Packers Wide Receiver Christian Watson had 5 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown in the Week 12 game in 2023.

The Green Bay Packers continue their stretch of three straight NFC North games with a showdown between the two-time defending division champion Detroit Lions on Thursday.

If the Packers are to continue a quest for their first division championship since 2021, defeating the Lions for the second time in three years on Thanksgiving will go a long way toward achieving that goal.

The Week 13 NFC North matchup between the Packers and Lions will be the 8th game on Thanksgiving between the two teams since 2001.

In the previous seven games, the Packers hold a 5-2 advantage over their neighbors from the East.

Today in 2009: Packers roll to 34-12 Thanksgiving win over Lions. Aaron Rodgers throws three TDs and Donald Driver racks up a game-high 142 yards and a score. Defensively, Charles Woodson posts seven tackles, a sack, and two INTs -- including the game-clinching pick-six. pic.twitter.com/mPNuTdAKbZ

— Packers History (@HistoricPackers) November 27, 2024

In all seven of those seasons, the Packers would go on to make the playoffs. Two of those meetings featured games where both the Packers and Lions would qualify for the playoffs, with the Packers being victorious in both games (2011, 2023).

Packers at Lions on Thanksgiving since 2001

Two years ago, the Lions came into the game with an 8-2 record and a four-game lead over the second place the Packers. The Lions would eventually win the NFC North and be close to their first Super Bowl appearance, before blowing a 17-point lead to the 49ers.

In the 29-22 win, the Packers set the tone immediately with a 53-yard pass from Jordan Love to Christian Watson on the first play of the game. Green Bay jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, leading after the first 15 minutes by the score of 20-6. Love had two touchdown passes to Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft, followed by a fumble return from Jonathan Owens. Love and Watson connected on a touchdown pass in the third quarter, as the Packers held off the Lions late en route to a 29-22 win.

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

By getting out to a quick lead, the Packers were able to get after Jared Goff, finishing the game with three sacks and three forced fumbles.

In last year’s game in Detroit, the Lions were the team who led early, leading at halftime by a score of 17-7. They converted on 4 of 5 fourth downs and were able to protect Goff, giving up just one sack.

The formula from the game two years ago has been the same as the formula this season. When the Packers are able to get out to a bigger lead, they are able to unleash Micah Parsons, Rashan Gary, Devonte Wyatt and company.

In the first five games of the season, the Packers were able to get out to double-digit leads in each game. However, in the last six games, they only led by 10 points or more in two of the games.

In games where the Packers led by at least 10 points or more, their record this season is 5-1-1. In games without a double-digit lead, their record is 2-2.

If the Packers are to win for the second time in Detroit in three years, playing from ahead will be an important element on their path to victory. Put the pressure on Goff and force the Lions to go away from Jahmir Gibbs and David Montgomery on the ground.