Branch was flagged for an altercation with Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, in which he yanked Kraft’s helmet and tossed it toward the Lions’ sideline. He received penalties for both a facemask and taunting, with many calling for his ejection on the spot.

Williams, however, was penalized for something far more minor: talking trash after making a catch. The taunting call drew widespread criticism—not just from Lions fans, but even from Packers supporters, who felt the NFL crossed the line into over-policing.

Packers Fans Rip “Soft” Taunting Fine

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Williams was fined $11,593 for his brief verbal exchange after a reception. Even fans of the rival Packers thought the penalty was excessive.

One Green Bay supporter bluntly responded: “Packers fan here—this is stupid. I’m all for safety measures, but talking shit should be part of the game.”

Another self-described “die-hard Packers fan in the PNW” echoed the sentiment, calling the fine “soft” and “embarrassing” for the league.

While the NFL understandably wants to keep emotions from boiling over—especially in heated division matchups—the call on Williams felt petty. The Lions were trailing 17-3, tensions were high, and Williams has already faced questions about his maturity after two previous suspensions. Still, to most viewers, this was a case of the NFL cracking down on harmless competitiveness.