Thursday’s game of the 7-3-1 Green Bay Packers visiting Ford Field to square off against the 7-4 Lions will have an immensely important impact on the direction the NFC North, and entire NFC goes regarding seeding for the playoffs. Like any division game, the stakes are always higher, and rivalry is tenser. Thanksgiving however, between the Packers and Lions is different from the rest.
Set aside the records, forget the statistics, and dismiss the predictions of how the game may turn out. Playing on a holiday like Thanksgiving, where everyone football fan or not will be tuning in presents an element not many other games other than the Super Bowl can possess.
As memorable as any game seems amid competition Thanksgiving provides memories that last forever, especially between the Packers and Lions. Whether it was against the Chicago Bears in 2015, or last year’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins, as special as they might be, the tradition of squaring off against the Lions on this holiday holds a sacred tradition in the history of Packers football.
Flashback most recently to 2023 when the 4-6 Packers would upset the 8-2 Lions at Ford Field. You saw a young team led by a first year starting quarterback struggling to find their groove up until Thanksgiving Day. These Packers would stroll into as difficult a home field advantage as it gets in Detroit and essentially grab ahold of the game and never let go.
Or in 2007 when Brett Favre would complete a Packers record 20 consecutive passes on Thanksgiving Day. Leading the Packers to a 37-26 win over the Lions. A record that has held up all the way to this year, when Jordan Love would tie Favre’s mark with 20 straight completions in a week 8 win over the Steelers.
How about 1986 when Walter Stanley would score the game-winning touchdown via an 83-yard punt return over the Lions. With under a minute left Walter Stanley would field a punt, reverse direction, and race down the right sideline for the game winner on Thanksgiving Day. Along with a receiving TD, Stanley had the career game of his life in a matchup that would never be forgotten.
Special memories all for different eras of Packers fans, with this year providing yet another stage for more. Arguably this year holds a more than significant impact on the fate of one another’s season. With the country watching, gathered with friends and family, Thanksgiving Day 2025 presents the youngest team in the National Football League yet another chance to make a statement on who they are.
It is easy to get lost in the ramifications in such a game, and don’t get me wrong this game is as big as a regular season game gets. What cannot be lost sight of is the uniqueness of playing on a day where football is the common protocol, where any fanbase can find joy in the lore of Thanksgiving football.
Packers fans are certainly never ones to take for granted the prodigious franchise they reside in. Never more proven than the sign holding in tunnels of Lambeau Field stating “Today is Someone’s Bucket List.” Week 13 between the Packers and Lions renews one of sports’ greatest traditions.
Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
The last time the Lions hosted Green Bay on Thanksgiving went VERY well for Love and Co#Packers pic.twitter.com/fYuK3XLiGq
— BGPG (@BleedGreenPGold) November 24, 2025
Today in 2007: Packers compile 481 total yards in 37-26 Thanksgiving win over Lions. Brett Favre throws for 381 yards and three TDs, including two to Michigan native Greg Jennings. Additionally, Ryan Grant runs for 101 yards and a score. pic.twitter.com/li7N8OQi4X
— Packers History (@HistoricPackers) November 22, 2021
Thanksgiving 38 years ago. Walter Stanley's improbable punt return gives the Packers a 44-40 win over Detroit at the Pontiac Silverdome. pic.twitter.com/l7SlRWXjNL
— Armen Saryan (@ArmenSaryan) November 28, 2024