Make it a season sweep for the Detroit Lions over the Green Bay Packers and a playoff spot guaranteed.
With Detroit's defense dealing with a plethora of injuries and needing significant snaps from some veterans they picked up just this week, Detroit's offense needed a big night Thursday and that's what they got.
Quarterback Jared Goff threw three touchdowns passes – two to wide receiver Tim Patrick and one to running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Running back David Montgomery also found the end zone on his 12th rushing touchdown of the season.
But it was kicker Jake Bates, who was just named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, who delivered the decisive blow and was the hero once again, converting a 35-yard walk-off field goal to give Detroit a 34-31 win for their 11th straight victory that pushes their record to 12-1 on the season and clinches a playoff spot. Detroit's offense accounted for 391 yards of offense on the night.
The Lions struck first, taking the opening possession of the game 70 yards in 11 plays capped off by a Montgomery untouched 3-yard touchdown run.
Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III knocked the ball out of Packers wide receiver Christian Watson's hands at the Packers' 44-yard line and the ball was recovered by linebacker David Long Jr. at the Lions' 46-yard line. Detroit turned the takeaway into a 43-yard Jake Bates field goal and a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter.
Green Bay answered the Bates field goal with their first points of the night on a 1-yard Josh Jacobs touchdown run to finish an 11-play, 70-yard drive that took seven and half minutes off the second-quarter clock.
Following the Jacobs touchdown with five minutes and 35 seconds left in the first half, Goff led the Lions 70 yards down the field and pushed the lead to 17-7 with just 10 seconds remaining in the half on a 4th & goal play from the 2-yard line on a terrific option route from Gibbs to beat Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie.
Detroit went into the half with the lead, but it took less than four minutes into the third quarter for the Packers to erase it.
The Packers took the opening possession of the third quarter right down the field and into the end zone on a Jordan Love to tight end Tucker Kraft 11-yard touchdown strike. The score was set up by a 59-yard Watson reception to the Detroit 12-yard line.
Green Bay got the ball back just three plays later when cornerback Keisean Nixon stepped in front of a Goff pass at the Detroit 32-yard line and returned it to the Lions' 16-yard line. Green Bay needed just three plays from there for Jacobs to find the end zone for the second time in the contest, this time from six yards out.
Detroit took back the lead with just over five minutes left in the third quarter on a 3-yard pass from Goff to wide receiver Tim Patrick on 4th & goal.
View photos from the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers Week 14 game at Ford Field on Thursday, December 5 in Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
A Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee decal on the helmet of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Kwon Alexander (10) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O'Connor (95) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jonah Williams (78) celebrate after a sack during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks off during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jonah Williams (78), Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), and Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) celebrate after a fumble recovery during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions Third Down Town during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander (1) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Kwon Alexander (10) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Jonah Williams (78), Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32), and Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks off during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions fans do the wave during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Mitchell Agude (50), Detroit Lions linebacker Kwon Alexander (10), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Brodric Martin (96), Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), and Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), and Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrates with Detroit Lions fans after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Adams (25) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) and Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), and Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39), Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71), and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Adams (25), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Adams (25), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32), Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrate after a game-winning field goal during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Green Bay took the lead early in the fourth quarter after Detroit failed to convert a 4th & 1 from their own 31-yard line. Green Bay needed just four plays from there to reclaim the lead on Jacobs' third touchdown of the game on a 4-yard scamper.
But like they did all night, Detroit battled back.
Goff drove them down the field again on their fourth 70-yard scoring drive of at least 10 plays and found Patrick for his second touchdown grab of the night on a 1-yard toss to take a 31-28 lead with eight and a half minutes left. It was the second two-touchdown game of Patrick's career.
Green Bay tied the game at 31 apiece with three minutes and 38 seconds left on a 32-yard Brandon McManus field goal. That gave Goff and the Lions' offense plenty of time to counter.
The Lions marched down to the Packers' 17-yard line and converted a 4th & 1 at the Green Bay 21-yard line to set Bates up for the 35-yard winner as time expired.
QB Comparison: Goff finished 32-of-41 passing for 283 yards with three touchdowns, one interception and a 109.7 passer rating.
Love completed 12 of his 20 passes for 206 yards with a touchdown and 111.7 rating. He also rushed four times for 23 yards.
Big moment(s)
Everyone knows Dan Campbell is an aggressive head coach and that paid off in a big way with Campbell opting to go for it twice on 4th & goal. In both instances Goff converted them into touchdowns.
The first was a 2-yard pass to Gibbs and the second a 3-yard pass to Patrick. Detroit also converted a 4th & 1 with less than a minute remaining at the Packers' 21-yard line that allowed them to run the clock out for Bates' attempt.
Detroit entered the contest 11th in the NFL converting fourth downs on the season at 64.7 percent (11-for-17). They were 4-for-5 Thursday converting on 4th down.
Key stat: All four of Detroit's touchdown drives traveled 70 yards with double-digit plays (10, 11, 12, 13). Their game-winning drive was also an 11-play drive.
Injury report: Defensive lineman Alim McNeill left the game in the first quarter to be evaluated for a concussion but returned to the game. He was later ruled out at halftime with a head injury.
Safety Brian Branch left the game in the fourth quarter with cramping and did not return.
Up next: vs. Buffalo (10-2), Dec. 15, 4:25 p.m.
