Thanksgiving Day rivalry football is as American as pumpkin pie, and for fans of the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, it’s often meant a holiday showdown. This long-standing NFC North rivalry has seen its share of memorable moments, dominant performances, and, for the Lions, a tradition unlike any other.
The Lions have a unique and celebrated history of playing on Thanksgiving Day, dating back to 1934. This tradition was started by then-owner George A. Richards as a way to drum up attendance and publicity for his struggling franchise. It worked, and the tradition has endured for nearly nine decades. The Packers, while not annual participants, have certainly contributed to the holiday’s lore when facing their divisional foe.
Wins and Losses: Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions
When it comes to Thanksgiving Day matchups between these two teams, the scales have often tipped in favor of the home team – which, for the vast majority of these games, has been the Detroit Lions.
Historically, the Lions have a significantly better record on Thanksgiving Day against the Packers. The two teams have faced each other 21 times on Thanksgiving, with the Lions holding a dominant lead of 12 wins to the Packers’ 7 wins and 2 ties. Many of these games have been hosted at the Pontiac Silverdome or more recently, Ford Field, giving the Lions a distinct home-field advantage and the benefit of a familiar crowd on the holiday.
Some of the most notable Thanksgiving Day rivalry victories for the Lions against the Packers include their dominant 40-10 win in 2013, a game where Matthew Stafford threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns. The Packers, however, have also had their moments of glory, including a thrilling 29-27 victory in 1989, highlighted by a last-minute game-winning field goal. More recently, the Packers secured a 20-23 win in 2011 against the Lions.
The early years of this Thanksgiving rivalry saw some back-and-forth, but the Lions truly established their dominance in the mid-20th century. While the Packers have found more consistent success as a franchise over the decades, the Thanksgiving Day series against Detroit remains a unique challenge.
Thanksgiving Day Rivalry Top Performers
Thanksgiving Day games have been a stage for some of the best players from both franchises to shine.
For the Green Bay Packers:
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Brett Favre: The legendary Packers quarterback delivered some classic Thanksgiving performances. In the aforementioned 1989 game (which was technically a comeback for the Packers after being down), Favre was not yet the starting QB, but he would go on to have several memorable outings against the Lions, even if not always on Thanksgiving. His ability to extend plays and make clutch throws always made him a threat.
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Ahman Green: The powerful running back often found success against the Lions’ defense. His ability to break tackles and gain crucial yards was vital in many Packers victories.
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Davante Adams: In more recent years, Adams has been a consistent threat against the Lions. His precision routes and incredible catching ability made him a go-to target for Aaron Rodgers on any given Sunday, including Thanksgiving.
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Aaron Rodgers: While his Thanksgiving appearances against the Lions are less frequent than Favre’s, Rodgers has shown his elite quarterbacking skills, dissecting defenses with his arm and mobility.
For the Detroit Lions:
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Barry Sanders: Perhaps no player embodies Thanksgiving Day football for the Lions more than Barry Sanders. The electrifying running back routinely put on a show for the national audience. His elusive runs, incredible vision, and ability to turn a loss into a gain made him a Thanksgiving Day legend. Many of his highlight-reel plays occurred on this holiday, leaving defenders grasping at air.
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Herman Moore: The dominant wide receiver was a favorite target for Lions quarterbacks throughout the 1990s. His size and athleticism made him a formidable presence, especially in key divisional matchups.
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Matthew Stafford: In recent decades, Stafford has carried the Lions’ offense, often putting up impressive numbers in an attempt to lead his team to victory on Thanksgiving. His strong arm and ability to connect with receivers in crucial moments were often on display.
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Calvin Johnson (Megatron): Another Lions superstar, Johnson was a nightmare for opposing defenses. His incredible athleticism, size, and catching radius made him virtually unguardable, and he delivered many spectacular plays on the holiday stage.
The Thanksgiving Day rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions is a cherished part of NFL history. While the Lions have a stronger statistical record in these holiday matchups, both teams have contributed to the tradition with unforgettable performances and moments that continue to be talked about for years to come.
Main image credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
