Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Picks and Predictions September 7th 2025

Micah Parsons Aiming to Suit Up in Packers’ Opener vs. Lions

The NFC North opener on Sunday between the Green Bay Packers and defending division champion Detroit Lions is filled with intrigue, highlighted by the potential debut of star edge rusher Micah Parsons in a Packers uniform. Parsons was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Dallas Cowboys but has been managing a back injury in the days leading up to kickoff.

Fans and bettors alike are watching closely as both teams enter the season with lofty expectations. For more breakdowns on the Week 1 slate, check out the full NFL previews

Packers Banking on Parsons’ Impact

Green Bay paid a steep price for Parsons, giving up two first-round picks and defensive lineman Kenny Clark. Now the question is whether their new defensive centerpiece will be available to slow down Detroit’s potent offense. Reports indicated Parsons received an epidural this week, and although limited in practice, head coach Matt LaFleur remains optimistic.

The Packers are also counting on improvements on offense, with Jordan Love returning from thumb surgery and rookie receiver Matthew Golden joining the mix. Love, who passed for over 3,300 yards with 25 touchdowns last season, has a deeper supporting cast to work with alongside running back Josh Jacobs.

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Lions Bring Explosive Firepower

Detroit stormed through the 2024 season with a 15-2 record, including two wins over the Packers. Quarterback Jared Goff spearheaded the league’s highest-scoring offense at 33.2 points per game, throwing for 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered 1,412 rushing yards and 20 total scores, becoming one of the NFL’s most dynamic weapons.

The Lions did lose both coordinators in the offseason, with Ben Johnson taking the Bears’ head coaching job and Aaron Glenn moving to the Jets. Even so, head coach Dan Campbell expects his team to adjust quickly, especially with Aidan Hutchinson back healthy after missing much of last season.

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Key Injuries and Availability

The Packers’ injury list is a concern. Cornerback Nate Hobbs and receiver Jayden Reed missed practice, while several others, including Elgton Jenkins and Dontayvion Wicks, were limited. On the Lions’ side, linebacker Trevor Nowaske and running back Sione Vaki would have been sidelined, but overall the injury report is less severe.

Green Bay’s secondary is adjusting after parting ways with Jaire Alexander, who signed with Baltimore, while safety Xavier McKinney remains a key ballhawk. Detroit’s defense looks stronger with Hutchinson’s return, which could tilt the pass-rush battle in their favor.

If you’re looking for deeper breakdowns and wagering edges, the expert betting guide provides advanced strategies heading into the opener.

Lambeau Mystique and Division Stakes

The Lions have won three straight games at Lambeau Field, a rare feat in franchise history. Dan Campbell called the atmosphere one of the most special in football, and his team has proven it can handle the challenge. For the Packers, avoiding slow starts will be critical, as both losses to Detroit last year came after early deficits.

With the NFC North crown in sight for both franchises, the season opener carries extra weight. Whether or not Parsons plays, Green Bay will need its defense to step up and contain Goff and Gibbs, while Detroit will look to maintain its stranglehold on the division.

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