The Green Bay Packers secured a convincing 31-24 victory over the Detroit Lions in their annual Thanksgiving game on November 27, 2025. This loss marked the Lions’ seventh defeat in their last nine Thanksgiving matchups against the Packers, highlighting a troubling trend for the Detroit franchise on this festive occasion.
Micah Parsons Dominates the Field
Packers defensive end Micah Parsons was a standout performer, delivering a remarkable display against the Lions. The former Dallas Cowboys star recorded season highs with eight tackles and 2.5 sacks. This performance extends Parsons’ impressive streak to five consecutive Thanksgiving games with at least one sack, a record since the NFL began officially tracking sacks in 1982, according to NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno. With this latest achievement, Parsons has amassed a total of 12.5 sacks over the season, becoming the first player to reach 12 or more sacks in each of his first five seasons since 1982.
Lions Struggle without Amon-Ra St. Brown
The Lions faced a significant setback when their top wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter while blocking on a run play. St. Brown was ruled out for the remainder of the game, finishing with no receptions. While the Lions’ offense did not collapse entirely, they struggled to maintain their momentum. The team only managed to score one touchdown in the second half, a 17-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff to rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. A crucial drop by Jameson Williams on a 4th-and-3 play early in the fourth quarter further hindered the Lions’ chances to narrow the Packers’ lead.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love capitalized on the Lions’ defensive lapses. Completing 18 of 30 passes for 234 yards, Love threw a season-high four touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. One of his standout moments came on a critical 4th-and-3 play at Detroit’s 45-yard line, where he connected with wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a 16-yard completion, effectively sealing the game for the Packers.
Lions’ Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy
Detroit’s pass rush has been a persistent issue throughout the season. Outside of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who entered the game with 8.5 sacks, the Lions have struggled to generate consistent pressure. This was evident against the Packers, as Love was not sacked, marking just the third time this season he has escaped without a sack. The Lions, now holding a record of 7-5, have lost two of their last four games, placing them at risk of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
As the season progresses, the Lions must address their defensive shortcomings and find ways to adapt without key offensive players like St. Brown. With the playoffs looming, every game becomes crucial, and Detroit will need to regroup quickly to regain their footing in the competitive NFC.
