The Keys to Victory for the Green Bay Packers vs the Detroit Lions in Week 1

The Green Bay Packers are set to open the 2025 NFL season at home against the Detroit Lions. The Packers finished 11-6 last season and made the playoffs as the final wild card team. They won two of their three preseason games this season. The Lions are the defending NFC North champions after finishing with a 15-2 record. Here are the keys to victory for the Packers in their Week 1 matchup with the Detroit Lions.

The Packers lead the all-time series between these two teams 104-78-7 in the regular season. The two teams first met in 1930 when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The Packers won both playoff meetings between the teams back in 1993 and 1994.

Here are the keys to victory for Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field:

Packers Keys to Victory vs Lions, Number One: Pressure Jared Goff

Jared Goff gives the Lions solid quarterback play, but he’s much better when he has time to throw the football. Get pressure on Goff and he’s a lot less effective as a passer.

Newly acquired edge rusher Micah Parsons will give the Packers a boost when rushing the passer. However, don’t expect Parsons to play too much after missing all of training camp. Parsons will likely play 15-20 snaps, mostly in obvious passing situations. He can still have an impact on the game in that stretch. Don’t be surprised to see him line up in different places when he’s on the field.

The Lions offensive line has been revamped. They will miss center Frank Ragnow who retired over the offseason. The interior of the line now features Graham Glasgow at center. The new starting guards are rookie Tate Ratledge and second-year man Christian Mahogany.

The Packers need to get pressure on Goff to limit his effectiveness. Look for Devonte Wyatt to play a big role in the middle with Rashan Gary, and Lukas Van Ness coming off the edge. This will be a key matchup for the Green Bay defense.

Number Two: Stop the Lions Running Game

The Lions finished sixth in the NFL last season in rushing yards and second in the league in rushing touchdowns. They averaged a healthy 4.7-yards per attempt.

Detroit features a strong pair of running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. They have contrasting styles and compliment each other well. The Lions are also not afraid to run the ball in what other teams consider passing situations.

The Packers run defense has more questions now after the trade of Kenny Clark to Dallas. Look for the Lions to attempt to run up the middle frequently, especially if they take a lead.

Will the middle of the Packers defense, featuring Wyatt, Colby Wooden, and Nazir Stackhouse, will have to contain the Lions running game. Getting a lead would also benefit the Packers as it could force Detroit into throwing more often.

Packers Keys to Victory vs Lions, Number Three: Contain Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams

The Lions have a trio of dangerous receivers that will challenge the Packers secondary. Nate Hobbs’ status for the game remains up in the air after he missed most of the preseason with a knee injury. Having Hobbs ready to play will be important for the Packers as they try to contain the Lions top three targets.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is a reliable short and intermediate route runner with great hands. He is Goff’s go-to receiver in clutch situations and on third downs.

Jameson Williams gives the Lions a deep threat that the secondary will have to respect while tight end Sam LaPorta creates mismatches with his combination of size and athleticism.

Can the Packers corners contain these three dangerous receivers? Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Hobbs will have to slow the wideouts while the safeties and linebackers will be primarily responsible for LaPorta.

Eliminating big plays will be the secondary’s first concern but keeping this trio in check won’t be easy. A strong pass rush would certainly help.

Number Four: Contain Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit pass rush recorded 37 sacks last season despite being hit hard by injuries. This game will mark the return of their best pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. The former Michigan star still led the Lions in sacks last season with 7.5 despite playing just five games. Before the injury, Hutchinson was a force to be reckoned with. We’ll see if he’s back to his old self or will need time to fully recover.

Packers center Elgton Jenkins is expected to play but it nursing a back injury. The Lions will move Hutchinson around to create mismatches, so the Packers offense has to be aware of him whenever he’s on the field. Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker will primarily have to contain Hutchinson.

Giving Jordan Love time to throw will be vital for the success of the Green Bay offense.

Packers Keys to Victory vs Lions, Number Five: Get Josh Jacobs On Track

Josh Jacobs was the engine that made the Packers offense go last season. Even with a healthy Love, the Packers still need to establish the running game and to run the ball effectively throughout the game.

The Lions defense ranked fifth in the league in yards allowed, but that statistic is misleading. Detroit gave up an average of 4.5 yards per carry, which ranked 22^nd in the league. Opposing teams also ran less frequently late in games last year because they were usually trailing and needed to catch up quickly.

The Packers will need to move the ball on the Lions with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks playing a complimentary role behind Jacobs.

Can the Packers revamped offensive line open enough holes for Jacobs? Free agent addition Aaron Banks is known as a strong run blocker, and this will be his first test against a highly regarded Detroit defense.

Number Six: Win Third and Fourth Downs

The Lions finished last season as the NFL’s fourth best team on third down. Head coach Dan Campbell also loves to go for it on fourth down and the team converted 66.7 percent of the time when they did.

The Green Bay defense needs to win third and fourth downs to keep the Lions offense from having a big day. These are the money downs and Jeff Hafley will have to dial up some pressures and formations to impede the explosive Detroit offense.

Prediction:

The season gets under way with a tough divisional matchup but at least this game is at Lambeau Field. The Packers will be excited with players like Parsons and first round pick Matthew Golden making their debut with the team.

The Packers are catching the Lions at the right time. With a new offensive and defensive coordinator, Detroit may need a little time to get back to the high level they played at last season.

Ultimately, the Packers will get just enough pressure on Goff to win the game in the closing minutes.

Packers 33, Lions 31