DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are coming off one of the most insane endings to a game when they took down the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving in a 23-20 game for the ages.
The victory propelled the Lions to their best start to a season in franchise history, as they’re 11-1 and leading the National Football Conference.
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Detroit also rides a 10-game winning streak, which tied their single-season franchise record-long streak set in 1934.
Trailing them in the NFC are the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) and the Minnesota Vikings (10-2) in a battle for the No. 1 seed to get a first-round bye.
But the Green Bay Packers, who in years past have been a thorn in the Lions' side, are standing in their way to making franchise history.
The Packers will travel to Ford Field on Thursday (Dec. 5) for TNF, and they’re looking to avenge their week nine home loss to the Lions.
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In week nine, the Lions defeated the Packers 24-14 during a bad-weather game inside Lambeau Field.
The Packers have not lost a game since and are riding a three-game winning streak.
But Green Bay has lost four of its last five games against the red-hot Lions, dating back to 2022.
Their only victory came in 2023 when they took a 29-22 victory on Thanksgiving.
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| Last six matchups | Results |
|---|---|
| Nov. 3, 2024 | Lions 24-14 |
| Nov. 23, 2023 | Packers 29-22 |
| Sept. 28, 2023 | Lions 34-20 |
| Jan. 8, 2023 | Lions 20-16 |
| Nov. 6, 2022 | Lions 15-9 |
| Jan. 9, 2022 | Lions 37-30 |
The Lions held practice on Monday, Dec. 2, and three defensive linemen did not participate in addition to offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who is trending in the wrong direction ahead of the matchup.
“(Having injuries) It goes without saying, but it puts a strain on you, but Green Bay is going through the same thing,” said head coach Dan Campbell. “It’s about who handles it better, so we know that is what we’re tasked with, and no matter what, we got to put together a really good gameplan and have something our guys can really get a hold of and can succeed in.”
The Lions have 18 players on injured reserve, but they have acquired defensive end Za’Darius Smith via trade, signed linebacker Kwon Alexander, defensive lineman Jonah Williams, and hard-hitting safety Jamal Adams.
Adams was added to the Lions practice squad on Sunday, Dec. 3. He earned all-pro honors as a safety, but the Lions had him practicing at linebacker ahead of TNF.
He said he was excited about joining a contender while also playing for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn in Detroit.
“My agent and my pops had called me like, ‘Aye man, answer your phone,’ I’m like, ‘Answer my phone, for what? They’re like AG.’ I’m like from Detroit?‘“ said Adams. ”It’s cool just to be here. I am very fortunate and grateful for my opportunity. I feel like I can do a little bit of everything they ask me to do. I’m definitely going to do it to the best of my ability and just fly around and continue to make plays."
The Lions trail 77-104-7 all-time against Green Bay in the regular season. Their home record is 47-42-3, and they are 30-61-4 on the road.
Inside Ford Field, the Lions are 10-12 and 16-35-3 at Lambeau Field, but they’re rolling so far and will look to stay hot on Thursday night.
