive line generated consistent heat on Jared Goff, and their secondary locked down Amon-Ra St. Brown in critical moments. Three of Detroit’s final four drives ended in punts or turnovers, revealing a troubling lack of execution under duress.
Has Green Bay ever swept the Lions in a season before?
Yes — but not often. The Packers swept the Lions in 2020 and 2021, and last did it in 2016. Since 2010, they’ve completed the season sweep just four times. This year’s sweep is especially notable because both wins came on the road — a rarity in a division where home-field advantage is heavily weighted.
What’s the significance of Ford Field hosting this game?
Ford Field has hosted the Lions’ Thanksgiving game every year since 2002, making it one of the NFL’s most consistent holiday traditions. But this year, the venue felt more like a pressure cooker than a celebration. The Packers’ ability to win here — especially with a 7-3-1 away record — signals a shift in their identity as a team that can thrive on the road in hostile environments.
Who were the key players for Detroit in this game?
Jared Goff threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns, while David Montgomery rushed for 92 yards and a score. Amon-Ra St. Brown had 11 catches for 108 yards, including the crucial third-down conversion late in the fourth quarter. But despite their production, the Lions’ defense allowed 31 points — and that’s what ultimately cost them the game.
What’s the historical context of this rivalry?
The Packers and Lions have played 195 times since 1930, with Green Bay holding a 105-82-8 all-time edge. But since 2010, the rivalry has become more competitive, with Detroit winning 12 of the last 20 meetings. Still, the Packers have won the last three Thanksgiving matchups between the teams — and this latest win continues their dominance on the holiday.
