Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love delivered a dominant four-touchdown performance — including two clutch fourth-down scores — to lift the Packers to a 31-24 Thanksgiving victory over the Detroit Lions.
Love completed 18 of 30 passes for 234 yards, threw zero interceptions, and matched his career-high with four touchdown passes. The win moves Green Bay to 8-3-1, keeping them firmly in the NFC North race behind the 8-3 Chicago Bears.
Controversial Call Sparks Outrage From Dan Campbell
The game’s biggest talking point came late in the second quarter with a highly disputed Romeo Doubs touchdown. Before the score, the Packers were flagged for a false start on fourth down, which would have likely forced a field-goal attempt.
However, officials rescinded the penalty, ruling that coach Matt LaFleur had called a timeout before the flag — a decision that left Lions coach Dan Campbell furious on the sideline.
Broadcast replays showed the false start happening before LaFleur’s timeout signal, creating immediate backlash. FOX rules analyst Dean Blandino acknowledged the play “looked shaky,” while sideline reporter Tom Rinaldi said officials initially couldn’t hear LaFleur, prompting him to sprint down the sideline to call the timeout.
After the game, NFL VP of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth defended the ruling, insisting the timeout was granted in time — even though many viewers believed otherwise. LaFleur offered little explanation but gave a knowing wink that instantly went viral.
Packers Capitalize as Love Shines
With the controversial decision giving Green Bay new life, Love found Doubs for the game-changing touchdown. He later connected with Christian Watson on a 51-yard bomb and sealed the win with a late fourth-down strike to Dontayvion Wicks.
The Packers’ offense remained efficient despite losing defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt to a serious ankle injury.
Lions Fail on Fourth Down, Lose Amon-Ra St. Brown Early
Detroit had multiple opportunities to take control but failed twice on fourth-down conversions, a costly issue that has haunted them this season.
Quarterback Jared Goff played efficiently, going 20-of-26 for 256 yards and two touchdowns, while David Montgomery added a rushing score.
However, the Lions were dealt a major blow early when Amon-Ra St. Brown exited in the first quarter with an ankle injury.
Now 7-5 and sliding in the NFC North standings, Detroit faces an uphill battle to stay in the playoff hunt.
