The Packers lost to the Lions 24-14 back in November, dropping to 6-3 after a game-changing pick-six. But they’ve turned things around with three straight wins, including a 30-17 win over the Dolphins. Now they’re at 9-3 and still in the race.
The Lions, however, have been unstoppable, winning 10 in a row and sitting at 11-1 after a tight 23-20 win over the Bears on Thanksgiving. The December 5th game in Detroit is huge for the Packers if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: Head To Head Stats
The Lions-Packers rivalry, also known as the Yooper Bowl, has been one of the longest-running rivalries in NFL history. It all started back in 1930 when the Detroit Lions were still the Portsmouth Spartans. After the team moved to Detroit in 1934, they became division rivals with the Green Bay Packers. Both teams were in the NFL’s Western Conference (later the NFC Central) until the league’s realignment in 1970. Since 1932, they’ve played each other twice every season without fail, making this rivalry the longest uninterrupted one in NFL history.
This rivalry is especially huge in Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula. Fans in the western part of the peninsula tend to root for the Packers, while those in the east and the Lower Peninsula back the Lions. That regional divide is why the rivalry is often called the “Yooper Bowl.” The Packers have generally had the edge, leading the all-time series 106–77–7, and they’ve also won both playoff matchups against the Lions.
Over the years, there have been some unforgettable moments. One of the most memorable was the Lions’ 26–0 win over the Packers on Thanksgiving Day in 1962. Then there was the Packers’ thrilling 27–23 comeback in 2015, highlighted by Aaron Rodgers’ legendary Hail Mary. Another unforgettable moment came in 2018 when the Lions shut out the Packers 31–0 at Lambeau Field— their first shutout win there since 1970. More recently, the Lions knocked the Packers out of playoff contention with a 20–16 win in January 2023, which also happened to be Aaron Rodgers’ final game with Green Bay.
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Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: Probable Starting Lineup
The Packers will start Jordan Love as the quarterback. Chris Brooks is expected to take on the running back duties, and wide receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson will likely be the top options on the outside. Tucker Kraft is set to handle tight-end responsibilities.
The Lions will likely have Jared Goff leading the offense from quarterback. In the backfield, David Montgomery will be the main ball carrier. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are expected to be the primary wide receivers, with Sam LaPorta as the starting tight end.
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: Injuries Update
The Packers have a few injuries to watch ahead of their next game. Colby Wooden, Rasheed Walker, Josh Myers, and Romeo Doubs all deal with different injuries but still participate in limited practices. On the other hand, Elgton Jenkins, Corey Ballentine, and Edgerrin Cooper weren’t able to practice at all. Meanwhile, Josh Jacobs, John FitzPatrick, and Kenny Clark have injuries but were able to join practice in a limited capacity.
A few players are also dealing with injuries with the Lions. Emmanuel Moseley is the only one fully participating in practice, while Carlton Davis and D.J. Reader are limited with knee and shoulder injuries. Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, and Taylor Decker are all sidelined due to injuries, which could affect their availability for the upcoming game.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams After Week 13 Games