The Green Bay Packers secured a 31-24 victory over the Detroit Lions on November 27, 2025, continuing a disappointing trend for Detroit in their annual Thanksgiving matchup. This loss marked the Lions’ seventh defeat in their last nine Thanksgiving games against the Packers, a historical challenge they have yet to overcome.
Micah Parsons Shines Again
One of the standout performers was Packers defensive end Micah Parsons, who delivered an impressive performance with a season-high of 2.5 sacks and eight tackles. This remarkable showing further cements Parsons’ reputation as a dominant force on the field. The former Dallas Cowboys player has now recorded sacks in five consecutive Thanksgiving games, a record not achieved since the NFL began officially tracking sacks in 1982, as noted by NFL senior researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno.
Parsons has tallied 12.5 sacks in just 12 games this season, becoming the first player since 1982 to reach 12 or more sacks in each of his first five seasons. His impact on the game is evident, and the Packers’ decision to acquire him in the offseason has proven to be a strategic move.
Lions Struggle Without Key Receiver
The absence of Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown loomed large during the game. St. Brown left the field after suffering an ankle injury in the first quarter while blocking on a run play and was later ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He finished the game without any receptions, which severely affected Detroit’s offensive strategy.
In his absence, the Lions managed only one touchdown in the second half, a 17-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff to rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa. Another missed opportunity came when wide receiver Jameson Williams dropped a crucial pass on a 4th-and-3 in the fourth quarter. Had he secured the catch, the Lions could have narrowed the deficit significantly.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love appeared to find his rhythm after a series of lackluster performances, completing 18 of 30 passes for 234 yards and a season-high four touchdown passes. His pivotal throw on a 4th-and-3 at Detroit’s 45-yard line sealed the game for Green Bay. Love’s performance could signal a turning point in his season and bolster the Packers’ prospects as they aim for their fifth Super Bowl title.
The Lions’ defensive struggles, particularly in terms of their pass rush, have raised concerns about their playoff viability. Outside of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who entered the game with 8.5 sacks, the Lions have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Love managed to remain unscathed by the Lions’ defense, marking only the third game this season that he faced no sacks.
With a current record of 7-5, the Lions are at risk of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022, having lost two of their last four games. If the season ended today, Detroit would find themselves outside the playoff picture, raising questions about their path forward as the season progresses.
