The green bay packers vs detroit lions match player stats tell the story of an epic Thursday Night Football showdown that lived up to every bit of its billing. On December 5, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, these NFC North rivals delivered a masterclass in competitive football that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final second. The Lions emerged victorious with a dramatic 34-31 walk-off field goal, extending their winning streak to a franchise-record 11 consecutive games.
This detroit lions vs green bay packers match player stats breakdown reveals how both teams battled through multiple lead changes, clutch fourth-down conversions, and outstanding individual performances. The game featured elite quarterback play from Jared Goff and Jordan Love, dominant rushing from Josh Jacobs’ three-touchdown performance, and a gutsy coaching decision from Dan Campbell that sealed Detroit’s 12-1 record and clinched a playoff berth.
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Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field
Teams and Key Players
| Team | Key Players | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | Jared Goff (QB), Jahmyr Gibbs (RB), David Montgomery (RB), Jameson Williams (WR), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR), Tim Patrick (WR), Sam LaPorta (TE) | Goff completed 32-of-41 passes, historic 6 receivers with 5+ catches |
| Green Bay Packers | Jordan Love (QB), Josh Jacobs (RB), Christian Watson (WR), Dontayvion Wicks (WR), Tucker Kraft (TE), Jayden Reed (WR) | Jacobs scored 3 rushing TDs, Watson had 114 yards receiving |
Game Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | NFL Regular Season – Week 14, Thursday Night Football |
| Location | Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan |
| Date/Time | Thursday, December 5, 2024 / 8:15 PM EST |
| Attendance | Capacity crowd at Ford Field |
| Significance | NFC North divisional battle; Lions clinching playoff berth |
| General Recap | Lions won 34-31 on Jake Bates’ walk-off field goal as time expired, featuring 4 lead changes in second half |
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Team | Quarter 1 | Quarter 2 | Quarter 3 | Quarter 4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers | 0 | 7 | 14 | 10 | 31 |
| Detroit Lions | 7 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 34 |
Additional Breakdown Details
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Key Moments | Watson’s 59-yard TD, Goff interception, failed 4th-down Lions run, Jacobs’ 3 TDs, Montgomery’s clutch 4th-down conversion |
| Momentum Shifts | Packers rallied from 10-0 and 17-7 deficits; traded leads 4 times in 2nd half |
| Injuries/Substitutions | Packers lost S Evan Williams (concussion), S Javon Bullard (ankle), DE Lukas Van Ness (thumb) |
| Strategies | Lions’ aggressive 4th-down play-calling (4-for-5); Packers’ downfield passing attack; balanced run games |
| Extra Insights | Detroit crowd electric throughout; Campbell’s gutsy final 4th-down call with 43 seconds sealed victory |
What Was the Event?
This was a critical NFL regular season Week 14 matchup between two NFC North powerhouses competing for divisional supremacy and playoff positioning.
Where Was the Match Held?
The game took place at Ford Field in downtown Detroit, Michigan, home of the Lions, providing a raucous home-field advantage.
When Did It Take Place?
Thursday night, December 5, 2024, at 8:15 PM Eastern Time in primetime on national television.
Why Was the Match Significant?
The green bay packers vs detroit lions match player stats mattered enormously: Detroit entered 11-1, seeking to clinch a playoff spot and extend their franchise-record winning streak. Green Bay at 9-3 needed a win to stay within striking distance in the division race. The winner would gain crucial tiebreaker advantage in the competitive NFC North.
How Did It Unfold Generally?
Detroit jumped ahead 10-0 early before Green Bay stormed back to tie it 17-7 at halftime. The second half featured four lead changes, outstanding quarterback play, and came down to Dan Campbell’s bold decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 with 43 seconds left rather than attempt a tying field goal, setting up Jake Bates’ game-winning 43-yard field goal as time expired.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Quarter 1
Key Moments:
- David Montgomery’s 3-yard rushing TD capped 11-play, 70-yard opening drive (7-0 Lions, 9:41)
- Za’Darius Smith sacked Jordan Love for 7-yard loss
- Rashan Gary sacked Jared Goff for 3-yard loss
- Both defenses dominated, Packers held to just 37 total yards
Shifts in Momentum: Detroit seized early momentum with a methodical touchdown drive, while Green Bay’s offense sputtered with conservative play-calling and pressure from Lions’ defensive front.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: No significant injuries reported in opening quarter.
Notable Strategies: Lions established physical running game early with Montgomery and Gibbs. Packers struggled with third-down conversions (0-for-3) and couldn’t establish rhythm.
Extra Insights: Ford Field crowd was deafening on third downs. Lions dominated time of possession 9:21 to 5:39.
Quarter 2
Key Moments:
- Jake Bates 43-yard field goal extended Lions lead to 10-0 (13:01)
- Josh Jacobs 1-yard rushing TD cut deficit to 10-7 (5:35) – his 4th straight game with rushing TD
- Jahmyr Gibbs 2-yard TD reception from Goff on 4th-and-goal (17-7 Lions, 0:11)
- Christian Watson fumbled after 21-yard reception, recovered by Carlton Davis
Shifts in Momentum: Packers finally broke through with 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive. Watson’s fumble gave ball back to Detroit in scoring position, and Lions’ aggressive 4th-down TD before halftime swung momentum back.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Kevin Zeitler (G) briefly entered medical tent but returned. No other significant issues.
Notable Strategies: Both teams found offensive rhythm. Lions went for it on 4th-and-goal from the 2, showing Campbell’s aggressive philosophy. Packers benefited from pass interference penalty to set up Jacobs’ TD.
Extra Insights: Goff completed his final 15 passes before halftime. Halftime stats: Lions 17-7 lead despite being outgained 198-140 in total yards.
Quarter 3
Key Moments:
- Christian Watson 59-yard TD reception from Love (14-17 Lions, early 3rd)
- Tucker Kraft 12-yard TD reception from Love (21-17 Packers, after Keisean Nixon INT)
- Keisean Nixon interception of Goff set up go-ahead score
- Josh Jacobs’ 2nd TD following failed Lions 4th-down conversion (21-17 Packers)
- Tim Patrick 1-yard TD on 4th-and-goal (24-21 Lions)
Shifts in Momentum: Complete reversal as Packers outscored Lions 14-7 and took their first lead. Watson’s deep bomb sparked comeback. Nixon’s interception was critical turning point.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Isaiah McDuffie made key tackles with Quay Walker out.
Notable Strategies: Packers attacked deep successfully against Lions secondary. Detroit’s failed 4th-and-1 pitch to Gibbs at own 31 proved costly. Campbell remained aggressive despite failure, converting another 4th-down TD.
Extra Insights: This was championship-level football with elite execution on both sides. Physical, emotional intensity reached peak levels.
Quarter 4
Key Moments:
- Josh Jacobs 4-yard rushing TD – his 3rd of game (28-24 Packers, 14:20)
- Tim Patrick 27-yard TD reception (31-28 Lions)
- Brandon McManus 32-yard field goal tied game 31-31 (3:38 remaining)
- Montgomery 7-yard run on 4th-and-1 (43 seconds left)
- Jake Bates 43-yard game-winning field goal as time expired (34-31 Lions)
Shifts in Momentum: See-saw battle continued with lead changes. Campbell’s gutsy 4th-down call instead of attempting tying FG proved difference.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Multiple Packers defensive backs cramped up in final minutes.
Notable Strategies: Campbell chose to “end it on offense” rather than risk giving ball back to Love. Goff completed clutch passes to Jameson Williams (19 yards) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (16 yards) on final drive.
Extra Insights: Bates hit his third game-winning field goal of the season. Campbell’s faith in his offensive line and Montgomery on final 4th down exemplified Lions’ culture.
Highlight Standout Performances
Star Players and Their Stats
| Player | Team | Completions/Attempts | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating | Rush Att | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Receptions | Rec Yards | Rec TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Goff | DET | 32/41 | 283 | 3 | 1 | 109.7 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Jordan Love | GB | 12/20 | 206 | 1 | 0 | 111.7 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Josh Jacobs | GB | – | – | – | – | – | 18 | 66 | 3 | 4 | – | 0 |
| Christian Watson | GB | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 7 | 114 | 0 |
| Tucker Kraft | GB | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 3 | 41 | 1 |
| David Montgomery | DET | – | – | – | – | – | 14 | 51 | 1 | – | – | – |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | – | – | – | – | – | 14 | 43 | 0 | 3 | 18 | 1 |
| Jameson Williams | DET | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 | 80 | 0 |
| Tim Patrick | DET | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 | 43 | 2 |
Additional Receiving Stats
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam LaPorta | DET | 5 | 54 | 0 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | 5 | 43 | 0 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | GB | 4 | 49 | 0 |
| Jayden Reed | GB | 5 | – | 0 |
Shooting Percentages (Completion/Efficiency)
| Team | Completion % | 3rd Down Conversion | 4th Down Conversion | Red Zone Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 78.0% (32/41) | 7/15 (46.7%) | 4/5 (80.0%) | 4/5 (80.0%) |
| Green Bay Packers | 60.0% (12/20) | 1/5 (20.0%) | 0/0 (N/A) | 4/5 (80.0%) |
Clutch Moments
Detroit Lions:
- Goff’s 4th-and-goal TD passes to Gibbs and Patrick under extreme pressure
- Montgomery’s game-sealing 7-yard run on 4th-and-1 with 43 seconds left despite Goff nearly falling
- Bates’ walk-off 43-yard field goal for his 3rd game-winner of season
- Six different receivers with 5+ catches – an NFL first
Green Bay Packers:
- Jacobs’ 3 rushing TDs, giving him 8 TDs in last 4 games
- Watson’s 59-yard TD bomb that sparked comeback
- Love’s efficient 111.7 passer rating with zero turnovers
- Keisean Nixon’s crucial interception in 3rd quarter
- Defensive stop on Lions’ 4th-down pitch to Gibbs
Leadership and Teamwork
Detroit: Dan Campbell’s aggressive play-calling (going for it on 4th down 5 times) epitomized team culture. Goff distributed ball to 6 receivers with 5+ catches. Offensive line protected Goff despite injuries.
Green Bay: Matt LaFleur’s adjustments at halftime sparked comeback. Jacobs’ workhorse mentality (18 carries) set tone. Defense created timely turnover despite being gashed for 391 yards.
Key Statistics
Final Score
| Team | Final Score |
|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 34 |
| Green Bay Packers | 31 |
Total Yards/First Downs
| Team | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | First Downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 391 | 283 | 94 | 27 |
| Green Bay Packers | 298 | 206 | 66 | 17 |
Turnovers
| Team | Interceptions | Fumbles Lost | Total Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Green Bay Packers | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Time of Possession
| Team | Time of Possession |
|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 36:06 |
| Green Bay Packers | 23:54 |
Sacks, Tackles for Loss
| Team | Sacks | QB Hits | Tackles for Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 1 (Za’Darius Smith) | Multiple | 6+ |
| Green Bay Packers | 1 (Rashan Gary) | Multiple | 5+ |
Top Tacklers:
- Isaiah McDuffie (GB): 15 tackles, 4 solo
- Jack Campbell (DET): 8 tackles, 3 solo
Penalties Comparison
| Team | Penalties | Penalty Yards |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | 7 | 56 |
| Green Bay Packers | 7 | 59 |
Quotes or Reactions
Dan Campbell (Lions Head Coach)
- On the final 4th-down decision:
- “I just felt like we needed to end it on offense. I did not want to give the ball back and I believed we could convert. I trust the O-line. I trust David.”
- “This will be one of those you’ll never forget.”
- On team resilience:
- Campbell emphasized how his team responded to adversity and made plays when it mattered most, extending their franchise-record win streak.
Matt LaFleur (Packers Head Coach)
- On the loss:
- “That’s exactly the kind of game we expected. It was tough and it went back and forth. There were just a couple plays that didn’t go our way.”
- “They have great playmakers and they just get them the ball. Jared Goff is an excellent quarterback and we gave him time to throw.”
- On earning right to return:
- “Like I told our team, we have to earn the right to potentially come back here. It’s not going to be easy and we have to put in the work, but I’m confident in the resiliency of our group.”
Jordan Love (Packers QB)
- On offensive struggles:
- “Obviously didn’t start fast enough. Anytime you can’t stay on the field there, it’s not going to be good.”
- “They have a really good offense, but so do we. I don’t think there was any extra pressure on us. We just got off to a slow start.”
Jared Goff (Lions QB)
While specific post-game quotes weren’t available, Goff’s performance spoke volumes: his 32-of-41 passing with historic ball distribution showcased elite quarterback play.
Josh Jacobs (Packers RB)
- Jacobs surpassed 1,000 yards on the season with his 3-TD performance, marking his 8th rushing TD in 4 games.
Key Statistical Notes from Broadcasts
| Observation | Details |
|---|---|
| Historic Achievement | Six Lions receivers had 5+ receptions – first time in NFL history per OptaSTATS |
| Franchise Record | Lions’ 11-game winning streak set new franchise record |
| Jacobs Milestone | First time in career with rushing TD in 4 straight games |
| Bates Clutch | Third game-winning field goal of season for Lions kicker |
Match Analysis
What Went Right & Wrong
Detroit Lions – What Went Right:
- Goff’s ball distribution (6 receivers with 5+ catches) made defense impossible to game-plan
- Aggressive 4th-down play-calling (4-for-5) kept drives alive and pressure on Packers
- Balanced rushing attack: Montgomery (14-51) and Gibbs (14-43) combined for 94 yards
- Offensive line protection despite injuries allowed Goff time to dissect coverage
- Campbell’s gutsy final 4th-down call sealed victory
- Time of possession dominance (36:06 vs 23:54)
Detroit Lions – What Went Wrong:
- Goff’s uncharacteristic interception to Nixon sparked Packers’ comeback
- Failed 4th-and-1 pitch to Gibbs at own 31 gave Packers short field
- Allowed Watson to break free for 59-yard TD bomb
- Defense struggled containing Jacobs in red zone (3 TDs allowed)
- Couldn’t generate consistent pass rush (only 1 sack)
Green Bay Packers – What Went Right:
- Jacobs dominated in red zone with 3 rushing TDs, surpassed 1,000 yards season
- Love played efficiently (111.7 rating, 0 INTs) when called upon
- Watson’s explosive 59-yard TD sparked second-half comeback
- Nixon’s interception created short field for TD
- Defensive stop on Lions’ 4th-down pitch showed resilience
- Fought back from multiple deficits showing character
Green Bay Packers – What Went Wrong:
- Slow start: 37 total yards in first quarter, 0-for-3 on third downs early
- Watson’s fumble in second quarter gave Lions field position for FG
- Only 1-for-5 on third-down conversions (20%)
- Couldn’t generate consistent pass rush against injury-depleted Lions O-line
- Allowed 391 total yards and 27 first downs
- Failed to stop Lions on critical final drive, gave up 4 fourth-down conversions
Offensive/Defensive Successes or Failures
Offensive Analysis:
| Team | Successes | Failures |
|---|---|---|
| Lions | 78% completion rate, spread ball to 6 receivers, 4-for-5 on 4th down, controlled clock | Goff INT, failed 4th-down conversion, couldn’t establish explosive run plays |
| Packers | Jacobs’ 3 TDs, Watson’s deep threat, Love’s efficiency, red zone scoring | Poor 3rd-down conversion (20%), Watson fumble, slow start, only 298 total yards |
Defensive Analysis:
| Team | Successes | Failures |
|---|---|---|
| Lions | Za’Darius Smith sack, held Packers to 298 yards, forced Watson fumble | Couldn’t contain Watson deep, allowed Jacobs 3 TDs, gave up clutch 3rd downs |
| Packers | Nixon INT, stopped 4th-down pitch, Gary sack | Allowed 391 yards, poor 3rd-down defense (46.7%), couldn’t stop final drive |
Controversial Calls or Game-Changing Moments
Key Officiating Moments:
- Pass interference call on Terrion Arnold erased what appeared to be red zone interception, gave Packers 1st-and-goal leading to Jacobs TD
- Defensive pass interference on Brian Branch extended Packers’ first possession
- No major controversial calls impacted outcome significantly
Game-Changing Moments:
- Watson’s Fumble (Q2): Changed field position, led to Lions FG for 10-0 lead
- Nixon’s Interception (Q3): Set up Packers at Lions’ 16, led to go-ahead TD
- Failed 4th-Down Pitch (Q3): Lions’ aggressive call backfired, gave Packers short field
- Goff’s 15 Straight Completions: Kept Lions within striking distance despite adversity
- Campbell’s Final 4th-Down Call: Ultimate confidence in his team sealed victory
Recent Form Analysis
Detroit Lions (12-1):
- Franchise-record 11-game winning streak
- Swept season series vs Green Bay (2-0)
- NFC North leaders by 2 games over Minnesota (10-2)
- Playoff berth clinched
- Best record in NFC
- Elite offensive balance: 6th in rushing (156.7 YPG), top-10 passing
- Campbell’s aggressive philosophy paying dividends
Green Bay Packers (9-4):
- Now 3 games behind Detroit with 4 to play
- Division essentially out of reach, playing for wild card
- Lost both meetings to Lions in 2024
- Jacobs playing at elite level: 8 TDs in last 4 games, over 1,000 yards season
- Need to improve third-down offense (bottom third in NFL)
- Defense vulnerable to big plays
- Must win out to secure favorable playoff seeding
Head-to-Head in 2024:
- Lions defeated Packers 24-14 on November 3 at Lambeau Field
- Lions defeated Packers 34-31 on December 5 at Ford Field
- Lions outscored Packers 58-45 in season series
Conclusion
The green bay packers vs detroit lions match player stats from December 5, 2024, paint the picture of an instant classic that showcased everything great about NFL football. This 34-31 thriller featured elite quarterback play, dominant running back performances, aggressive coaching decisions, and the kind of back-and-forth action that defines great rivalries.
Detroit’s 12-1 record and franchise-record 11-game winning streak cement their status as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Dan Campbell’s gutsy decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 with 43 seconds remaining, rather than attempting to tie the game, exemplifies the fearless mentality that has transformed this franchise. Jared Goff’s historic performance—distributing the ball to six receivers with 5+ catches—demonstrates his evolution into an elite NFL quarterback.
For Green Bay, despite the loss, there are positives to build on. Josh Jacobs continues his torrid pace with 3 touchdowns and has now scored 8 times in his last 4 games. Jordan Love showed poise and efficiency when the lights were brightest. However, the Packers must improve their third-down offense and find ways to generate more consistent pressure if they hope to make noise in the playoffs.
Impact on Standings/Playoff Hopes:
Detroit (12-1) has clinched a playoff berth and holds a commanding lead in the NFC North. They’re on track for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, which would give them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their ability to win close games—Bates’ third walk-off FG of the season—shows championship mettle.
Green Bay (9-4) remains in solid wild-card position but has likely lost any realistic chance at the division title. They’ll need to maintain their position against surging teams like the Rams, Seahawks, and Buccaneers. The silver lining: if they can earn a wild card spot, they’ve proven capable of competing with the NFC’s best.
What’s Next:
The Lions will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Buffalo Bills on December 15—a potential Super Bowl preview between two of the NFL’s best teams. Maintaining their health and momentum through the final stretch will be crucial for their championship aspirations.
The Packers travel to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football December 15, a critical game for playoff seeding. They must prove they can win on the road against quality opponents. A potential third meeting with Detroit in the playoffs looms large—could the Packers finally break through when it matters most?
Final Thought:
This game epitomized why the NFC North has become the NFL’s most competitive division. When you have the courage to go for the win rather than settle for a tie with 43 seconds left, you’re not just playing football—you’re making a statement about your championship identity. Detroit made theirs loud and clear on this Thursday night.
FAQs Section
Q1: What was the final score of the Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions game on December 5, 2024?
The Detroit Lions defeated the Green Bay Packers 34-31 on a Jake Bates walk-off 43-yard field goal as time expired. The thrilling finish came after Dan Campbell’s gutsy 4th-and-1 conversion with 43 seconds remaining.
Q2: Who were the top performers in the Packers vs Lions match?
Josh Jacobs led the Packers with 3 rushing touchdowns and 66 yards on 18 carries. For Detroit, Jared Goff completed 32-of-41 passes for 283 yards and 3 TDs. Christian Watson had 7 catches for 114 yards for Green Bay, while six different Lions receivers had 5+ receptions—an NFL first.
Q3: How many fourth-down conversions did the Lions make?
The Lions converted 4-of-5 fourth-down attempts, including two 4th-and-goal touchdowns and the game-sealing 4th-and-1 conversion in the final minute. This aggressive approach defined Dan Campbell’s coaching philosophy.
Q4: What is the significance of this game for playoff standings?
Detroit improved to 12-1, clinched a playoff berth, and extended their franchise-record winning streak to 11 games. They maintain a 2-game lead for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Green Bay fell to 9-4, effectively ending their division title hopes but remaining in strong wild-card position.
Q5: What were the key turning points in the game?
Major momentum shifts included: Christian Watson’s 59-yard TD that sparked the Packers’ comeback, Keisean Nixon’s interception setting up a go-ahead score, the Lions’ failed 4th-down pitch to Jahmyr Gibbs, and Dan Campbell’s decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 instead of kicking a tying field goal with 43 seconds left.
Q6: How did Jordan Love and Jared Goff perform statistically?
Jordan Love completed 12-of-20 passes for 206 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, and a 111.7 passer rating. Jared Goff was 32-of-41 for 283 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, and a 109.7 rating. Goff made history by getting six receivers to 5+ catches in the same game.
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