There is nothing that brings a Detroit Lions fan more joy than watching the Green Bay Packers' demise. Entering this season, the Lions are desperate for redemption, as being swept by the Packers last year was one of the major reasons they missed the postseason and finished last in the NFC North.
According to a recent prediction by Bleacher Report, the Lions could be getting their much-needed redemption over the Packers, as Green Bay is surprisingly projected to finish last in the NFC North.
It’s been a long time since the Packers finished last in the NFC North. 2005 was the last time the Packers finished last in the division, recording a 4-12 overall record. Following their playoff collapse in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Chicago Bears, the Packers enter the 2026 season with many question marks surrounding their team and the future of coach Matt LaFleur.
Questions surrounding Packers entering 2026 NFL season
One of those questions surrounds star running back Josh Jacobs, who may be out for a significant amount of time depending on the outcome of his ongoing legal case and disciplinary action taken by the NFL.
During his two seasons with the Packers, Jacobs collected 2,258 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. Jacobs' absence will shift the Packers' focus to their passing game with quarterback Jordan Love. Over the past two seasons, the Packers ranked in the bottom six of the NFL in passing attempts, and the potential absence of Jacobs will put Green Bay's passing attack to the test.
The availability of defensive end Micah Parsons could also spell trouble for the Packers. Parsons is currently recovering from a torn ACL and might not be back to full strength until late October, which will put more pressure on a depleted Packers secondary.
The first month of the Packers' schedule includes three road games against the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Packers will also face the Atlanta Falcons at home on Sept. 24. The Jets should be a win, but those other three matchups will be a challenge for the Packers, especially if they're without Jacobs and Parsons.
Parsons dominated the Lions last season. In the Packers' two matchups against the Lions last season, Parsons recorded a combined nine tackles and 3.5 sacks. When available this season, can Parsons have the same impact against the Lions?
Lions meetings against Packers this season
The Lions will first face off against the Packers on Oct. 25 at Ford Field, where they hope to avenge last season’s 31-24 loss on Thanksgiving. The Lions will cap off the regular season facing the Packers at Lambeau Field on a date that has yet to be determined.
Even if this prediction for the Packers comes true, it doesn't guarantee the Lions winning the NFC North. The Chicago Bears look to build off their division title from last season. The Minnesota Vikings are also considered an underrated contender with new quarterback Kyler Murray and a dominant defense.
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