Historic NFC North Rivalry Reignites in Preseason Showdown
When the 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers headline NFL Preseason Week 1 on Sunday, September 7, 2025, fans will be treated to more than just a warm-up. This is one of football’s most storied rivalries, and even in the preseason, Lambeau Field promises a packed crowd and passionate energy.
Both teams are entering pivotal seasons. The Lions are looking to maintain their status as division favorites, while the Packers, led by a maturing Jordan Love, are hunting for consistency and resurgence. This game, while technically exhibition, could set the tone for the season’s emotional landscape.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers, including live coverage, team analysis, key plays, and a final score forecast.
📅 Game Day Snapshot
- Matchup: 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 3:25 PM ET
- Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- TV Broadcast: FOX (Regional), NFL Network (National)
- Streaming: NFL+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV
- Radio: WJR 760 AM (Detroit) | WRNW 97.3 FM The Game (Milwaukee)
- Tickets: as low as $327
- Line: GB -1.5
- O/U: 49.5
🦁 Detroit Lions: Retooling, Reloaded, and Ready
What to Expect from Dan Campbell’s Squad
After a strong 2024 season that saw the Lions return to the playoffs, Detroit is aiming to take the next step—contending for the NFC Championship. Quarterback Jared Goff remains the starter, but he’ll likely see minimal action in this preseason outing.
The focus instead will be on:
- Rookie WR Jalen Polk: Drafted for speed and separation, he’ll be given every chance to shine.
- Backup QB Battle: Hendon Hooker vs. Adrian Martinez continues to heat up.
- Defense Depth Evaluation: Can the Lions develop a consistent secondary behind their top unit?
Key Players to Watch
- Hendon Hooker (QB) – Showed flashes in camp. This is his chance to solidify QB2 status.
- Brian Branch (DB) – Looking like a second-year breakout candidate.
- Malcolm Rodriguez (LB) – Versatile and fast, great fit for Detroit’s aggressive scheme.
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) – May see limited touches but remains a lightning rod on offense.
🧀 Green Bay Packers: Love Developing, Defense Reloading
What to Expect from Matt LaFleur’s Packers
Major areas of focus include:
- Young Receiving Corps: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs are electric, but need to cut down on drops.
- Defensive Adjustments: With a new defensive coordinator, expect new wrinkles in the 3-4 base.
- OL Shuffling: How will the line protect the pocket with multiple camp injuries?
Key Players to Watch
- Tyson Harris (QB) – The Packers’ developmental rookie may be a future starter.
- Lukas Van Ness (EDGE) – Strong preseason could signal a breakout year.
- Dontayvion Wicks (WR) – Smooth route runner competing for WR4.
- Carrington Valentine (CB) – Depth corner battling for more reps in nickel packages.
⚕️ Injury Reports – 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) – DNP (precautionary, minor knee sprain)
- Frank Ragnow (C) – Limited (toe)
- Josh Paschal (DL) – Out (concussion protocol)
- David Montgomery (RB) – DNP (ankle)
Green Bay Packers
- Elgton Jenkins (G) – Out (shoulder)
- AJ Dillon (RB) – Questionable (hamstring)
- Eric Stokes (CB) – IR (foot surgery recovery)
- De’Vondre Campbell (LB) – DNP (veteran rest)
📊 Depth Chart Snapshot
Lions Starting Offense (Projected)
QB: Jared Goff → Hendon Hooker
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs
WRs: Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Jalen Polk
TE: Sam LaPorta
OL: Decker, Jackson, Glasgow, Vaitai, Sewell
Packers Starting Offense (Projected)
QB: Jordan Love → Sean Clifford → Tyson Harris
RB: Aaron Jones
WRs: Watson, Reed, Doubs
TE: Luke Musgrave
OL: Tom, Newman, Myers, Runyan, Walker
🔥 Game Highlights and Plays
As the 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers unfolded at Lambeau Field, the preseason buzz delivered some standout moments:
1st Quarter
- Jordan Love connected on a 25-yard slant to Jayden Reed, setting up an early FG.
- Jahmyr Gibbs dazzled with a 12-yard gain off a screen pass before sitting.
2nd Quarter
- Hendon Hooker executed a perfect RPO, hitting Jalen Polk for a 35-yard TD.
- Packers’ Sean Clifford responded with a drive capped by a QB sneak TD.
3rd Quarter
- Rookie QB Tyson Harris took over and made an immediate impact, going 5/6 on his opening drive.
- Lions CB Khalil Dorsey intercepted a tipped ball and returned it 28 yards.
4th Quarter
- Malcolm Rodriguez forced a fumble on a blitz—recovered by Detroit’s rookie DL Broderick Martin.
- Final Lions drive ended with a 43-yard FG from Michael Badgley, sealing the win.
🎯 Final Score Prediction and Game Result
Final Score: Detroit Lions 23, Green Bay Packers 20
Game MVP
Jalen Polk (DET WR) – 4 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
Explosive debut for the Lions’ third-rounder who’s already being penciled into the starting slot role.
Surprise Performer
Tyson Harris (GB QB) – 8/10, 84 yards, 1 rush TD
Poised and mobile, Harris might jump ahead of Clifford with more performances like this.
📈 Betting Odds Recap
Spread: Packers -2.5
O/U: 36.5
Result: Detroit covered +2.5 | Total: 43 (Over)
Preseason odds often shift based on QB rotations and injury reports. Bettors who backed Detroit’s depth paid off.
🧠 Coaching Analysis
Dan Campbell (Lions)
Continues to develop depth with an aggressive mentality. Hooker’s usage signals a future shift in offensive philosophy.
Matt LaFleur (Packers)
Showed willingness to give his rookie QB valuable reps, trusting in player development over playbook secrecy.
🏟️ Lambeau Field Game Day Atmosphere
- Attendance: 71,221 (95% capacity)
- Weather: 78°F, sunny, slight breeze
- Fan Events: Pre-game family tailgate, alumni meet & greet
- Concession Favorites: Cheese curds, bratwursts, Packers ale
📺 How to Watch – 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
TV Channels:
- FOX (Regional)
- NFL Network (Replay)
Streaming Options:
- NFL+ (Mobile & Tablet)
- YouTube TV
- fuboTV
- Hulu + Live TV
Local Radio:
- Detroit: WJR 760 AM
- Green Bay: WRNW 97.3 FM
🗣️ What We Learned from 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
- Detroit’s Young Core is Real: Polk, Hooker, and Branch are already contributing.
- Packers’ QB Future Looks Bright: Tyson Harris flashed legitimate upside.
- Both Defenses Showed Grit: Preseason or not, the trenches were intense.
- Special Teams Could Swing Real Games: Detroit’s field goal unit was polished and disciplined.
📌 Final Takeaway
This 🏈 Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers preseason clash wasn’t just about warm-ups—it was a glimpse into both teams’ futures. The Lions’ continued evolution under Campbell has them knocking on the NFC’s elite tier, while Green Bay’s young talent, especially on offense, promises potential if developed properly.
As Week 1 of the regular season nears, both fan bases should feel encouraged. The rivalry lives on—and 2025 might deliver its best chapters yet.