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NFL · Week 17 · January 1, 2012 · 12 min read

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers: 2011 Week 17 Recap

Packers defeat Lions 45–41 in Week 17

M.Flynn led Fantasy Impact as Packers prevailed in a 41–45 Week 17 finish.

Detroit Lions 41 10–6
Final 41–45
Green Bay Packers 45 15–1 Winner
Winner
Green Bay Packers
Final score
41–45
Halftime
Detroit Lions 19–24 Green Bay Packers
Top passer
Matthew Stafford
FantasyHQ MVP
M.Flynn
Game date
January 1, 2012

Top fantasy performers · Lions

  • Matthew Stafford
    Matthew Stafford 36/64 · 504 YDS · 5 TD +17.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Cornelius Johnson
    Cornelius Johnson 11 REC · 244 YDS · 1 TD +14.9 Fantasy Impact
  • T.Scheffler 4 REC · 65 YDS · 1 TD +8.4 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Packers

  • M.Flynn 31/50 · 470 YDS · 6 TD +19.9 Fantasy Impact
  • J.Finley 7 REC · 64 YDS · 1 TD +7.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Jack Nelson
    Jack Nelson 9 REC · 162 YDS · 3 TD +6.2 Fantasy Impact
View Lions vs Packers box score View all 2011 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions 45–41 in Week 17 of the 2011 NFL season on 2012-01-01, a matchup that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half. The decisive swing (-33.1% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Detroit Lions swung the momentum.

In Week 17 of the 2011 NFL season on 2012-01-01, the Green Bay Packers took care of business against the Detroit Lions, pulling away with a 45–41 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

M. Stafford (Detroit Lions) paced the passing game, with +17.24 total EPA, and +3.1% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, M. Flynn (Green Bay Packers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +19.95 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-33.1% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Detroit Lions changed the game: (:33) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep left intended for 13-N.Burleson INTERCEPTED by 37-S.Shields at GB 20. 37-S.Shields to GB 22 for 2 yards (13-N.Burleson).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Detroit Lions910157041
Green Bay Packers1014714045

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 M. Flynn · Green Bay Packers · Passing · +19.95 total EPA · 50 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
  2. 2 M. Stafford · Detroit Lions · Passing · +17.24 total EPA · 64 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
  3. 3 C. Johnson · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +14.90 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
  4. 4 T. Scheffler · Detroit Lions · Receiving · +8.42 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.20 EPA/play
  5. 5 J. Finley · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +7.68 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
  6. 6 J. Nelson · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +6.20 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
  7. 7 R. Grant · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +5.30 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.77 EPA/play
  8. 8 D. Driver · Green Bay Packers · Receiving · +4.68 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.17 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

M. Flynn — GB · Passing

M. Flynn posted the highest total EPA (+19.95) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Green Bay Packers's efficiency. Across 50 counted snaps, they averaged +0.40 EPA per play.

The signature play (+6.62 EPA) came from Green Bay Packers: (8:13) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short middle to 25-R.Grant for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-D.Levy]. PENALTY on GB-25-R.Grant, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Detroit Lions — T. Young (M. Stafford pass) (Q1 58:05)
  • Green Bay Packers — J. Nelson (M. Flynn pass) (Q1 45:21)
  • Detroit Lions — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 38:24)
  • Green Bay Packers — R. Grant (M. Flynn pass) (Q2 38:13)
  • Green Bay Packers — J. Nelson (M. Flynn pass) (Q2 33:43)
  • Detroit Lions — T. Young (M. Stafford pass) (Q3 21:44)
  • Green Bay Packers — J. Nelson (M. Flynn pass) (Q3 19:41)
  • Detroit Lions — K. Smith (M. Stafford pass) (Q3 17:13)
  • Green Bay Packers — D. Driver (M. Flynn pass) (Q4 8:18)
  • Detroit Lions — T. Scheffler (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 2:44)
  • Green Bay Packers — J. Finley (M. Flynn pass) (Q4 1:13)

Field goals

  • Green Bay Packers — M. Crosby (Q1 50:58)
  • Detroit Lions — J. Hanson (Q2 35:57)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 10–9. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 8 (Q1 58:05) — (13:05) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 16-T.Young for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the GB 2 (Q1 58:00) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.; Detroit Lions registered a safety from the DET 35 (Q1 58:00); Green Bay Packers connected on a field goal from the DET 4 (Q1 50:58) — (5:58) 2-M.Crosby 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 7 (Q1 45:21) — (:21) 10-M.Flynn pass short right to 87-J.Nelson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q1 45:16) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay..

The second quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 14–10. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 13 (Q2 38:24) — (8:24) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the GB 2 (Q2 38:18) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 80 (Q2 38:13); Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 38:00) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.; Detroit Lions connected on a field goal from the GB 11 (Q2 35:57) — (5:57) 4-J.Hanson 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 36 (Q2 33:43); Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q2 33:37) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay..

The third quarter: Detroit Lions won the period 15–7. Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 2 (Q3 21:44) — (6:44) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 16-T.Young for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the GB 2 (Q3 21:39) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 58 (Q3 19:41) — (4:41) 10-M.Flynn pass deep middle to 87-J.Nelson for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-N.Fairley].; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q3 19:32) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 5 (Q3 17:13) — (2:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 30-K.Smith for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions registered a safety from the GB 2 (Q3 17:07) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-M.Stafford pass to 85-T.Scheffler is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

The fourth quarter: Green Bay Packers won the period 14–7. Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 35 (Q4 8:18) — (8:18) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short middle to 80-D.Driver for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 8:10) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.; Detroit Lions found the end zone from the GB 12 (Q4 2:44) — (2:44) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 85-T.Scheffler for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Detroit Lions added 1 points from the GB 2 (Q4 2:39) — 4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.; Green Bay Packers found the end zone from the DET 4 (Q4 1:13) — (1:13) 10-M.Flynn pass short right to 88-J.Finley for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Green Bay Packers added 1 points from the DET 2 (Q4 1:10) — 2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Detroit Lions (Q4 0:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass deep left intended for 13-N.Burleson INTERCEPTED by 37-S.Shields at GB 20. 37-S.Shields to GB 22 for 2 yards (13-N.Burleson). [WPA -33.1% · EPA -2.18]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q4 1:25) — (1:25) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass deep right to 89-J.Jones pushed ob at DET 6 for 40 yards (23-C.Houston). [WPA +29.4% · EPA +3.26]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q2 37:28) — (7:28) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short left intended for 87-J.Nelson INTERCEPTED by 27-A.Smith at DET 32. 27-A.Smith to GB 38 for 30 yards (88-J.Finley). [WPA -25.0% · EPA -6.55]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q4 8:18) — (8:18) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short middle to 80-D.Driver for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +23.2% · EPA +4.67]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q3 19:41) — (4:41) 10-M.Flynn pass deep middle to 87-J.Nelson for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-N.Fairley]. [WPA +21.2% · EPA +5.10]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Green Bay Packers (Q2 38:13) — (8:13) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short middle to 25-R.Grant for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-D.Levy]. PENALTY on GB-25-R.Grant, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. [WPA +20.8% · EPA +6.62]
  • Green Bay Packers (Q2 37:28) — (7:28) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short left intended for 87-J.Nelson INTERCEPTED by 27-A.Smith at DET 32. 27-A.Smith to GB 38 for 30 yards (88-J.Finley). [WPA -25.0% · EPA -6.55]
  • Detroit Lions (Q1 49:27) — (4:27) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 30-K.Smith to GB 36 for 3 yards (55-D.Bishop). FUMBLES (55-D.Bishop), RECOVERED by GB-42-M.Burnett at GB 37. 42-M.Burnett to DET 48 for 15 [WPA -17.2% · EPA -5.44]
  • Detroit Lions (Q3 26:44) — (11:44) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle intended for 13-N.Burleson INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Bush [55-D.Bishop] at GB 13. 24-J.Bush to GB 17 for 4 yards (87-B.Pettigrew). [WPA -15.2% · EPA -5.16]

Quarterback report card

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

  • M.Stafford (Detroit Lions) · 64 dropbacks · 56.2% completion · +3.1% CPOE · +0.27 EPA/play · +17.24 total EPA
  • M.Flynn (Green Bay Packers) · 50 dropbacks · 62.0% completion · +7.9% CPOE · +0.40 EPA/play · +19.95 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatDetroit LionsGreen Bay Packers
Offensive EPA/play+0.131+0.160
Offensive success rate50.5%50.5%
Pass EPA/play+0.269+0.399
Rush EPA/play+0.041-0.093
Defensive EPA/play-0.160-0.131
Defensive success rate49.5%49.5%

By the numbers

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Detroit Lions +0.13, Green Bay Packers +0.16) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

  • Detroit Lions: 15 drives, +13.51 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Green Bay Packers: 16 drives, +15.54 total EPA, 8 scoring drives

Key takeaways

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

  • Green Bay Packers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
  • M. Flynn (Green Bay Packers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • M. Stafford (DET) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
  • M. Flynn (GB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

  1. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q1 58:05 · GB 8 · Score 6-0
    (13:05) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short left to 16-T.Young for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q1 58:00 · GB 2 · Score 7-0
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  3. Detroit Lions Safety (+2) — Q1 58:00 · DET 35 · Score 9-0
    4-J.Hanson kicks 64 yards from DET 35 to GB 1. 22-P.Lee tackled in End Zone for -1 yards, SAFETY. The Replay Assistant challenged the safety ruling, and the pla
  4. Green Bay Packers FG (+3) — Q1 50:58 · DET 4 · Score 9-3
    (5:58) 2-M.Crosby 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.
  5. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q1 45:21 · DET 7 · Score 9-9
    (:21) 10-M.Flynn pass short right to 87-J.Nelson for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q1 45:16 · DET 2 · Score 9-10
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.
  7. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q2 38:24 · GB 13 · Score 15-10
    (8:24) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 81-C.Johnson for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q2 38:18 · GB 2 · Score 16-10
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  9. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q2 38:13 · DET 80 · Score 16-16
    (8:13) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short middle to 25-R.Grant for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-D.Levy]. PENALTY on GB-25-R.Grant, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, en
  10. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q2 38:00 · DET 2 · Score 16-17
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.
  11. Detroit Lions FG (+3) — Q2 35:57 · GB 11 · Score 19-17
    (5:57) 4-J.Hanson 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  12. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q2 33:43 · DET 36 · Score 19-23
    (3:43) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass deep left to 87-J.Nelson for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on DET-96-A.Fluellen, Defensive Offside, declined. The Replay Assista
  13. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q2 33:37 · DET 2 · Score 19-24
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.
  14. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 21:44 · GB 2 · Score 25-24
    (6:44) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 16-T.Young for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q3 21:39 · GB 2 · Score 26-24
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  16. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q3 19:41 · DET 58 · Score 26-30
    (4:41) 10-M.Flynn pass deep middle to 87-J.Nelson for 58 yards, TOUCHDOWN [98-N.Fairley].
  17. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q3 19:32 · DET 2 · Score 26-31
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.
  18. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q3 17:13 · GB 5 · Score 32-31
    (2:13) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 30-K.Smith for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  19. Detroit Lions Safety (+2) — Q3 17:07 · GB 2 · Score 34-31
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-M.Stafford pass to 85-T.Scheffler is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  20. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q4 8:18 · DET 35 · Score 34-37
    (8:18) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short middle to 80-D.Driver for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  21. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q4 8:10 · DET 2 · Score 34-38
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.
  22. Detroit Lions TD (+6) — Q4 2:44 · GB 12 · Score 40-38
    (2:44) (Shotgun) 9-M.Stafford pass short middle to 85-T.Scheffler for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  23. Detroit Lions XP (+1) — Q4 2:39 · GB 2 · Score 41-38
    4-J.Hanson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-D.Muhlbach, Holder-2-B.Graham.
  24. Green Bay Packers TD (+6) — Q4 1:13 · DET 4 · Score 41-44
    (1:13) 10-M.Flynn pass short right to 88-J.Finley for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  25. Green Bay Packers XP (+1) — Q4 1:10 · DET 2 · Score 41-45
    2-M.Crosby extra point is GOOD, Center-61-B.Goode, Holder-8-T.Masthay.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers?

The Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 45-41 in Week 17, 2011 on 2012-01-01.

What was the final score of Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers?

The final score was Detroit Lions 41, Green Bay Packers 45 (DET 41-45 GB) in Week 17, 2011 on 2012-01-01.

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

Q1: Detroit Lions 9, Green Bay Packers 10; Q2: Detroit Lions 10, Green Bay Packers 14; Q3: Detroit Lions 15, Green Bay Packers 7; Q4: Detroit Lions 7, Green Bay Packers 14; Final: Detroit Lions 41, Green Bay Packers 45.

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

Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Young (M. Stafford pass) (Q1 58:05) Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Nelson (M. Flynn pass) (Q1 45:21) Detroit Lions touchdown — C. Johnson (M. Stafford pass) (Q2 38:24) Green Bay Packers touchdown — R. Grant (M. Flynn pass) (Q2 38:13) Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Nelson (M. Flynn pass) (Q2 33:43) Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Young (M. Stafford pass) (Q3 21:44) Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Nelson (M. Flynn pass) (Q3 19:41) Detroit Lions touchdown — K. Smith (M. Stafford pass) (Q3 17:13) Green Bay Packers touchdown — D. Driver (M. Flynn pass) (Q4 8:18) Detroit Lions touchdown — T. Scheffler (M. Stafford pass) (Q4 2:44) Green Bay Packers touchdown — J. Finley (M. Flynn pass) (Q4 1:13) Green Bay Packers field goal — M. Crosby (Q1 50:58, 3 pts) Detroit Lions field goal — J. Hanson (Q2 35:57, 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?

M. Stafford (Detroit Lions), 56.2% completion, +3.1% CPOE, +0.27 EPA per dropback, +17.24 total passing EPA. M. Flynn (Green Bay Packers), 62.0% completion, +7.9% CPOE, +0.40 EPA per dropback, +19.95 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers?

M. Flynn (Green Bay Packers) led the game in total EPA with +19.95 on passing plays. across 50 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.62 EPA): (8:13) (Shotgun) 10-M.Flynn pass short middle to 25-R.Grant for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN [54-D.Levy]. PENALTY on GB-25-R.Grant, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. The biggest win-probability swing was -33.1%.

Was Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Green Bay Packers won 45-41 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.

Season records after this game

Detroit Lions

Entered 10-5 Now 10-6 L

Green Bay Packers

Entered 14-1 Now 15-1 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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