DETROIT, UNITED STATES | TUNGARU PRESS | October 26, 2026
The Detroit Lions secured a dramatic 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday after kicker Jake Bates converted a 22-yard field goal as time expired, completing a tense NFC North showdown.
Detroit overcame costly turnovers, aggressive coaching decisions and a late scoring threat from Green Bay to claim its second consecutive victory.
The result improved the Lions' record to 4-2, while the Packers fell to 4-3, ending their three-game winning streak.
Campbell's Risky Decision Nearly Costs Detroit
Lions head coach Dan Campbell faced criticism after making a bold fourth-down decision with less than five minutes remaining.
Leading by three points, Detroit attempted to convert fourth-and-one from its own 24-yard line.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was stopped without gaining a yard, giving Green Bay possession in excellent field position.
Campbell defended the decision after the game.
“I thought we would get it, No. 1,” Campbell said.
“No. 2, I knew we would get the ball back if it didn't work out.”
His confidence proved justified, although Detroit needed a combination of defensive pressure and a missed field goal to escape the situation.
Packers Miss Crucial Opportunity
Green Bay had an opportunity to take advantage of Detroit's failed fourth-down attempt.
Quarterback Jordan Love narrowly missed connecting with Josh Jacobs on a potential touchdown pass.
The Packers then sent rookie kicker Trey Smack onto the field for a 35-yard field-goal attempt.
However, Detroit defender D.J. Wonnum managed to get a finger on the football, and the kick sailed wide.
It was Smack's second missed field goal of the afternoon after an earlier unsuccessful attempt from 26 yards.
According to Sportradar, he became the first NFL kicker since 2019 to miss two field goals from 35 yards or closer in the same game.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed disappointment with his team's inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities.
“We had some premier field position and we just didn't take advantage,” LaFleur said.
“We missed two field goals, but we know Trey is capable of making those.”
Goff Leads Winning Drive
With the score tied at 17-17, Lions quarterback Jared Goff guided Detroit into position for the winning field goal.
Goff connected with tight end Sam LaPorta for an 18-yard completion.
A late-hit penalty against Green Bay defender Karl Brooks then advanced Detroit to the Packers' 45-yard line.
Gibbs followed with a 15-yard run, while another penalty against Brooks gave Detroit a fresh set of downs at the Green Bay 15.
With the Packers attempting to preserve enough time for another possession, Gibbs twice chose to go down rather than continue towards the end zone.
The decision allowed Detroit to control the remaining seconds before Bates delivered the winning kick.
Goff praised the team's execution.
“That was as good as it gets at clock management,” he said.
Bates then converted from 22 yards to secure the victory as the final seconds expired.
Williams Shines as Lions Overcome Turnovers
Detroit's offence had earlier struggled with ball security, losing two fumbles that prevented the team from extending narrow leads.
One turnover helped Green Bay move ahead 14-10 after Love connected with Jacobs on a 25-yard touchdown pass.
However, the Lions responded when Goff found Jameson Williams for a 10-yard touchdown.
Williams finished with two touchdown receptions for the second consecutive week.
Detroit also missed another scoring opportunity late in the third quarter when Campbell chose to attempt fourth-and-five from the Packers' six-yard line.
Goff's pass fell incomplete, leaving valuable points on the field.
Despite those setbacks, the Lions produced enough decisive plays to secure the win.
Branch Makes Important Return
Detroit safety Brian Branch made a significant contribution in his first game since suffering a torn left Achilles tendon last December.
Branch recorded a fourth-quarter interception, helping the Lions maintain their defensive pressure.
Following the victory, he emphasised the importance of winning divisional games.
“Any division game is important,” Branch said.
“We need these. They're mini-playoff games.”
Detroit now sits third in the NFC North, behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings at 6-0 and the Chicago Bears at 5-2.
The Lions will host Minnesota in their next game.
Packers Frustrated by Penalties
Green Bay players and coaches expressed frustration over officiating decisions during the contest.
Penalties awarded Detroit five first downs, the most the Lions have gained through penalties in a game since 2020.
Packers safety Xavier McKinney openly criticised the officiating after the defeat.
LaFleur was more restrained but made his disappointment clear.
“I could tell you what I really think, but it wouldn't do us any good,” he said.
The penalties proved costly during Detroit's final drive, helping the Lions move into position for the winning field goal.
Jacobs Returns as Injuries Affect Packers
Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs made his season debut after being removed from the NFL commissioner's exempt list.
Jacobs had previously pleaded no contest to two misdemeanour charges arising from an incident involving his then-girlfriend in May.
He finished with five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown, along with 11 rushing attempts for 36 yards.
The Packers also suffered injuries to offensive linemen Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk.
LaFleur indicated that neither player was expected to be available for Thursday's game against Carolina.
Detroit, meanwhile, saw cornerback Ennis Rakestraw suffer an ankle injury.
Lions Prepare for Unbeaten Vikings
The victory gives Detroit renewed momentum ahead of a major divisional contest against Minnesota.
Although the Lions made several costly mistakes against Green Bay, their ability to recover and execute under pressure proved decisive.
For the Packers, missed scoring opportunities and penalties turned a winnable game into a frustrating defeat.
Detroit's dramatic finish keeps the Lions firmly in the NFC North race, while Green Bay must regroup after a narrow loss that could have important consequences in the division standings.
Original reporting: Associated Press, as published by ESPN.
Sources: ESPN and Associated Press.
Adapted and rewritten for Tungaru Press
Tungaru Press | Local Voices, Global Stories.
