The Detroit Lions continue to rewrite their narrative under head coach Dan Campbell, clinching a playoff berth with a gutsy 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. Campbell’s fearless play-calling and the Lions’ relentless offense were on full display as they extended their franchise-record winning streak to 11 games and improved to an NFC-best 12-1.
In a game marked by high stakes and drama, the Lions’ aggressive approach made the difference. Facing fourth-and-1 at the Packers’ 21-yard line with just 43 seconds remaining, Campbell opted to go for it for the fifth time that night. Quarterback Jared Goff, whose feet got tangled as he took the snap, barely handed the ball off to David Montgomery, who surged forward for a 7-yard gain. The clutch conversion set up Jake Bates’ 35-yard game-winning field goal as time expired, sending Ford Field into a frenzy.
“We’re not afraid to put the game in our hands,” Campbell said postgame. “I trust these guys, and they delivered when it mattered most.”
The Lions, who have emerged as the NFL’s most surprising powerhouse, now lead the NFC North by a game over Minnesota (10-2). Their victory over the Packers (9-4) capped a season sweep of their division rivals and highlighted the aggressive philosophy that has defined Campbell’s tenure since taking over in 2021.
Goff was pivotal in the win, throwing three touchdown passes, including two on fourth-and-goal situations. His 2-yard strike to rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs with 11 seconds left in the first half gave Detroit a 17-7 lead. Later, Goff connected with Tim Patrick for a 1-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, putting Detroit ahead 31-28.
Green Bay, however, capitalized on one of the rare moments when Campbell’s gambles didn’t pay off. The Packers stopped Gibbs on a fourth-and-1 at the Detroit 31-yard line late in the third quarter, and running back Josh Jacobs scored his third touchdown of the game on the ensuing drive to give Green Bay a 28-24 lead.
But the Lions responded with poise. Goff led Detroit’s final drive with precision, completing passes to Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown to position Bates for his third game-winning kick of the season. Goff finished 32 of 41 for 283 yards, overcoming a third-quarter interception that set up one of Jacobs’ touchdowns.
The game featured standout performances from both teams. Patrick hauled in two touchdown passes for the Lions, while Gibbs added a key receiving touchdown. Montgomery was instrumental in the ground game, grinding out tough yards and delivering in critical moments.
For the Packers, quarterback Jordan Love threw for 206 yards and a touchdown to Tucker Kraft. Jacobs matched his career high with three rushing touchdowns, keeping Green Bay in contention throughout the night. Kicker Brandon McManus nailed a 32-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 31-all, setting the stage for Detroit’s game-winning drive.
Under Campbell’s leadership, Detroit has gone from league laughingstock to legitimate contender. The Lions’ aggressive play-calling isn’t just a novelty—it’s a winning formula. They’ve converted 75% of their fourth-down attempts this season, including 4-of-5 against Green Bay, a testament to Campbell’s confidence in his team.
The Lions will now turn their attention to securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, a goal that feels well within reach for a team firing on all cylinders.
“This is what we’ve worked for,” Goff said. “But we’re not done yet. We’ve got bigger goals ahead.”
With their playoff spot secured and the NFC’s top seed in sight, the Lions have firmly established themselves as one of the NFL’s elite teams—and Dan Campbell’s fearless style has become their defining trademark.
Packers will head to NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks in a Sunday night game on Dec. 15. As the Lions will host AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15.
