The final score says the Detroit Lions (4-2) defeated the Green Bay Packers (4-3) 20-17 on a game-winning field goal by kicker Jake Bates.
Really, it shouldn't have been that close.
The Lions got off to a season-first hot start on Sunday with a beautiful six-play, 80-yard, touchdown drive on their first drive of the game. It seemed like the Lions were heading toward another high-scoring affair now that they've sorted out their slow starts, but instead, they gave the Packers every possible opportunity to win this game.
The first miscue came toward the end of the first half. The Lions' defense just turned the Packers over on downs, and Quarterback Jared Goff responded by leading an 85-yard drive. But on 2nd &10, on the Packers' 12-yard line, running back Jahmyr Gibbs fumbles the ball after a six-yard rush. Packers recover, and took the game to the half.
It was a big missed opportunity for the Lions to go up 17-7, while receiving the ball after the half. In their attempt at a do-over to build on the lead coming out of the half, a botched snap on the second play of the half gave the Packers back the ball. The fumble goes down as Goff's first turnover of his phenomenal 2026.
Instead of that 17-7 or 24-7 lead, the Lions suddenly found themselves down 14-10 after a quick Packers score. The Lions refocused, scoring on an 80-yard drive to take back the lead at 17-14. The defense then forced a three-and-out, and it felt like all the momentum was on the Lions' side.
But the frustrations would continue much to the chargin of televisions in Lions' households across the country.
Defense and special teams bail out the offense
The Lions drove down the field to the Packers' six-yard line and, in typical Dan Campbell fashion, they went for it. Goff's pass to wide receiver Jameson Williams, who caught both of Goff's TD pass on the day, was too high. Williams managed to haul in the ball in the back of the endzone, but was pushed out before he could get his second foot in.
The defense held strong, defending two deep shots by Jordan Love. The second attempt was intercepted by safety Brian Branch in his long-awaited return. Instead of taking advantage of that turnover, the offense went three-and-out. Goff played with fire, nearly having multiple pass attempts picked off. Deep in their own territory, the Lions punted.
After the Packers kicked a FG to tie the game at 17, the offense again couldn't respond. Deep in their own territory, the Lions...did not punt?! On their own 24-yard line, the Lions went for it on fourth down, but Gibbs was stuffed behind the line. To be fair, the logic was there. The Lions would likely have plenty of time if the Packers scored to at least send the game to overtime, but it was a very risky gambit.
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That gambit ultimately paid off better than anyone could imagine as D.J. Wonnum just barely got a hand on the Packers' subsequent FG to keep the game at 17. The Lions burned the remaining 3:21 on the clock to set up Bates for the game-winner.
At the end of the day, the Lions won. They defeated the Packers to move to 1-0 in a division that will likely come down to divisional record. They also keep pace with the Minnesota Vikings (6-0) and Chicago Bears (5-2), who both won this week. It's a win that's still worth celebrating, with numerous fantastic performances and moments in all phases of the game.
Just felt like it should've been a little more one-sided, you know? And if the Lions want to beat those 6-0 Vikings next week, they cannot afford to make any mistakes on offense like they did today. They'll need all the points Brian Flores' defense is going to give them, even if it comes down to a FG fest.
Bates, who is still perfect on the season, may be up for that task.
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