Thursday’s Thanksgiving showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions has massive implications in the NFC North race.
Green Bay can complete the season sweep against the Lions and inch closer to overtaking the upstart Chicago Bears for the division lead, with a victory over their rivals inside Ford Field. A loss, would torpedo the Packers’ playoff odds and create an uphill battle for head coach Matt LaFleur’s team to make the postseason.
Green Bay Packers’ X-factor against Detroit Lions revealed
Nov 10, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) in action against Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) in the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Micah Parsons and the Packers’ suddenly swarming from seven may hold the key to Green Bay flying home with a Turkey Day victory in tow.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky points out that the Packers’ pressure rate is a big reason for Green Bay to be optimistic it can sweep the Lions and pull off a win.
“Their defense has generated pressure 35% of the time this season,” Demovsky writes for ESPN. “Which is the sixth-highest rate in the league. That will be especially helpful against Lions quarterback Jared Goff, whose QBR has dropped by 69 points when he has faced pressure this season (most in the NFL).”
These are the type of games and leverage moments that the Packers traded a pair of first-round draft picks and All-Pro Kenny Clark to the Dallas Cowboys to acquire Micah Parsons for.
If Parsons can continue his hot streak, and build on posting another double-digit sack campaign, against the Lions, Green Bay is going to have a big chance of inching closer to the division lead.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) as Rashan Gary (52) moves in on the play during their football game Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.