Packers Outlast Lions on Fourth Down Gambles, Improve to 8-3
The Green Bay Packers triumphed over the Detroit Lions 31-24 on Thanksgiving, with quarterback Jordan Love excelling in high-pressure moments and the Packers' defense stifling the Lions.
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions 31-24 on Thanksgiving, extending their historic rivalry to 193 meetings—the second-most in NFL history behind only the Packers-Bears matchup at 210 games.
The victory improved Green Bay to 8-3, while Detroit fell to 7-5. Both teams trail the first-place Chicago Bears in the NFC North.
Jordan Love Delivers in High-Leverage Moments
Packers head coach Mike LaFleur matched Lions counterpart Dan Campbell's aggressive fourth-down philosophy, going for it three times in Detroit territory—and converting all three into decisive plays.
Love connected with Dontayvion Wicks on a fade pass from the 22-yard line for a touchdown, staking Green Bay to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. Later in the half, Love found Romeo Doubs on an out route from the 2-yard line for another score and a 17-7 advantage. In the game's closing moments, Love hit Wicks again for 16 yards to seal the victory.
The Lions managed a perfect inverse: 0-for-2 on fourth-down attempts. Jaymir Gibbs was stuffed for a two-yard loss on fourth-and-3 in the first half, and Jameson Williams dropped an easy conversion in the fourth quarter. Detroit has now failed 0-for-7 on fourth downs over the last three games.
Love finished with solid numbers: 17-of-28 for 218 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Wicks led the receiving corps with five receptions for 78 yards and two scores.
Defensive Pressure Stifles Detroit
Green Bay's defense proved relentless against Jared Goff and the Lions. The unit recorded eight combined tackles, four quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks, while holding standout running back Jahmyr Gibbs to just 68 rushing yards—well below his season average.
The injury front hit Detroit hard: Amon-Ra St. Brown suffered a left ankle injury in the opening quarter after a teammate rolled up on him and was ruled out for the game. Without their top receiver, Jameson Williams stepped up with seven receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown.
Jacobs Returns Healthy
Packers running back Josh Jacobs returned to action after missing last week's win over Minnesota with a knee injury, posting 83 yards on 17 carries (4.9 yards per carry) with a 29-yard long run. His presence signals the backfield is back to full strength ahead of a brutal playoff stretch.
What's Next
Green Bay hosts division-leading Chicago (8-3) next Sunday in a showdown with playoff implications. The Packers face a gauntlet to close the season: the Bears again in three weeks, plus Denver, Baltimore, and Minnesota.
Detroit attempts to bounce back against Dallas on Thursday night before traveling to face top-seeded Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium in Week 15.