The Green Bay Packers open their 2025–26 campaign at home against the Detroit Lions, a rare occurrence under head coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers haven’t started a season at Lambeau Field since 2018. History is on their side, though — Green Bay has won each of its last 12 home openers.
Oddsmakers currently have the Packers listed as 1.5-point favorites in this Week 1 matchup.
Both teams are coming off strong 2024 seasons that ended in playoff berths.
Detroit finished with 15 wins and secured the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed. However, injuries heading into and during their divisional-round matchup against the Commanders proved costly, and they fell short in a much-anticipated showdown.
Green Bay, meanwhile, clinched the No. 7 seed despite an 11-win season. Their playoff run was cut short with a loss in Philadelphia, but with the youngest roster in the league yet again, the Packers are looking to stay among the NFL’s elite.
The average age of every NFL team's projected 53-man roster
byu/idksh_t inGreenBayPackers
Key Notes
Detroit’s Changes: The Lions lost both coordinators this offseason, along with All-Pro center Frank Ragnow.
Green Bay’s Major Loss: The Packers released All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, who signed with the Ravens.
Impact Additions: Both teams retooled with key depth pieces, but Green Bay’s first-round pick, wide receiver Matthew Golden, has generated the most buzz. Reports out of camp suggest he’s been “unguardable” and could provide an immediate spark for the offense.
Defensive Strengths: Last season, the Packers ranked fourth in takeaways and eighth in sacks, despite owning the second-lowest blitz rate in the NFL. Detroit’s Jared Goff was pressured heavily in last year’s Divisional Round, leading to four turnovers — something Green Bay will try to make him replicate.
Offensive Players to Watch
Jordan Love (Packers): Entering his third year as the starter, Love is fully healthy from all injuries in 2024. He’ll face a tough Lions defense, but Green Bay’s offense finished as one of the league’s most efficient scoring units last season. Maintaining that rhythm will be key.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions): Goff’s go-to target continues to build his résumé as one of the NFL’s top receivers. In this matchup, he’ll face a Green Bay secondary known for its toughness and physicality.
Defensive Players to Watch
Xavier McKinney (Packers): After a career year in his first season with Green Bay, McKinney returns as the leader of a young defense. His eight interceptions in 2024 made him one of the league’s premier ball hawks, and Goff will need to be cautious throwing his way in Week 1.
Brian Branch (Lions): Now in his third season, Branch has developed into one of Detroit’s most versatile defenders. His ability to cover the slot, support the run, and generate turnovers makes him a disruptive presence who could impact Jordan Love’s passing attack.
Final Notes
It’s only Week 1, but the Packers-Lions matchup has a little extra weight. The Packers’ young lineup meets Detroit’s loaded roster, and with both teams eyeing another deep playoff run, it wouldn’t be surprising if this matchup carries playoff implications far down the road.
Leave a comment