Can the Detroit Lions dethrone the Green Bay Packers?

4 of 4

Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers players take to the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Win at Lambeau Field

The last time the Detroit Lions won in the state of Wisconsin was Sunday, December 15, 1991. It was the same season they went 8-0 at home and finished 12-4. Notice a theme here?

Jan 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fan Jeff Kahlow shows his support in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

By the time the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers next face off at Lambeau, it will have been 24 years since the Lions last posted a victory there. In the 23 losses, the Packers have outscored the Lions a combined 664-351.

It’s one of the most iconic stadiums in the NFL and is a tough place to visit, especially in December when the temperatures drop dramatically. The “Frozen Tundra” is particularly challenging for teams used to playing indoors.

While the Packers do have a great recent record at Lambeau, they aren’t invincible there. Good teams can win in Green Bay. The San Francisco 49ers own a pair of recent victories there, winning the 2012 season opener and repeating the success in Wild Card round of the 2013 playoffs.

Jan 5, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; The San Francisco 49ers tackle

Anthony Davis

(76) celebrates after beating the Green Bay Packer 23-20 on a field goal by kicker

Phil Dawson

(9)during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots and Cowboys came close to winning at Lambeau in 2014 and the Lions have had their fair share of close games there in recent seasons.

The Lions have lost by ten points or fewer in four of the past five visits to Wisconsin.

They had a fantastic opportunity to snap the streak in 2011. Visiting Lambeau Field in Week 17 with a chance to secure the fifth seed in the playoffs, the Packers had already secured the number one seed and rested many starters, including Aaron Rodgers. Backup quarterback Matt Flynn stepped in and threw a franchise record six touchdown passes (since tied twice by Rodgers) to give the Packers a 45-41 victory.

To win the NFC North and dethrone the Packers, the Lions will need to break the streak and overcome the mystique of Lambeau Field. If the Lions keep making positive strides under head coach Jim Caldwell, it’s only a matter of time before it happens and the city Detroit hosts a playoff game.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Detroit Lions