The NFC North was a gauntlet in 2024, delivering a perfect combination of hostility and competitiveness for football fans. Three different teams from the NFL’s best division reached the postseason. Two of those clubs, the Lions and the Packers, are set to clash on Sunday.
Green Bay pulled off the biggest heist of the offseason, trading for Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons. With the sack specialist in tow, this defense has the potential to be special. That might not be on display this afternoon against the Lions, football’s highest-scoring squad last season. On the other side of the ball, Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson makes his return to Detroit’s defensive line. He’ll be tested immediately by Jordan Love and this Packers offense. Which of these two rivals will secure a Week 1 victory? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Sunday’s showdown between the Lions and the Packers.
The Packers are favored by 2.5 points (-115) over the Lions, with the over/under set at 47.5 points. Which of these rivals has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering this contest?
Lions vs. Packers prediction, preview
The headliner in this one is Parsons, and for good reason. Reggie White is the only other player in NFL history to record 12.0 or more sacks in each of his first four seasons. That’s the kind of company Green Bay’s newest game-wrecker is keeping. Even more impressive? The outside linebacker reached that 12.0 mark in just 13 games last season. The 26-year-old is a perfect fit for any team, especially the Packers. The Cheeseheads wielded a terrific defense in 2024, but that was due in large part to their knack for generating turnovers. Adding a generational talent up front is a far more sustainable way to harass opposing quarterbacks.
That’ll be the challenge facing the Lions and Jared Goff on Sunday. After an up-and-down tenure in Los Angeles, the quarterback has emerged as one of the NFC’s best passers. Since joining Detroit in 2021, he ranks second in passing yards (16,887), fourth in passing touchdowns (121), and fourth in quarterback rating (100.2). The four-time Pro Bowler has also enjoyed plenty of success in this matchup. Over his last eight meetings with the Packers, Goff has thrown for 1,815 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Granted, can we expect plenty of points from the Lions this season? Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the league’s top play callers, is head coach of the Bears. Most of the team’s best players are returning in 2025, so current OC John Morton still has plenty to work with. Regardless, there may be an adjustment period with a new voice on the headset. To counter this ferocious Green Bay pass rush, Morton could lean heavily on running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
The Packers aren’t the only team welcoming back a superstar defender. Aidan Hutchinson missed most of last season after breaking his leg vs. Dallas in Week 6. The former Pro Bowler will make his return against one of the league’s better QBs in Jordan Love. Green Bay’s face of the franchise spent the majority of the year at less than 100% due to injuries. Still, he managed to throw for 3,389 yards and 25 touchdowns in 15 games. Unlike Goff, the 26-year-old hasn’t thrived in this matchup. Over five career outings vs. the Lions, Love has thrown for 1,127 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. Health concerns for Jayden Reed could force first-round pick Matthew Golden into a bigger role on Sunday.
Lions vs. Packers pick, best bet
Best Bet: Lions ML (+124)
In this battle between bonafide Super Bowl contenders, go with the roster that has fewer holes. Although they acquired Parsons, the Packers are not without their flaws. Love has performed poorly in this spot before, and his connection with Golden is unproven. In comparison, Detroit has won six of its last seven games vs. Green Bay. Can the Lions push that number to seven in their last eight? At plus money, I’m willing to find out.
