As the holiday schedule rolls around, the Detroit Lions are gearing up for a major division clash against the Green Bay Packers — and this year’s Thanksgiving Day game carries special weight.

Detroit enters this matchup with a 7–4 record after scraping out a dramatic overtime win over the New York Giants thanks to a late field goal and a big run by Jahmyr Gibbs. That victory kept them close in the division race — but they’re still trailing Green Bay (7-3-1) and remain behind the Chicago Bears as well.

For Detroit, this isn’t just a holiday tradition — it’s a shot at getting back even after a rough Week 1 loss to the Packers (27–13). Challenges: Short Turnaround, Injuries, and Facing a Dangerous Opponent

The short week between games is a concern: Detroit played Sunday and now must quickly shift focus to this high-stakes Thursday game. Their offensive line has taken hits, complicating preparations for a tough test.

On the other side, the Packers come in with both a potent offense and a disruptive defense — under the leadership of coach Matt LaFleur. Key defenders like Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary make the pass rush especially dangerous, and the Packers’ offensive attack remains a serious threat.

If Detroit leans on its identity — a strong running game — they might find a path to an edge. Their ground game has the potential to exploit Green Bay’s vulnerabilities against the run, which gives the Lions a realistic chance at controlling the clock and tempo. Their pass rush — led by defensive end Aidan Hutchinson — also offers hope for disruption, especially if they can keep pressure on the Packers’ quarterback. Special teams and secondary play could swing things too, depending on whether Detroit manages to stay disciplined and capitalize on opportunities.

Coach Dan Campbell has emphasized the importance of keeping things straightforward with limited prep time — leaning on fundamentals rather than overcomplicating the game plan.