Jordan Love threw for a career-high matching four touchdowns, including two on fourth down, as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions 31-24 on Thanksgiving. The win gives Green Bay a season sweep and moves them to 8-3-1, second in the NFC North behind the Chicago Bears. The Lions fall to 7-5 after failing on two fourth-down attempts.
The Green Bay Packers secured a 31-24 victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFL's Thanksgiving opener at Ford Field, improving to 8-3-1 and strengthening their NFC North standing. Jordan Love completed 18 of 30 passes for 234 yards, matching his career high with four touchdown throws. His scores included a 22-yard pass to Dontayvion Wicks and a 2-yard toss to Romeo Doubs in the second quarter, both on fourth down, a 51-yard strike to Christian Watson in the third, and a 1-yard pass to Wicks later in the period.
The Packers went 3-for-3 on fourth down, including a crucial 16-yard completion to Wicks on fourth-and-3 late in the game to seal the win. Green Bay's defense, bolstered by Micah Parsons' 2.5 sacks, limited the Lions' offense. Jared Goff finished 20 of 26 for 256 yards and two touchdowns—a 22-yarder to Jameson Williams and a 17-yarder to Isaac TeSlaa—but Detroit faltered on key plays.
Key Moments
The Lions turned the ball over on downs twice: once on their opening drive of the second half and again early in the fourth quarter at the Packers' 21-yard line. After Jameson Williams' drop on fourth-and-3, Green Bay responded with Watson's long touchdown. Detroit closed to 31-24 on a field goal with 2:59 left but couldn't recover the onside kick.
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 68 yards on 20 carries, held in check by Green Bay's front. The Packers restored a 10-point lead three times, showcasing control on both lines.
Injuries and Implications
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown exited early in the first quarter with an ankle injury, potentially sidelining him for a week or two. Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt was carted off with an ankle injury late, described as a 'critical loss' by coach Matt LaFleur. The sweep gives Green Bay a tiebreaker edge over Detroit in the playoff race.