If you’re hunting for the Detroit Lions Packers game time, you’ve likely realized that the 2025-2026 regular season just wrapped up its drama-filled run. It was a rollercoaster. Honestly, this rivalry feels different every single year, but the stakes this past season were especially high as the NFC North turned into a literal buzzsaw of competition.
For those looking back at the schedule or trying to figure out if there is a postseason matchup looming, the reality is a bit bittersweet depending on which side of the Michigan-Wisconsin border you call home.
The Regular Season Matchups: When They Played
The Lions and Packers met twice during the 2025 regular season, and both games had massive implications for the divisional standings.
The first meeting took place in Week 1 on September 7, 2025. It was a 4:25 PM ET kickoff at Lambeau Field. The atmosphere was electric, but it wasn't the start Detroit fans wanted. Green Bay took that one 27-13, with Jordan Love looking every bit the franchise cornerstone.
Then came the big one. The Thanksgiving Day tradition.
On November 27, 2025, the Detroit Lions Packers game time was set for 1:00 PM ET at Ford Field. This is basically a religious holiday in Michigan. Turkey, stuffing, and Lions football. Unfortunately for the Honolulu Blue faithful, Green Bay swept the season series with a 31-24 victory on the road. It was a tight game, but a few late-game miscues by the Lions' secondary really sealed the deal for the Packers.
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Postseason Update: Is There a Third Game?
Right now, as of January 17, 2026, the answer is no.
The Green Bay Packers actually qualified for the playoffs as a Wild Card team with a 9-8-1 record, but their journey ended just a few days ago. They played the Chicago Bears on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. It was a heartbreaker for Green Bay—Caleb Williams led an 18-point comeback to knock the Packers out of the tournament with a 31-27 final score.
As for the Lions? They finished the season at 7-10. They didn't make the cut this year.
It’s kinda wild how the NFC North shifted. The Bears are currently the ones moving on to the Divisional Round, while both the Lions and Packers are heading into the offseason to figure out how to reclaim the North in 2026.
Why the Timing of These Games Matters
NFL scheduling isn't just random. The Detroit Lions Packers game time being placed on Thanksgiving is a deliberate nod to history. The Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1934 (except for a gap during WWII).
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When these two teams meet, the "window" is everything.
- Early Window (1:00 PM ET): Usually reserved for the Thanksgiving game or standard Sunday matchups.
- Late Window (4:25 PM ET): Often used for "America’s Game of the Week" on FOX or CBS when the rivalry has national playoff implications.
- Prime Time (8:20 PM ET): Sunday Night Football or Monday Night Football appearances.
The 2025 season leaned heavily into the afternoon slots. This usually means the league expects a high-interest regional draw, but perhaps didn't see it as the "main event" compared to some of the AFC matchups involving the Chiefs or Bills.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Since the 2025 season is functionally over for both teams, fans are already looking at the 2026 schedule release. While we don't have the exact Detroit Lions Packers game time for the 2026 season yet, we know a few things for sure.
The NFL schedule is usually released in mid-May. Based on the league's rotation, we know the Lions will host the Packers at Ford Field and travel to Lambeau Field once again. If you're planning a trip, keep an eye on that mid-May release date.
The "flex scheduling" rules also mean that even if a game is originally set for 1:00 PM, the NFL can move it to Sunday Night Football if both teams are fighting for the division lead late in the year.
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Historic Context of the Rivalry
You can't talk about the game time without acknowledging the history. This is one of the oldest rivalries in football, dating back to 1930.
Most people think the Packers have always dominated, but that's not exactly true. While the "Favre-Rodgers" era was rough for Detroit, the Lions have been much more competitive in the last three seasons. Dan Campbell has brought a grit to Detroit that makes every 60-minute game a literal dogfight.
Essentially, when you see a Lions-Packers game on the calendar, you aren't just looking at a time slot; you're looking at a piece of NFL heritage.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're trying to stay ahead of the curve for the next matchup, here is what you should do:
- Mark the May Calendar: The 2026 NFL schedule typically drops the second or third week of May. That is when the official Detroit Lions Packers game time will be set for both the home and away legs.
- Check the Thanksgiving Rotation: While the Lions always play on Thanksgiving, their opponent rotates. They played the Packers in 2025, so there’s a high chance they’ll face a different divisional foe like the Vikings or Bears in 2026, though a Packers rematch isn't impossible.
- Verify Flex Changes: If a game is scheduled for Week 12 or later, always check the time 12 days before kickoff. The NFL frequently "flexes" divisional games into prime time to maximize ratings.
- Ticket Strategy: For games at Lambeau, tickets are notoriously hard to get. If you want to see the Lions in Green Bay, look at the "secondary market" immediately after the schedule is released in May before prices spike.
The rivalry is currently in a state of flux. With the Packers out of the playoffs and the Lions looking to rebuild their defense this offseason, the next time these two meet, the rosters might look significantly different. But one thing is certain: whenever that kickoff time is, the entire Midwest will be watching.