Packers Vs. Lions | NFL Season Week 1 | Sep 7, 2025

The NFC North Rivalry

The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions share one of the NFL’s oldest and fiercest rivalries, dating back to 1930. As NFC North foes, their matchups are always pivotal, often shaping the divisional race. The 2025 season opener on September 7 at 3:25 PM ET at Ford Field is no exception. Coming off a 2024 season where the Lions dominated with an 11-1 record before Week 14, and the Packers posted a solid 9-3 mark, both teams are poised to make a statement. The Lions aim to continue their offensive firepower, while the Packers look to leverage their balanced attack and homegrown talent. This game is a must-watch for fans craving early-season intensity.

Game Details

• Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 3:25 PM ET
• Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
• TV Broadcast: FOX
• Streaming Options: Fubo, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV
• Radio: Packers Radio Network (97.3 The Game – WRNW-Milwaukee, FM-101 WIXX-FM Green Bay), WXYT-FM (97.1) in Detroit, SiriusXM (Packers: Channel 225, Lions: Channel 226, National: Channel 88)
• Tickets: Available via StubHub, Ticketmaster, and DetroitLions.com/Tickets

This Week 1 clash marks a critical early test for both teams, with the Lions hosting at Ford Field, where their passionate fanbase will create a challenging environment for Green Bay.

Team Overviews

Green Bay Packers: Building on Momentum

The Green Bay Packers enter 2025 with high expectations after a 9-3 start in 2024, showcasing their resilience despite injuries and quarterback Jordan Love’s inconsistent play. Love, who threw for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions last season, remains the centerpiece of an offense that ranks third in the NFL with 382.8 total yards per game. Running back Josh Jacobs, who rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 with the Raiders before joining Green Bay, adds a physical edge to the ground game. Wide receiver Jayden Reed, with 64 receptions for 793 yards and eight touchdowns last season, is a dynamic playmaker expected to stretch Detroit’s secondary.

Defensively, the Packers struggled against the run in 2024, allowing 128.3 yards per game (fifth-worst in the NFL). However, their pass defense, led by cornerback Jaire Alexander, remains a strength when healthy. Head coach Matt LaFleur’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity, as seen in their four-game winning streak before Week 9 last season, will be crucial. The Packers’ experience in tight games, including a 30-17 win over Miami in 2024, gives them confidence heading into Detroit.

Detroit Lions: A Powerhouse in the Making

The Detroit Lions are riding a wave of success, entering 2025 as one of the NFC’s elite teams. With an 11-1 record through Week 14 in 2024, the Lions boast the NFL’s second-best offense, averaging 395.2 yards per game. Quarterback Jared Goff, who led the team to a 24-14 victory over Green Bay in Week 9 last season, is a maestro in the pocket, completing 61.8% of his passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns in their Thanksgiving win. The rushing tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, combined with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 2024 performance (leading the team in receptions), makes Detroit’s offense nearly unstoppable.

Defensively, the Lions face challenges after losing pass rushers Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes to injuries in 2024. Despite ranking 10th in total defense (320.3 yards allowed per game), their pass defense struggled, allowing 247.4 yards per game. However, playmakers like safety Kerby Joseph and cornerback Brian Branch create turnover opportunities. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions’ physical, relentless identity will test Green Bay’s mettle.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Jordan Love vs. Lions Secondary

Jordan Love’s performance will be pivotal for the Packers. Facing a Lions secondary that thrives on forcing turnovers, Love must avoid the mistakes that plagued him in 2024, where he matched his 2023 interception total. Detroit’s Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will look to capitalize on any errant throws, making this a critical battle.

2. Lions Rushing Attack vs. Packers Run Defense

The Lions’ duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery forms one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks, averaging 135.9 yards per game in 2024. Green Bay’s run defense, which struggled last season, must contain this tandem to keep Detroit’s offense in check. If the Lions control the ground game, they could dictate the pace.

3. Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Jaire Alexander

Amon-Ra St. Brown’s ability to dominate as Detroit’s top receiver will test Green Bay’s star cornerback Jaire Alexander. If Alexander can limit St. Brown’s impact, it could force Goff to rely on secondary options, giving the Packers’ defense an edge.

4. Packers Offensive Line vs. Lions Pass Rush

Despite injuries, the Lions’ pass rush remains dangerous, with Za’Darius Smith leading the charge. Green Bay’s offensive line must protect Love to allow him to exploit Detroit’s weaker pass defense. A strong performance in the trenches could open up the passing game for Reed and company.

Historical Context

The Packers and Lions have faced off 188 times, with Green Bay holding a 105-76-7 edge in the all-time series. However, Detroit has turned the tide recently, winning four of the last five matchups, including a 24-14 victory in Week 9 of 2024 at Lambeau Field. The Lions’ 29-22 win on Thanksgiving 2023 further highlights their recent dominance. Green Bay’s last win in Detroit came in 2023 (29-22), but Ford Field remains a tough venue, with the Lions thriving on home-field energy. This Week 1 game could set the stage for their rematch in Week 14, a Thursday Night Football clash on December 5, 2025.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

The game will air nationally on FOX, with Kevin Burkhardt calling play-by-play, Tom Brady providing analysis, and Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi reporting from the sidelines. Local broadcasts include WLUK (Green Bay) and WJBK (Detroit). Fans can stream the game on Fubo (offering a free trial), NFL+, YouTube TV (with NFL Sunday Ticket), Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. NFL+ provides live local and primetime games on mobile devices for $6.99/month, with a premium tier at $14.99/month including replays and All-22 Coaches Film.

Radio listeners can tune into the Packers Radio Network on 97.3 The Game (WRNW-Milwaukee) or FM-101 WIXX-FM (Green Bay), with Wayne Larrivee, Larry McCarren, and John Kuhn calling the action. In Detroit, WXYT-FM (97.1) will broadcast the game. SiriusXM offers the Packers feed on Channel 225, the Lions feed on Channel 226, and the national broadcast on Channel 88.

Venue: Ford Field

Ford Field, located at 2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226, is a state-of-the-art indoor stadium with a capacity of 65,000. Known for its electric atmosphere, the venue amplifies the Lions’ home-field advantage, especially during divisional games. The stadium features Pride Plaza on Brush Street, a free pregame tailgate with music, food trucks, and fan activities starting at 12:25 PM ET. Fans attending can expect a vibrant experience, with Detroit’s passionate fanbase bringing energy to match the on-field intensity.

Tickets are available through DetroitLions.com/Tickets, StubHub, and Ticketmaster. Prices vary by seating section, with premium options like suites and club seats available for a luxury experience. The Lions offer group packages and fan experiences for an enhanced game-day atmosphere.

Tickets and Fan Experience

Demand for tickets is high for this Week 1 rivalry game. Fans can secure seats via StubHub, Ticketmaster, or the Lions’ official website. Prices range from affordable general admission to premium club seats, with group discounts available. The Lions’ Pride Plaza tailgate, presented by Bud Light, offers free admission and features Detroit food trucks, music, and interactive games, making it a perfect pregame destination.

For Packers fans traveling to Detroit, Delta Airlines offers nonstop flights from Green Bay to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Visit www.delta.com for booking details. Fans should arrive early to soak in the pregame festivities and avoid traffic around Ford Field.

Predictions and Analysis

The Lions enter as favorites, given their 11-1 record in 2024 and home-field advantage. Their balanced offense, led by Goff, St. Brown, Gibbs, and Montgomery, poses a significant challenge for Green Bay’s defense. However, the Packers’ recent success, including wins over San Francisco and Miami in 2024, suggests they can compete in tough environments. If Love plays a clean game and Jacobs exploits Detroit’s run defense, Green Bay could keep it close.

The Lions’ injury-depleted pass rush may struggle to pressure Love, but their ability to generate turnovers could be decisive. The game’s outcome may hinge on which team controls the trenches and avoids costly mistakes.

Prediction: Lions 27, Packers 24. Detroit’s offensive firepower and home crowd give them a slight edge, but Green Bay’s resilience ensures a competitive game.

Why This Game Matters

This Week 1 matchup is a tone-setter for the NFC North race. A Lions victory would solidify their status as division frontrunners, while a Packers win could signal their return to elite status. With both teams eyeing playoff berths, this game has long-term implications, especially with their Week 14 rematch looming. The historical rivalry, combined with the stakes of an early-season divisional clash, makes this a can’t-miss opener.

The Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions game on September 7, 2025, is a marquee matchup to kick off the NFL season. With star players like Jordan Love, Jared Goff, Josh Jacobs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the electric atmosphere at Ford Field, fans are in for a treat. Whether you’re watching on FOX, streaming on Fubo, or cheering from the stands, this game promises drama, intensity, and the start of another chapter in this storied rivalry. Grab your tickets, tune in, and get ready for a thrilling start to the 2025 NFL season.

Sources:

• Detroit Lions Official Website
• Green Bay Packers Official Website
• ESPN NFL Schedule
• FOX Sports
• Packers Wire
• Detroit Free Press