By Moses Joshua 
Thanksgiving in Detroit brings high stakes as the Lions look to right early-season wrongs and maintain their playoff momentum against division rival Green Bay.
1. Can Jahmyr Gibbs Continue His Torrid Pace?
Jahmyr Gibbs enters Thanksgiving riding a historic wave of production. Fresh off an overtime heroics performance against the New York Giants, the rookie set a franchise record for scrimmage yards by a running back with 264, including three touchdowns. Over the three games with Dan Campbell calling plays, Gibbs has amassed 582 scrimmage yards, averaging an eye-popping 194 yards per game.
However, Week 1 in Green Bay was a stark contrast. Gibbs managed just 19 rushing yards on nine carries and only 31 receiving yards despite 10 receptions. It’s clear the Packers have a blueprint to contain him, and the Lions will need him to replicate his recent dominance to have a shot at a Thanksgiving victory.
Jared Goff acknowledged Gibbs’ growing impact in the passing game:
“He’s doing a great job learning these routes, getting better at these routes. His hands are as good as they need to be. He does a great job out of the backfield. I probably went to him a couple too many times, honestly, on some of those balls to the sideline, but sometimes… he’s the hot hand.”
Expect Detroit to continue leaning on Gibbs both on the ground and through the air, especially against a Packers defense that tends to funnel runners into check-downs.
2. Can the Lions Fix Their Offensive Shortcomings?
The Lions know they can’t afford a repeat of the Week 1 struggles in Green Bay, where they failed to generate meaningful yards after the catch. That game saw only 126 YAC, with tight end Sam LaPorta leading the way before going on IR. Even Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams struggled to make an impact in that area.
Head coach Dan Campbell emphasized patience and execution:
“Teams that have trouble are the ones that don’t stay patient… you’ve got to be able to hit. And then you’ve got to get some YAC. Some of these underneath throws, you’ve got to get some YAC. That’s what our guys will be charged with.”
Detroit’s strategy will continue to rely on short, precise passes to keep drives alive, controlling tempo and setting up explosive plays when defenses overcommit.
3. Will the Lions’ Defense Contain the Packers’ Offense?
The defensive unit faces its own challenge: slowing down Jordan Love and his revitalized receiving corps. Christian Watson’s return provides the Packers with a legitimate vertical threat, something the Lions didn’t fully address in Week 1.
On a brighter note, D.J. Reed’s comeback from injured reserve provides stability in the secondary. Terrion Arnold could also return from concussion protocol, allowing the Lions to reassemble a nearly full starting corner rotation. Amik Robertson’s versatility at slot and outside positions, combined with Rock Ya-Sin’s presence, gives the defense depth to combat Green Bay’s varied offensive schemes.
The secondary struggled in Detroit’s overtime win against the Giants, but stabilizing the rotation should allow the unit to tighten coverage and reduce big-play opportunities for Love.
The Takeaway
Thanksgiving brings more than just turkey and tradition—it’s a pivotal test for the Lions. Jahmyr Gibbs’ ability to maintain his red-hot streak, the offense’s capacity to stay patient and maximize YAC, and the defense’s readiness to handle Green Bay’s weapons will determine whether Detroit can flip the script and claim a statement win in the NFC North.