Tonight kicks off week two of the 2025-26 NFL season with the Washington Commanders traveling to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in what should be a phenomenal matchup between two great teams. The Commanders are gaining momentum after an NFC Championship run, followed by a first-week win over their division rival, the New York Giants. The Green Bay Packers are also in form as they defeated their division rival, the Detroit Lions, putting them up to the fourth highest odds to win the Super Bowl. In this segment of Thursday Night Thrillers, we will look at some other notable Thursday Night Football games throughout history.
The “Miracle in Motown”
Packers @ Lions (Dec 3, 2015) - Following a failed last-effort lateral play, capped off with a game-saving facemask call, the Packers were down 23-21 with one untimed down remaining from their own 39 yard-line. Aaron Rodgers, the greatest Hail Mary QB ever, launched his iconic moon-ball to the end zone, where Richard Rodgers leaped over the defense to make the catch. The Packers walked off the Lions 27-23 in what will always be remembered as the “Miracle in Motown.”
Record-Setting Scoring
Rams @ 49ers (Sep 21, 2017) - In the highest-scoring TNF game of all time, Jared Goff and Todd Gurley led the Rams to a 41-39 win over the 49ers. Goff threw for 292 yards and 3 TDs, while Gurley ran for 113 yards and 2 TDs. Despite the 49ers' 19-point 4th quarter, they fell short of catching the high-powered Rams offense, who went on to win the NFC West with a record of 11-5.
King Henry Goes Crazy
Jaguars @ Titans (Dec 6, 2018) - In this 2018 AFC South matchup, Derrick Henry stole the show with an insane stat line of 17 carries, 238 yards, and 4 TDs to lead the Titans to a 30-9 win over the Jags. Henry averaged 14 yards/carry, fueled by his record-tying 99-yard rushing TD.
Record-Setting Viewership
Lions @ Packers (Dec 5, 2024) - The most recent game on this list is also the most-watched TNF game of all time. The Lions held off the Packers at home, winning 34-31 in a riveting contest led by Jared Goff, who threw for 283 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. Showcasing their depth, the Lions had six different players post 5+ receptions, while their running back duo, Gibbs and Montgomery (“Sonic and Knuckles”), shared the workload in the backfield.
First Ever TNF Overtime
Jets @ Patriots (Nov 13, 2008) - We would be remiss to not include the first-ever OT game on TNF as the Jets took down their division rival Patriots 34-31, marked by Jay Feely’s game-winning 34-yard FG.
Will we see Josh Jacobs or “Bill” Croskey-Merritt out-rush Derrick Henry? Will viewership top that of last year’s Packers’ shootout? Will the total surpass the TNF record of 80 total points? One thing I know for sure is that both teams are happy they are not facing Jared Goff.