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NFL · Week 17 · December 28, 2008 · 12 min read

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers: 2008 Week 17 Recap

Packers defeat Lions 31–21 in Week 17

Cornelius Johnson led Fantasy Impact as Packers prevailed in a 21–31 Week 17 finish.

Detroit Lions 21 0–16
Final 21–31
Green Bay Packers 31 6–10 Winner
Winner
Green Bay Packers
Final score
21–31
Halftime
Detroit Lions 7–14 Green Bay Packers
Top passer
D. Orlovsky
FantasyHQ MVP
Cornelius Johnson
Game date
December 28, 2008

Top fantasy performers · Lions

  • Cornelius Johnson
    Cornelius Johnson 9 REC · 102 YDS · 2 TD +18.0 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Standeford 3 REC · 82 YDS +7.7 Fantasy Impact
  • K.Colbert 1 REC · 11 YDS +2.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Packers

  • Aaron Rodgers
    Aaron Rodgers 21/36 · 273 YDS · 3 TD +7.6 Fantasy Impact
  • Gary Jennings
    Gary Jennings 5 REC · 101 YDS +5.8 Fantasy Impact
  • D.Driver 6 REC · 111 YDS · 1 TD +5.2 Fantasy Impact
View Lions vs Packers box score View all 2008 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Green Bay Packers
Final score
Green Bay Packers 31–21 Detroit Lions
Halftime
Detroit Lions 7–14 Green Bay Packers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Cornelius Johnson
Top passer
D. Orlovsky
Biggest EPA play
(9:02) (Shotgun) 42-D.Wynn right end for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2008-12-28

Game summary

The Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 31–21 on 2008-12-28. Cornelius Johnson posted a game-high +17.98 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Detroit Lions0777021
Green Bay Packers140017031

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

DETDetroit Lions
GBGreen Bay Packers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q1 9:02TD
    DWD. Wynn

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 73
    Score
    0-6

    (9:02) (Shotgun) 42-D.Wynn right end for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q1 8:49XP
    Maxx Crosby

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    0-7

    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.

  3. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q1 1:33TD
    JFJ. Finley

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 3
    Score
    0-13

    (1:33) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 88-J.Finley for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q1 1:29XP
    Maxx Crosby

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    0-14

    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.

  5. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 11:22TD
    Cornelius Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    GB 9
    Score
    6-14

    (11:22) (Shotgun) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short left to 81-C.Johnson for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. DETDetroit Lions
    Q2 11:17XP
    Jake Hanson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    GB 2
    Score
    7-14

    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris. PENALTY on GB-24-J.Bush, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.

  7. DETDetroit Lions
    Q3 10:28TD
    Cornelius Johnson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    GB 14
    Score
    13-14

    (10:28) (Shotgun) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. DETDetroit Lions
    Q3 10:20XP
    Jake Hanson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    GB 2
    Score
    14-14

    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  9. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q4 13:38FG
    Maxx Crosby

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DET 18
    Score
    14-17

    (13:38) 2-M.Crosby 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.

  10. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q4 8:40TD
    JKJ. Kuhn

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 5
    Score
    14-23

    (8:40) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 30-J.Kuhn for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q4 8:34XP
    Maxx Crosby

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    14-24

    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.

  12. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 7:38TD

    Points+6

    Yard line
    GB 9
    Score
    20-24

    (7:38) 34-Kevin Smith left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. DETDetroit Lions
    Q4 7:32XP
    Jake Hanson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    GB 2
    Score
    21-24

    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.

  14. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q4 7:27TD
    DDD. Driver

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DET 71
    Score
    21-30

    (7:27) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 80-D.Driver for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  15. GBGreen Bay Packers
    Q4 7:16XP
    Maxx Crosby

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DET 2
    Score
    21-31

    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Cornelius JohnsonCornelius Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +17.98 total EPA · 9 snaps · +2.00 EPA/play
  2. 2J. Standeford · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +7.65 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.55 EPA/play
  3. 3Aaron RodgersAaron Rodgers · Green Bay Packers · Passing · +7.59 total EPA · 36 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
  4. 4Gary JenningsGary Jennings · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +5.84 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.17 EPA/play
  5. 5D. Driver · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +5.24 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
  6. 6D. Wynn · Green Bay Packers · Rushing · +5.05 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
  7. 7J. Finley · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +3.90 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.95 EPA/play
  8. 8K. Colbert · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +2.85 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.85 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Cornelius Johnson

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Cornelius Johnson — DET · Receiving

Cornelius Johnson posted the highest total EPA (+17.98) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Detroit Lions. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +2.00 EPA per play.

Cornelius Johnson's top snap (-5.83 EPA): (4:25) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short right intended for 81-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Woodson at GB 36. 21-C.Woodson to DET 41 for 23 yards (81-C.Johnson, 66-S.Peterman).

Biggest single play (+6.51 EPA): D. Wynn — (9:02) (Shotgun) 42-D.Wynn right end for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

D. Orlovsky led all passers in efficiency for Detroit Lions, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • D. Orlovsky (Detroit Lions) · 43 dropbacks · 51.2% completion · -3.3% CPOE · -0.03 EPA/play · -1.21 total EPA
  • Aaron RodgersAaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) · 36 dropbacks · 58.3% completion · +7.9% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +7.59 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDetroit LionsGreen Bay Packers
Offensive EPA/play+0.021+0.146
Offensive success rate39.6%45.5%
Pass EPA/play-0.028+0.211
Rush EPA/play+0.017+0.120
Defensive EPA/play-0.146-0.021
Defensive success rate54.5%60.4%

Drive & efficiency notes

Green Bay Packers held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs +0.02), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Detroit Lions: +0.02 EPA/play (55th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
  • Green Bay Packers: +0.15 EPA/play (84th percentile vs. 2008 team-game averages)
  • Detroit Lions: 12 drives, +1.92 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
  • Green Bay Packers: 13 drives, +11.23 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Green Bay Packers — D. Wynn (Q1 9:02)
  • Green Bay Packers — J. Finley (Aaron Rodgers pass) (Q1 1:33)
  • Cornelius JohnsonDetroit Lions — Cornelius Johnson (D. Orlovsky pass) (Q2 11:22)
  • Cornelius JohnsonDetroit Lions — Cornelius Johnson (D. Orlovsky pass) (Q3 10:28)
  • Green Bay Packers — J. Kuhn (Aaron Rodgers pass) (Q4 8:40)
  • Detroit Lions — unlisted player (Q4 7:38)
  • Green Bay Packers — D. Driver (Aaron Rodgers pass) (Q4 7:27)

Field goals

  • Maxx CrosbyGreen Bay Packers — Maxx Crosby (Q4 13:38)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 14–0. Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 73 (Q1 9:02) — (9:02) (Shotgun) 42-D.Wynn right end for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 8:49) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 3 (Q1 1:33) — (1:33) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 88-J.Finley for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 1:29) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn..

The second quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 9 (Q2 11:22) — (11:22) (Shotgun) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short left to 81-C.Johnson for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the GB 2 (Q2 11:17).

The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 7–0. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 14 (Q3 10:28) — (10:28) (Shotgun) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the GB 2 (Q3 10:20) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris..

The fourth quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 17–7. Green Bay Packers connected on a field goal from the DET 18 (Q4 13:38) — (13:38) 2-M.Crosby 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 5 (Q4 8:40) — (8:40) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 30-J.Kuhn for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 8:34) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 9 (Q4 7:38) — (7:38) 34-Kevin Smith left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the GB 2 (Q4 7:32) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 71 (Q4 7:27) — (7:27) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 80-D.Driver for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 7:16) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Detroit Lions (Q2 0:07) — (:07) 2-N.Harris punts 42 yards to GB 41, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, fair catch by 27-W.Blackmon. [WPA +52.9% · EPA -0.07]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q2 0:00) — 2-M.Crosby 69 yard field goal is No Good, Short, Holder-10-M.Flynn. [WPA +51.5% · EPA -0.19]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q1 9:02) — (9:02) (Shotgun) 42-D.Wynn right end for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.9% · EPA +6.51]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q3 11:42) — (11:42) 25-R.Grant left end to GB 12 for 2 yards (24-K.Pearson). FUMBLES (24-K.Pearson), RECOVERED by DET-24-K.Pearson at GB 11. 24-K.Pearson to GB 11 for no gain (72-J.Spitz). Green Bay challenged th [WPA -14.5% · EPA -4.80]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q3 9:02) — (9:02) (Shotgun) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 85-G.Jennings to DET 33 for 47 yards (27-D.Bullocks). [WPA +14.4% · EPA +4.36]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Green Bay Packers (Q1 9:02) — (9:02) (Shotgun) 42-D.Wynn right end for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +18.9% · EPA +6.51]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 4:25) — (4:25) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short right intended for 81-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Woodson at GB 36. 21-C.Woodson to DET 41 for 23 yards (81-C.Johnson, 66-S.Peterman). [WPA -13.0% · EPA -5.83]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q4 7:27) — (7:27) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 80-D.Driver for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +13.5% · EPA +5.68]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q3 11:42) — (11:42) 25-R.Grant left end to GB 12 for 2 yards (24-K.Pearson). FUMBLES (24-K.Pearson), RECOVERED by DET-24-K.Pearson at GB 11. 24-K.Pearson to GB 11 for no gain (72-J.Spitz). Green Bay challenged th [WPA -14.5% · EPA -4.80]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q1 9:02 · DET 73 · Score 0-6
    (9:02) (Shotgun) 42-D.Wynn right end for 73 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q1 8:49 · DET 2 · Score 0-7
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.
  3. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q1 1:33 · DET 3 · Score 0-13
    (1:33) 12-A.Rodgers pass short right to 88-J.Finley for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q1 1:29 · DET 2 · Score 0-14
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.
  5. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 11:22 · GB 9 · Score 6-14
    (11:22) (Shotgun) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short left to 81-C.Johnson for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 11:17 · GB 2 · Score 7-14
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris. PENALTY on GB-24-J.Bush, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced between downs.
  7. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 10:28 · GB 14 · Score 13-14
    (10:28) (Shotgun) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 10:20 · GB 2 · Score 14-14
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  9. Green Bay Packers FG (+3) — Q4 13:38 · DET 18 · Score 14-17
    (13:38) 2-M.Crosby 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.
  10. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q4 8:40 · DET 5 · Score 14-23
    (8:40) 12-A.Rodgers pass short left to 30-J.Kuhn for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q4 8:34 · DET 2 · Score 14-24
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.
  12. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 7:38 · GB 9 · Score 20-24
    (7:38) 34-Kevin Smith left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 7:32 · GB 2 · Score 21-24
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-N.Harris.
  14. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q4 7:27 · DET 71 · Score 21-30
    (7:27) 12-A.Rodgers pass deep right to 80-D.Driver for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q4 7:16 · DET 2 · Score 21-31
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-10-M.Flynn.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Green Bay Packers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Cornelius Johnson (Detroit Lions) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • D. Orlovsky (DET) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
  • Aaron Rodgers (GB) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers on 2008-12-28?

The Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 31-21 in Week 17, 2008.

What was the score by quarter in Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers?

Q1: Detroit Lions 0, Green Bay Packers 14; Q2: Detroit Lions 7, Green Bay Packers 0; Q3: Detroit Lions 7, Green Bay Packers 0; Q4: Detroit Lions 7, Green Bay Packers 17; Final: Detroit Lions 21, Green Bay Packers 31.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers?

Green Bay Packers touchdown — D. Wynn (Q1 9:02) Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Finley (A. Rodgers pass) (Q1 1:33) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Johnson (D. Orlovsky pass) (Q2 11:22) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Johnson (D. Orlovsky pass) (Q3 10:28) Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Kuhn (A. Rodgers pass) (Q4 8:40) Detroit Lions touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 7:38) Green Bay Packers touchdown — D. Driver (A. Rodgers pass) (Q4 7:27) Green Bay Packers field goal — M. Crosby (Q4 13:38, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers?

D. Orlovsky (Detroit Lions), 51.2% completion, -3.3% CPOE, -0.03 EPA per dropback, -1.21 total passing EPA. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), 58.3% completion, +7.9% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +7.59 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers?

Cornelius Johnson (Detroit Lions) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +17.98 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 9 snaps. Their top snap (-5.83 EPA): (4:25) 6-D.Orlovsky pass short right intended for 81-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Woodson at GB 36. 21-C.Woodson to DET 41 for 23 yards (81-C.Johnson, 66-S.Peterman)..

Season records after this game

Detroit Lions

Entered 0-15 Now 0-16 L

Green Bay Packers

Entered 5-10 Now 6-10 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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