The Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) visit the Detroit Lions (7-4) on Thanksgiving Day in a crucial NFC North matchup at Ford Field. Both teams remain in the playoff hunt, with the winner gaining ground in the division race behind the leading Bears. Analysts highlight the Lions' struggles against strong defenses and the Packers' defensive prowess as key factors.
The NFL's Thanksgiving slate kicks off with a high-stakes clash between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. ET on Fox. This game, often called the unofficial NFC North title game, features two teams vying for positioning in a competitive division where the Chicago Bears currently lead at 8-3.
Detroit enters as a 2.5-point favorite, but experts like John Breech of CBS Sports predict a narrow Packers victory, 20-17, citing the Lions' 0-3 record against teams allowing fewer than 21 points per game. In those losses, Detroit averaged just 13 points and failed to rush for 100 yards, putting pressure on quarterback Jared Goff, who was sacked seven times across the trio of defeats. Breech notes the Packers' defense, which held the Lions to 13 points in their Week 1 meeting (a 27-13 Green Bay win), could force a low-scoring defensive battle.
The Lions boast an explosive home offense, but their secondary has been suspect, potentially giving Packers QB Jordan Love opportunities. Green Bay's passing game has dipped since tight end Tucker Kraft's season-ending injury in Week 9, with Love averaging 163 yards per game without him. Running back Josh Jacobs is off the injury report and expected to play, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Injury concerns loom for both sides. The Lions rule out WR Kalif Raymond (ankle), TE Brock Wright (neck), and S Kerby Joseph (knee), while the Packers sit WR Jayden Reed (foot/shoulder) and DL Lukas Van Ness (foot). Questionable players include Lions OT Penei Sewell (ankle) and Packers LB Quay Walker (neck).
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports forecasts a higher-scoring affair, picking Packers 34-31, emphasizing Love's big plays against Detroit's defense. The Detroit News panel splits, with two picking each side. This matchup could sway the NFC North balance, with both teams holding slim playoff margins.