The Detroit Lions completed a season sweep against the Green Bay Packers and secured a playoff position.
Despite facing numerous injuries on defense and relying on several veterans signed just days prior, Detroit’s offense delivered when it mattered most.
Quarterback Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes—two to wide receiver Tim Patrick and one to running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Running back David Montgomery also added to the score with his 12th rushing touchdown of the season. However, it was kicker Jake Bates, recently named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, who played a crucial role by nailing a 35-yard walk-off field goal, sealing a 34-31 win. This victory marked the Lions’ 11th consecutive win, bringing their season record to 12-1.
Detroit opened the game strong, marching 70 yards in 11 plays to score a touchdown with Montgomery’s 3-yard run. Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III then forced a fumble from Packers wide receiver Christian Watson at the Green Bay 44-yard line, which linebacker David Long Jr. recovered. This turnover led to a Jake Bates field goal, extending the lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter.
Green Bay responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs, capping off an 11-play drive that took over seven minutes. After Jacobs’ score, Goff quickly led the Lions down the field, scoring on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Gibbs, giving Detroit a 17-7 lead just before halftime.
With a little over five minutes left in the third quarter, the Lions regained the lead with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Goff to Tim Patrick on a critical 4th & goal situation.