Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers

The NFC North kicked off with fireworks at Lambeau Field as the Green Bay Packers sent a strong early-season message, defeating the Detroit Lions 27–13. Green Bay came out firing on both sides of the ball, jumping ahead quickly with a first-half performance that left the Lions playing catch-up all afternoon. Behind a poised Jordan Love and an opportunistic defense, the Packers set the tone in front of a roaring home crowd.

Jordan Love looked sharp from the opening drive, completing 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards and tossing two touchdowns before halftime. His precision connection with tight end Tucker Kraft and wideout Jayden Reed put the Packers in firm control, building a 17–3 lead heading into the locker room. Love’s composure and efficient reads showed the growth Green Bay fans were hoping to see from their young quarterback in Year 3 as a full-time starter.

Green Bay’s defense matched the offense’s energy, pressuring Jared Goff throughout the game and forcing the Lions into uncomfortable situations. Micah Parsons, making his debut in green and gold, registered his first sack and was a constant disruptive force. Safety Evan Williams delivered a key interception that snuffed out a promising Detroit drive, giving Green Bay Packers excellent field position and further swinging momentum in their favor.

Detroit struggled to find rhythm until late in the game, when rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa provided a highlight moment with a spectacular one-handed touchdown grab that electrified the visiting sideline. Kicker Jake Bates was responsible for the rest of Detroit’s points, nailing a pair of field goals, but the Lions’ offensive line woes and lack of red-zone efficiency left them unable to mount a true comeback.

The Packers sealed the win in the fourth quarter with a bruising Josh Jacobs touchdown run and a late Brandon McManus field goal, putting the game out of reach. Green Bay’s performance was a balanced display of offensive execution, defensive intensity, and special teams consistency—exactly the formula they’ll need to challenge for the division crown. For Detroit, it was a sobering loss and a reminder that last year’s divisional title won’t shield them from the NFC North’s renewed competitiveness.