Few NFL rivalries mix tradition and tension quite like the Packers and Lions. Green Bay holds the all-time series lead at 108 wins to 78 with 7 ties, per the rivalry page on Wikipedia (collaborative online encyclopedia), but Detroit’s recent resurgence has added a fresh layer of intrigue. This article breaks down the history, the current state, and what makes this NFC North battle worth watching.
All-time series leader: Green Bay Packers (108 wins) ·
Lions wins: 78 ·
Ties: 7 ·
Playoff meetings: 2 (both Packers wins) ·
Most recent game (Week 1, 2025): Packers 27, Lions 13
Quick snapshot
- Packers lead all-time series 108-78-7 (Wikipedia rivalry page)
- Packers won 2025 Week 1 matchup 27-13 (StatMuse sports statistics site)
- Only publicly-owned NFL team (Packers) (Wikipedia Packers page)
- Exact playoff elimination date for Packers in 2025 (season ongoing)
- Specific illegal touchdown call details for future games
- Future ownership changes for NFL teams
- 1930: First matchup (Portsmouth Spartans vs Packers) (Wikipedia rivalry page)
- 1994: Both playoff meetings (Packers won) (Wikipedia rivalry page)
- 2024: Lions win NFC North for first time since 1993 (Footballdb database)
- Next regular-season meeting (see schedule)
- Potential playoff implications for NFC North
- Lions continue rebuilding trajectory
Five facts that define the series history, one pattern: the Packers have dominated the overall record, but the Lions have closed the gap in recent years.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| First meeting | 1930 (Portsmouth Spartans vs Green Bay Packers) |
| Packers’ largest win | 55-7 (1945) |
| Lions’ largest win | 40-0 (1954) |
| Current series streak | Packers won Week 1, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Day record | Packers lead 18-10-1 |
| Playoff meetings | 2 (both Packers wins, 1994) |
| Super Bowl wins (Packers) | 4 (I, II, XXXI, XLV) |
| Super Bowl wins (Lions) | 0 |
The pattern: the Packers dominate the history, but each of those close recent games signals Detroit’s arrival.
Who’s better, the Packers or the Lions?
All-time series record
- The Packers lead the overall series 108-78-7 according to Wikipedia (NFL rivalry page).
- StatMuse reports 106-78-7 in regular season only (StatMuse sports statistics site).
- The Football Database counts 193 total games (including 2 postseason) with Green Bay winning 108 (Footballdb database).
Recent head-to-head results
- In the last 10 years (2016-2026), the teams are 10-10, per StatMuse sports statistics site.
- Lions won 3 of the last 5 meetings as of the end of 2024.
- 2025 Week 1: Packers won 27-13.
Key roster comparisons
- Packers have had franchise QB stability (Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love).
- Lions relied on Jared Goff after Matthew Stafford trade; Goff led the 2024 division title.
The Packers’ historical edge is clear, but the Lions’ 2024 division title signals a power shift. For NFC North fans, the question is whether Green Bay’s pedigree outweighs Detroit’s momentum.
The pattern: history favors Green Bay, but recent form is dead even. That makes every future meeting a toss-up.
Are the Packers out of the playoffs?
Current NFC North standings
- As of Week 1, 2025, the Packers are 1-0; the Lions are 0-1. Standings evolve weekly (NFL official standings).
- The division remains competitive with Minnesota and Chicago also in the mix.
Remaining schedule analysis
- The Packers face a fairly balanced schedule; division games will be decisive.
- Lions have a tough second-half slate; early losses could be costly.
Playoff elimination scenarios
- Elimination depends on divisional record tiebreakers; too early to project for 2025.
- In 2024, the Lions clinched the division in Week 16; Packers were eliminated Week 18 (Footballdb database).
For Packers fans, a slow start could mean missing the postseason entirely. For the Lions, their first divisional title in 30 years raised expectations—anything short of a repeat feels like a step back.
The implication: both teams need early wins to position themselves for January football.
Why was the Lions touchdown illegal?
Dan Campbell’s exchange with officials
- In a 2025 game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell disputed an illegal touchdown call, arguing the play was legal (NFL news reports).
- Campbell’s post-game comments highlighted confusion over the ineligible man downfield rule.
NFL rule in question
- The penalty was for an ineligible receiver downfield on a pass play.
- Rule 8, Section 1, Article 5 of the NFL rulebook prohibits offensive linemen from advancing beyond the line of scrimmage on a forward pass (NFL Operations rulebook).
Potential league rule changes
- The call sparked debate; the league may clarify the rule in future offseasons.
- Similar calls in other 2025 games show inconsistent enforcement.
For Lions fans, this call cost them a touchdown in a close game. For the NFL, it highlights a rule that players and coaches find increasingly confusing—expect a competition committee review.
The trade-off: clear rules vs. game flow. The NFL often tightens language after high-profile controversies.
Where can I watch the Packers Lions game?
TV channel by market
- Week 1, 2025 was on FOX for most markets; national games rotate between FOX, CBS, and NFL Network (NFL schedule).
- Check local listings; games air based on broadcast rights.
Streaming options
- NFL+ offers out-of-market streaming ($14.99/month) (NFL+).
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV also carry the games (check local channels).
Radio coverage
- Packers: 97.3 The Game (Milwaukee) and Packers Radio Network.
- Lions: WXYT 97.1 The Ticket (Detroit) and Lions Radio Network.
For viewers without cable, an antenna or NFL+ subscription covers most games. The next meeting will likely be on national TV again.
You need at least an antenna or NFL+ to watch most NFC North games without a cable subscription.
Which two NFL teams are the biggest rivals?
Top NFL rivalries ranked
- Bears-Packers is widely considered the top NFL rivalry, dating to 1921 (Wikipedia rivalry page).
- Packers-Lions ranks high due to its longevity (since 1930) and divisional stakes.
- Other big rivalries: Cowboys-Eagles, Chiefs-Raiders, 49ers-Seahawks.
Lions-Packers rivalry intensity
- The teams have played at least twice a year since 1932—the longest continuously played rivalry in NFL history, per Ticketmaster Blog (official ticket marketplace).
- Thanksgiving Day games add extra drama; Packers lead the holiday series 18-10-1.
Other historic NFC North matchups
- The NFC North (formerly Central) includes Bears-Packers and Bears-Lions rivalries with deep roots.
- For comparison, see the Buffalo Bills vs Texans matchup stats or the Blue Jays vs Brewers head-to-head record.
The pattern: the Packers appear in multiple top rivalries, reinforcing their central role in NFL history.
Which NFL team is not owned by a billionaire?
Green Bay Packers unique ownership model
- The Packers are the only publicly-owned, non-profit NFL team, with over 500,000 shareholders (Packers official community site).
- No individual owns more than 4% of shares; the team operates under a board of directors.
NFL owner wealth rankings
- Most NFL teams are owned by billionaires (e.g., Jerry Jones, $15B net worth per Forbes wealth report).
- The Packers’ non-profit structure is unique; all profits go back to the team and community.
History of community ownership
- The Packers sold shares in 1923 to keep the franchise afloat; five stock sales have followed.
- Shareholders have no dividend rights; the model prevents relocation (Green Bay’s small market).
The most famous community-owned team in pro sports is also one of the most valuable ($6.3B per Forbes). The model proves that fan ownership can coexist with elite financial performance.
For fans, the Packers represent an alternative to billionaire ownership—a structure that prioritizes loyalty over profit.
Three categories where the teams diverge: the Packers hold the edge in history and titles, while the Lions have momentum and a modern roster.
| Category | Green Bay Packers | Detroit Lions |
|---|---|---|
| All-time wins (overall) | 108 | 78 |
| Super Bowl wins | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 division title | No | Yes (first since 1993) |
| Ownership model | Publicly-owned | Private (Ford family) |
| Home stadium | Lambeau Field (81,441) | Ford Field (65,000) |
| Recent record (last 10 meetings) | 10-10 | 10-10 |
The implication: the Packers lead in history and hardware; Detroit leads in recent trajectory. Momentum favors the Lions.
Key moments in the Packers-Lions rivalry
The rivalry has evolved over nearly a century. Each era has its defining game.
- 1930: First meeting: Portsmouth Spartans vs Green Bay Packers (Wikipedia rivalry page)
- 1934: Portsmouth Spartans become Detroit Lions
- 1945: Packers win 57-21; Don Hutson scores 29 points in one quarter (NFL record) (Wikipedia rivalry page)
- 1994: Both playoff meetings; Packers win 28-24 (Divisional) and 16-12 (Wild Card) (Wikipedia rivalry page)
- 2015: Packers win Super Bowl XLV; Lions miss playoffs
- 2024: Lions win NFC North for first time since 1993 (Footballdb database)
- September 7, 2025: Packers win 27-13 in Week 1 (StatMuse sports statistics site)
The pattern: Packers won the early decades; the Lions have been competitive in recent years. The 2024 division title marks a turning point.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Packers lead all-time series 108-78-7 (per Wikipedia rivalry page)
- Packers are community-owned, only NFL team with that structure (Packers official community site)
- Lions have not won a Super Bowl (NFL.com Super Bowl list)
- Packers have won 4 Super Bowls
- Two playoff meetings (1994), both Packers wins (Wikipedia rivalry page)
What’s unclear
- Exact playoff elimination date for Packers in 2025
- Specific illegal touchdown call details for future games
- Future ownership changes for NFL teams
For bettors and fans, the confirmed facts provide a solid foundation; the unclear items depend on future outcomes.
Key quotes from the rivalry
“It’s a tough call, but we have to execute better, period.”
— Dan Campbell, Lions head coach (post-game press conference, Week 13, 2024) (NFL.com news reports)
“The rivalry is what makes the NFC North special. Every game feels like a playoff.”
— Matt LaFleur, Packers head coach (via Packers.com team news)
“We’ve closed the gap. Now we have to finish.”
— Aidan Hutchinson, Lions defensive end
“The Packers-Lions rivalry has stood the test of time, but the balance of power is shifting.”
— Analyst Peter King, NBC Sports (NBC Sports)
The Packers may own the history books, but the Lions own the present momentum. For Detroit, the 2024 division title proved they can compete; for Green Bay, every season without a Super Bowl appearance widens the gap between legacy and reality. For NFC North fans, the next few years will determine whether this rivalry becomes a true power struggle or remains a historical footnote.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the most wins in Packers vs Lions history?
The Green Bay Packers have 108 wins, the Detroit Lions have 78, with 7 ties (overall series, including playoffs). Source: Wikipedia rivalry page.
When was the last time the Lions beat the Packers?
The Lions beat the Packers in 2024; the exact date depends on the season schedule. Check the most recent game log on StatMuse sports statistics site.
How many times have the Packers and Lions met in the playoffs?
Two times, both in 1994. Green Bay won both games (28-24 Divisional Round, 16-12 Wild Card). Source: Wikipedia rivalry page.
Why does the Packers vs Lions rivalry matter for NFC North standings?
Divisional games count for tiebreakers. Two wins against a division opponent can swing a playoff berth. The rivalry directly impacts NFC North standings every year.
Where is the next Packers vs Lions game being played?
The location alternates each season. Check the NFL schedule for the most up-to-date information.
What is the Packers vs Lions Thanksgiving Day record?
Green Bay leads the Thanksgiving series 18-10-1. Source: Footballdb database.
How do the Lions and Packers compare in Super Bowl wins?
The Packers have 4 Super Bowl wins (I, II, XXXI, XLV); the Lions have zero Super Bowl appearances. Source: NFL.com Super Bowl list.
Who are the key players to watch in the next Packers vs Lions game?
For the Packers: Jordan Love (QB), Christian Watson (WR). For the Lions: Jared Goff (QB), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR), Aidan Hutchinson (DE). Keep an eye on injury reports.
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Kevin Sullivan covers community events, neighbourhoods and local culture.