Lions vs Packers Perfect Predictions: Who Wins on Thanksgiving?

The Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with kickoff at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. It is a pivotal NFC North rematch after Green Bay’s Week 1 win.

Both teams enter in the playoff hunt. Detroit is 7–4 after an overtime win vs the Giants. Green Bay is 7–3–1 after beating the Vikings.

Lions vs Packers Perfect Predictions: Key Factors and Matchups

Recent form matters. Jahmyr Gibbs carried Detroit in Week 12 with 219 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns in a 34–27 OT win. He changed the game with a 69-yard carry on the first snap of overtime.

Week 1 context also matters. Green Bay beat Detroit 27–13 at Lambeau on September 7 and held the Lions to 46 rushing yards. The Packers’ defense controlled the day and set the tone for this rivalry rematch.

Personnel updates shape the rematch. Detroit tight end Sam LaPorta remains on injured reserve after back surgery. Detroit also ruled out C Graham Glasgow, S Kerby Joseph, DE Josh Paschal, WR Kalif Raymond, and TE Brock Wright for Thanksgiving. The Lions reinstated four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow from retirement, but immediate usage is not guaranteed.

Green Bay gets a boost in the backfield. RB Josh Jacobs is off the injury report and available for Thursday. That helps balance a Packers offense led by Jordan Love.

Trench play is the swing variable. Detroit’s line is short-handed, even with Ragnow back in the building. Green Bay’s front features Micah Parsons, who has been a difference-maker since arriving in 2025. That pass rush tested Detroit in Week 1 and remains a problem today.

How the Game Likely Unfolds

Expect Detroit to feature Gibbs early to avoid third-and-long. Green Bay’s run defense has performed among the league’s better units and bottled up the Lions in September. If the Packers keep explosive runs in check, Detroit must lean on quick game to Amon-Ra St. Brown and perimeter touches for Jameson Williams.

On the other side, Jacobs’ return stabilizes Green Bay on early downs. That sets up play-action for Love and keeps Detroit’s rush honest against longer-developing routes. If the Lions create negative plays with Aidan Hutchinson and short fields off a takeaway, momentum can flip fast.

Perfect prediction: a low-to-mid scoring, one-score game into the fourth quarter. Parsons and the Packers front generate just enough pressure to tilt a key possession. Gibbs still tops 120 scrimmage yards, but Green Bay wins situational downs late. Packers 23, Lions 20.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time is Lions vs Packers on Thanksgiving?

Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET at Ford Field in Detroit. The game airs on FOX nationwide.

Q2: What happened in Week 1 between these teams?

Green Bay won 27–13 and held Detroit to 46 rushing yards. It was a defense-led result.

Q3: Who are the key injury updates today?

Detroit ruled out Glasgow, Joseph, Paschal, Raymond, and Wright. LaPorta remains on IR. Jacobs is active for Green Bay.

Q4: Will Frank Ragnow play after unretiring?

Ragnow rejoined Detroit on Nov. 26. His immediate game usage was not guaranteed at announcement time.

Q5: Why is Green Bay’s front a problem for Detroit?

Micah Parsons joined the Packers in 2025 and impacts protection plans. He helped drive pressure in the Week 1