It is officially game week as the Detroit Lions will open up the 2025 NFL season this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. Throughout the last few seasons, the two franchises have had several intense matchups, and this one to kick off the season will no doubt provide a similar impact.
Recent news that sent shockwaves across the NFL will headline the Lions' season opener matchup against the Green Bay Packers. After getting traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Packers, Micah Parsons is set to make his Green Bay debut on Sunday against the Lions.
Green Bay is the last place that Lions fans wanted the All-Pro linebacker to end up, as he'll be a challenge to face twice a year. Lions fans would've much preferred if Parsons ended up with a team in the AFC.
The Lions enter the season as back-to-back NFC North Division Champions after a 15-2 record in 2024. While not impossible, the Lions' road to capturing their third straight division title has gotten more difficult with Parsons now in the division. Many sportsbooks now have the Packers with the best odds to win the NFC North after the addition of Parsons.
Lions Game Plan for Parsons For Week 1 Matchup
The Lions going on the road and beating the Parsons-led Packers would be huge, as it would help set the tone for the 2025 season and chase for a third straight division title.
There is speculation that Parsons could be out for the Week 1 matchup against the Lions as he has been dealing with an L4/L5 facet joint sprain in his back and may need to receive an injection before Sunday.
New #Packers pass-rusher Micah Parsons, whose deal went through following a physical, is still battling some ailments.
Sources say he has a facet joint sprain — L4/L5 — and may be able to play with an epidural. Both Dallas and Dr. Robert Watkins confirmed the diagnosis. pic.twitter.com/p5wEposhNK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2025
As of now, the Lions are planning their game plan for Parsons on Sunday. Heading into the matchup, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spoke for the first time about the Week 1 showdown at Lambeau.
"These guys gave them a few days off. Let them kind of clear their head. It was a good training camp. Today is really more about Green Bay," said Campbell. "More than anything, it's getting them moving again. Lifting, running. We'll move them just a little bit outside. Do just a short practice, so that we are ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow will be our big day. It is good to have them back. Here we go, man. It's 2025."
This season, the Packers could use Parsons at multiple spots on their defensive line, which could present a lot of problems for Detroit's offensive line on Sunday. Campbell addressed how the Lions' offensive line is planning for Parsons.
"I don't know how much it will change necessarily yet. I mean, we are not even into third-down," said Campbell. "We'll get more into that in the next couple of days. Certainly, we will have our eyes on that. What kind of player he really is. He's a really good player. So, we'll have a plan."