The Green Bay Packers are aiming to bounce back from a previous loss to the Detroit Lions as they travel to Ford Field for their Week 14 rematch.

With a 9-3 record, the Packers have already matched their win total from last year, while the 11-1 Lions are pushing to secure the NFC’s top spot and a vital first-round bye.

This game holds significant playoff implications for both teams—Green Bay seeks to close the gap in the division, while Detroit looks to solidify their dominance.

Here are three reasons why the Packers will come out on top in Detroit for a second consecutive season.

Reason 1: Packers Come Out Strong

The Lions thrive when playing with a lead, utilizing their early advantages to establish a balanced offensive attack that keeps defenses on edge. With a potent running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and a passing game guided by Jared Goff, Detroit takes control once they get ahead.

That’s why the Packers must change the narrative early on. During their current three-game win streak, Green Bay has outscored opponents 31-3 in the first quarter. This fast start has allowed them to control the tempo, forcing teams to abandon their strategies and play from behind.

Against the Dolphins on Thanksgiving, Green Bay’s opening drive set the tone, with Jordan Love leading a methodical drive down the field for points. That’s the formula for success against Detroit—strike early, and force the Lions out of their rhythm, where they’ve had trouble executing when they’re trailing.

Reason 2: Lions’ Defensive Injuries

Sometimes, luck can be just as important as skill—and the Packers have enjoyed both this season. Green Bay has largely avoided the injury bug, especially among their key players.

While Jaire Alexander’s ongoing health issues have been a concern—he’s appeared in only seven of 12 games—most of the Packers’ key contributors have stayed healthy. Even Jordan Love, who dealt with early-season injuries, is now fully fit as Green Bay gears up for the playoff race.

The Lions, however, have been hit hard by injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Aidan Hutchinson, their star pass rusher and the cornerstone of the defense, suffered a season-ending leg injury in October. Defensive end Marcus Davenport has joined him on the injured list, and rookie Mekhi Wingo was also lost last week.

The Lions’ linebacker unit is in rough shape too—Malcolm Rodriguez, Derrick Barnes, and Alex Anzalone are all battling significant injuries. Cornerback Carlton Davis may also miss this game.

This has dealt a severe blow to the Lions’ defensive front seven, a unit that thrives on physicality and toughness. The Packers, meanwhile, have developed into a bruising, physical team, with an offensive line that has dominated during their current three-game win streak.

This is the perfect moment for Green Bay to capitalize on that identity. They should attack a depleted Lions defensive line, now lacking in both talent and depth. Lean on a power run game with Josh Jacobs, mix in some aggressive play-action passes, and keep Detroit on their toes, making them pay for their injuries.

The Packers don’t need to apologize for their good fortune; they should take full advantage of it. With Detroit’s defense shorthanded, Green Bay has the chance to take control of the game early and impose their will.

Reason 3: A Healthy Jordan Love

The last time the Packers and Lions faced off, Jordan Love wasn’t at his best. Just a week after suffering a lower-body injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars—an injury that caused him to leave early—Love returned to face Detroit, but it was obvious he wasn’t fully healthy.

His mobility was restricted, and his timing was off, likely due to the lingering effects of the injury. The result was a modest stat line: 23 completions on 39 attempts for 273 yards, no touchdowns, and a costly pick-six.

But that was then.

Following that game, the Packers had a bye week, giving Love the rest he needed to recover and reset. Since then, he has looked like a completely different quarterback, and the results have been undeniable. In the three games since the loss to the Lions, Green Bay has won every game, with Love playing his best football of the season.

During this stretch, he’s completed 69.2 percent of his passes (47-for-68) for 698 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. Even more impressive, he’s gone two straight games without throwing a pick, which is a first for him this season.

A healthy Love is not just a more accurate passer—he’s a more dynamic playmaker. His ability to extend plays with his legs and keep defenses on their toes has been a game-changer for Green Bay’s offense.

As the Packers head into the Week 14 rematch, the Lions will face a fully healthy Love for the first time this season. This should be a major concern for Detroit. A sharp Love not only enhances Green Bay’s passing attack but also makes it easier for their running game, as defenses can no longer crowd the box.

Love’s improvement since the bye week isn’t just a storyline—it’s a key reason why the Packers’ offense is clicking on all cylinders. And it’s the single most important factor that could tilt this game in Green Bay’s favor.

If he maintains this level of play, Love could be the difference-maker who helps the Packers not only avenge their earlier loss but also establish themselves as serious NFC contenders.