Packers Start Strong with 27-13 Victory Over Lions in Season Opener

Healthy Jordan Love Leads Green Bay to Convincing Win at Lambeau Field

The Green Bay Packers kicked off their 2025 season in impressive fashion, defeating the Detroit Lions 27-13 at Lambeau Field on Sunday night. This NFC North division matchup showcased two teams with very different expectations heading into the new season.

The Packers entered 2025 with renewed optimism, led by quarterback Jordan Love who was finally healthy after battling MCL and groin injuries throughout 2024. Despite those injuries last year, Love still posted elite efficiency numbers, including eight yards per attempt. The team added several new weapons, including first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden, and acquired superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons in a trade.

Meanwhile, the Lions faced significant challenges after losing their offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to Chicago and replacing two starting offensive linemen, including retired center Frank Ragnow. Detroit was trying to maintain their explosive offensive identity after scoring a historic 68 touchdowns in 2024 - the second-highest total in NFL history.

First Quarter: Packers Strike First

Green Bay wasted no time establishing their offensive rhythm. After a strong kickoff return by Savion Williams was brought back due to a holding penalty, the Packers methodically moved down the field. Jordan Love showed his improved health immediately, connecting with Romeo Doubs for a 20-yard completion down the left sideline.

The drive continued with Love finding rookie Matthew Golden for an 11-yard gain and Dontayvion Wicks for 16 yards over the middle. A 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Detroit's Brian Branch helped the Packers reach the red zone, where Love capped the drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tucker Kraft.

Detroit's first possession struggled against Green Bay's improved defense, managing just three plays before punting. The Packers added a 34-yard field goal by Brandon McManus to take a 10-0 lead after the first quarter.

Second Quarter: Lions Respond, Packers Answer Back

Detroit finally found their rhythm in the second quarter, with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery leading a sustained drive. The Lions mixed run and pass effectively, with quarterback Jared Goff finding Amon-Ra St. Brown and utilizing his running backs in the passing game. The drive resulted in a 30-yard field goal by Jake Bates, cutting the deficit to 10-3.

The Packers immediately responded with their most explosive play of the game. Love launched a perfect 48-yard strike to Romeo Doubs, who finished the game with 68 receiving yards on just two catches. Two plays later, Love found Jayden Reed for a 17-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 17-3.

Detroit managed another field goal before halftime, making it 17-6 at the break after a promising drive that ended when Goff threw an interception to Evan Williams in the red zone.

Second Half: Packers Control the Game

The third quarter belonged to Green Bay's ground game, led by Josh Jacobs. The veteran running back, who joined the Packers in 2024, carried 19 times for 66 yards and showed his versatility by adding four receiving yards. Jacobs consistently found running lanes and wore down the Lions' defense.

Detroit managed just one field goal in the third quarter despite a long drive that featured good work from tight end Sam LaPorta, who had several key catches but couldn't find the end zone.

The fourth quarter saw Jacobs punch in a 3-yard touchdown run after a methodical drive, giving the Packers a commanding 24-6 lead. Green Bay added another field goal to make it 27-6 before Detroit scored a late touchdown to make the final score more respectable at 27-13.

Looking Ahead

This victory validates the Packers' offseason moves and shows that Jordan Love can lead this team when healthy. The combination of Love's arm talent, Jacobs' ground game, and a deep receiving corps featuring Doubs, Reed, and rookie Golden looks promising for Green Bay's playoff hopes.

For Detroit, the loss highlights the challenges of replacing key personnel. The Lions will need to find better rhythm on offense and improve their red zone efficiency as they adjust to life without Ben Johnson.

Both teams will look to build on this opening week performance as they prepare for their next opponents in Week 2.