The Green Bay Packers pulled off a gritty road win on Thanksgiving Day, defeating the Detroit Lions 31-24 at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, November 27, 2025. With quarterback Jordan Murray Love throwing four touchdown passes and the defense holding firm in the final minutes, the Packers completed a season sweep of their NFC North rivals — a rare and crucial feat in a division where every win matters. The game, broadcast nationally by Fox Corporation at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, was the first of the NFL’s traditional Thanksgiving tripleheader and delivered the kind of drama that makes holiday football unforgettable.
Love Leads Comeback Charge
Down 17-14 at halftime, the Packers didn’t panic. Instead, Love — born in Bakersfield, California, and entering his sixth NFL season — turned into a cold-blooded playmaker. He connected with rookie tight end Luke Musgrave for a 22-yard score early in the third quarter, then found wideout Christian Watson on a beautifully timed slant for a 14-yard touchdown just before the end of the third. By the time Love found Allen Lazard on a crossing route for his fourth TD of the day with 9:17 left, the Packers were up 31-20. Love finished with 234 passing yards, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 124.7 — his best performance since Week 6 against Minnesota.
Lions’ Late Push Falls Short
The Detroit Lions, led by veteran quarterback Jared Christopher Goff, refused to fold. Down 11 points with under five minutes left, Goff engineered a methodical 75-yard drive, capped by a 7-yard pass to speedster Jameson Williams that put the ball at the Green Bay 28-yard line. It looked like the Lions might pull off the comeback — especially after a defensive holding call on Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon gave Detroit a fresh set of downs. But then came the twist: on third-and-goal from the 11, David Lionel Montgomery was stuffed for a one-yard loss. On fourth down, Goff’s pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown was batted away by linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. The crowd fell silent. The Packers took over on downs.
Division Race Takes a Sharp Turn
Before kickoff, the Chicago Bears led the NFC North at 9-3. The Packers entered at 7-3-1; the Lions at 7-4. After this result, Green Bay sits at 8-3-1 — just one game back of Chicago. Detroit, now 7-5, is two games behind and has lost two of their last three. The math is simple: the Lions need to win out and hope for Chicago collapses. The Packers? They’ve now won four of their last five, and their schedule softens in December. This win wasn’t just about pride — it was about playoff positioning. And with the NFL’s new tiebreaker rules, head-to-head results like this one could be the difference between hosting a wild-card game or playing on the road.
Thanksgiving Tradition Lives On
The Detroit Lions have hosted Thanksgiving games since 1934 — a tradition broken only during World War II. This year’s crowd of 65,288 at Ford Field was electric, even after the final whistle. Fans chanted “Let’s Go Lions!” until the last second, but the scoreboard told a different story. For the Packers, this was their first Thanksgiving road win since 2017. The rivalry, now in its 96th season, has seen moments of dominance from both sides — but this year, Green Bay holds the upper hand. And with the final meeting between the two scheduled for Week 18 in Green Bay, the stakes are only rising.
What Comes Next?
The Green Bay Packers head to Minnesota next week for a critical Week 14 clash with the Vikings, who are also in the playoff hunt. The Detroit Lions face the Atlanta Falcons on December 1 — a must-win if they want to stay relevant in the division race. Both teams have injury concerns: Lions’ edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson left the game with a shoulder issue, and Packers’ running back Aaron Jones is listed as day-to-day with a knee strain. Neither team has released official updates, but with the playoffs looming, every snap counts.
Behind the Numbers
- Love’s four TD passes tied his career high — last achieved in Week 14 of 2023.
- St. Brown had 9 catches for 118 yards, his 10th 100-yard game of the season.
- The Packers held the Lions to just 3-of-12 on third down — a major turnaround from their 50% conversion rate in the first meeting.
- Green Bay’s defense forced two turnovers — a fumble recovery by Za’Darius Smith and an interception by Darnell Savage.
- Attendance: 65,288 at Ford Field — the 12th-largest Thanksgiving crowd in NFL history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Packers’ playoff chances?
The Packers’ 8-3-1 record now puts them just one game behind the division-leading Chicago Bears. With a favorable schedule ahead — including games against Minnesota, Carolina, and Chicago — they’re firmly in the playoff conversation. A win in Week 14 could put them in first place, and their head-to-head sweep over Detroit gives them a major tiebreaker advantage if multiple teams finish tied.
Why was this game so important for the Lions?
The Lions needed a win to keep pace with Chicago and remain relevant in the NFC North. Losing on Thanksgiving — especially at home, where they’ve historically been strong — is a psychological blow. Their path to the division title now requires winning all remaining games and hoping Chicago loses twice. With injuries piling up and their offense struggling in the red zone, the odds are stacking up.
What’s the significance of Jordan Murray Love’s performance?
Love’s four-touchdown game was his most efficient of the season and silenced critics who questioned his ability to close out tight games. He didn’t force throws, avoided sacks, and trusted his receivers. If he can maintain this level of play through December, he’ll be in serious MVP conversation — and Green Bay’s offense will be among the league’s most dangerous.
How does this game fit into the Packers-Lions rivalry?
This was the 195th meeting between the two franchises since 1930. The Packers lead the all-time series 105-82-8, but the Lions have won three of the last five matchups. What makes this win special is the sweep — Green Bay hasn’t swept Detroit since 2021. The emotional weight of winning on Thanksgiving in Detroit adds another layer to a rivalry that’s defined by grit, tradition, and divisional tension.
What role did the officiating play in the outcome?
Side Judge Dominique Pender was part of the crew that made several key calls, including a controversial defensive holding penalty on Green Bay that extended Detroit’s final drive. But the final stop on fourth down was clean — no review needed. Overall, the officiating was consistent and didn’t dictate the result. The game was decided by execution, not calls — a rare and refreshing outcome in today’s NFL.
Will this game impact future matchups between the teams?
Absolutely. The Packers now have momentum, confidence, and the head-to-head tiebreaker. Detroit’s coaching staff will likely reevaluate their offensive game plan, especially in short-yardage situations. And with the final meeting scheduled for Week 18 in Green Bay, this game sets the tone — if the Packers win again, they’ll have swept the season series for the first time since 2019. That’s a statement.
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