A Deep Dive Into the Packers-Lions Rivalry

The NFC North is one of the most historically rich divisions in the NFL. With teams like the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears, the very origins of the league itself run through the division.

A focal point of that division is the rivalries within. One of the oldest and most historic of rivalries is the Packers-Lions. Going back to 1929, when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans, there is a rich history between the two clubs that needs to be explored.

A Quick Overview: Packers-Lions Rivalry

Though there are definitely things to get into (and we will), it helps to know what the rivalry looks like from afar. For instance, the two teams have only met in the playoffs twice in their histories and those matchups are within the same calendar year.

The Lions are favored to win the NFC North division if you use a Michigan sports betting bonus. They hosted the Packers after earning home field in week 17. That wasn’t enough, though, as Brett Favre hit Sterling Sharpe on a 40-yard touchdown pass with just 0:55 left to give the Packers the win. The next year, the two met again, this time at Lambeau Field. The legendary Barry Sanders was held to -1 rushing yard and the Packers never trailed, ultimately winning a tight one 16-12.

The Packers lead the all-time series 106-78-7, and both have managed to score more than 50 points in one of their games. The Packers have twice had a 10-game winning streak in the series, but the Lions have the longest streak with 11 wins in a row.

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Memorable Games

What better way to talk about a vaunted rivalry than by re-living some of the most memorable moments? This is just a sampling, however, as it would take thousands of words to cover every major moment.

The Most Lopsided Game in the Rivalry

On November 24, 1940, the two teams played out what would be the most lopsided result in the rivalry’s history. The Packers jumped on the Lions early and often, picking up a 43-0 lead before the latter scored. The Packers would win 50-7, the worst Packers-Lions beating either team ever handed out.

Battle of the Titans

On November 22, 1962, the Packers were 10-0, the Lions 8-2. The Lions jumped out to a 26-0 lead just after halftime, pounding Bart Starr to the tune of 11 sacks. Played on Thanksgiving and called “The Thanksgiving Day Massacre,” the Lions won. Unfortunately, the Packers finished 13-1 and went on to win their eighth NFL championship.

1994 NFC Wild Card

The first ever meeting in the playoffs between the two came during the 1994 NFC Wild Card round. The Lions had earned home field by beating the Packers in week 17 and led 24-21 late in the game. The aforementioned Favre-Sharpe connection would give the Packers the win. It would be the first time the Lions lost a home playoff game and their last home playoff game for 30 years.

The Worst Season Ever

Not every game in this rivalry has been good on both sides. During the 2008 season, the Lions were historically bad. Facing the Packers in week 17, they had one final chance at redemption. Unfortunately, the Lions were defeated 31-21, making them the first team in NFL history to go 0-16.

Packers Untouchable at Home

One of the most interesting streaks in the rivalry is the Packers home winning streak against the Lions. From 1992-2014, the Packers managed to defeat the Lions 24 times in a row. The following year, the Lions would steal an 18-16 win to bring the ugly streak to an end.

A Little Bit of History for the Lions

Though things hadn’t quite turned around for the Lions, as a whole, they did against the Packers. On December 30, 2018, the Lions shut the Packers out 31-0. It would mark the first shutout of the Packers since 1973 and the first Lambeau shutout since 1970. It is also important because the Lions swept the season series for the second season in a row.

Sunday Night Football, 2023

The final week of the 2022 season. The Packers, 8-8, needed to win to get into the playoffs. Instead, the Lions, who would miss the playoffs but had a winning streak to end the season, slammed the door. The Lions won 20-16 in what would be Rodgers’ final game as a Packer.

Packers-Lions Rivalry Hitting a New Gear

Today, both teams are why the NFC North is considered the best division in football. The Packers are coming off an 11-win season while the Lions won their second consecutive division title after notching 15 wins.

With upper-echelon quarterbacks Jordan Love and Jared Goff at the helm, both teams should be dangerous for years to come. What happens in this historic Packers-Lions rivalry will only make it more interesting as these two teams strive for glory.