The Green Bay Packers pulled off a gritty 31-24 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit — a game that felt like a playoff preview in every sense. With Jordan Love firing four touchdown passes — matching his career best — and the Packers’ defense holding firm in the final minutes, Green Bay sealed their second straight win over their NFC North rivals in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The win improved the Packers’ record to 8-5, while the Lions fell to 7-6, deepening the drama in a division where every game matters.
Love’s Masterclass Under Pressure
For most of the game, it looked like the Lions might pull off their first Thanksgiving win since 2020. But then came the fourth quarter — and Jordan Love turned into a conductor of chaos. With 2:18 left and the Packers clinging to a 24-21 lead, Love dropped back on 4th-and-6 from his own 38-yard line. The Lions’ pass rush was relentless, but Love stepped up, avoided a sack, and fired a dart to Jayden Reed for a 12-yard touchdown. The crowd fell silent. The Packers’ sideline erupted. The play, sealed with just 4:32 on the clock, was the kind of moment that defines quarterbacks.
It wasn’t just the final drive. Love was surgical all afternoon — 24 of 31 completions, 298 yards, no interceptions. He found Christian Watson for two scores and connected with Davante Adams on a 28-yard strike that put Green Bay up 17-10 in the third quarter. The Packers’ offense, once criticized for being too predictable, looked fluid, fearless, and fully in sync under Matt LaFleur.
Lions’ Fight Falls Just Short
Don’t sleep on the Lions’ effort. Jameson Williams electrified the home crowd with a 37-yard touchdown run after breaking three tackles — a highlight that had ESPN’s replay team spinning it on loop. The 23-year-old speedster, who’s been battling injuries all season, looked like the player Detroit hoped they drafted in 2022. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns, including a beautiful 14-yard fade to Amon-Ra St. Brown that cut the lead to 24-21 with 5:46 left.
But the Lions’ defense — which had been stellar all season — cracked at the worst time. Three missed tackles on Love’s final drive. A failed blitz call on the 4th-and-6. And then, with just 1:15 left, Michael Badgley knocked through a 27-yard field goal to make it 31-24. It wasn’t enough. The Lions had one last chance, but a Goff interception on the final drive sealed their fate.
A Tradition That Won’t Quit
Thanksgiving football in Detroit isn’t just a game — it’s a ritual. The Detroit Lions Football Club has hosted a game every Thanksgiving since 1934, even during World War II. That’s 87 consecutive years. No other franchise in North American pro sports comes close. The crowd of 65,000 at Ford Field was a sea of silver and blue, waving towels and singing along to "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the turkey was being carved in kitchens across the country.
But this year, the Lions’ streak of Thanksgiving wins ended at three. The last time they beat the Packers on Thanksgiving? 2020. And now, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the pressure mounts.
What This Means for the NFC North
The Packers are now tied with the Minnesota Vikings for second place in the division, just one game behind the 9-4 Chicago Bears. But unlike Chicago, Green Bay has shown they can win close games — and win them on the road. The Lions, meanwhile, are now 1-3 in their last four, and their path to the playoffs looks narrower than ever. They need to win all three of their remaining games, including a home matchup against the 6-7 Arizona Cardinals and a season finale against the Bears.
According to NFL’s post-game analysis, the Packers’ offensive line — once a liability — allowed zero sacks against Detroit’s top pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. That’s a sign of growth. And for Love? This wasn’t just a good day. It was a statement.
What’s Next?
The Packers head to Minnesota next week, looking to keep their momentum. The Lions? They’ll try to regroup at home against the Cardinals on December 1. But the real showdown comes on January 4, 2026 — Week 18 — when these two rivals meet again at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. That game could decide who gets the final playoff spot. And if the last two matchups are any indication? It’ll be brutal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jordan Love’s performance compare to his past games?
Love’s four-touchdown outing was his best since Week 4 of the 2024 season, when he also threw four TDs against the Minnesota Vikings. This was his first 4-TD game on the road and his first in a high-pressure, late-game scenario. His completion rate (77.4%) and passer rating (124.8) were career highs in a game decided by less than 10 points.
Why is the Lions’ Thanksgiving game tradition so significant?
The Detroit Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since 1934 — longer than any other NFL franchise has held a weekly tradition. Even during the 1940s, when many teams suspended play due to WWII, the Lions kept the game alive. It’s a cultural touchstone in Detroit, drawing national TV audiences and helping sustain the franchise’s identity despite years of on-field struggles.
What impact does this loss have on the Lions’ playoff chances?
The Lions now need to win all three of their remaining games to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. Even then, they’d need help — specifically, a Chicago Bears loss in Week 17. Their schedule is tough: Arizona, Green Bay (on the road), and Chicago. Their 7-6 record puts them in a three-way tie for the final wild card spot, but tiebreakers favor teams with better division records — and the Lions are 1-3 in the NFC North.
Is Jordan Love finally proving he’s the long-term answer for Green Bay?
Yes — and this game was the clearest evidence yet. Love has now led the Packers to four comeback wins this season, including two against division rivals. His poise under pressure, improved decision-making, and chemistry with Davante Adams suggest he’s not just filling Aaron Rodgers’ shoes — he’s carving out his own legacy. Packers fans, once divided, are now unified behind him.
How did the officiating affect the game’s outcome?
There were no controversial penalties that changed the outcome, but one key moment drew attention: a defensive holding call on the Lions’ final drive erased a potential interception. The call was reviewed and upheld by the replay official, giving Green Bay a fresh set of downs. Side Judge Dominique Pender’s crew was widely praised for consistency — no ejections, no missed calls on clock management.