Matthew Stafford has never beaten Aaron Rodgers, but for the first time in his career, he has beaten the Green Bay Packers. It sure does help when that Rodgers guy is out and the gap between the Detroit Lions and the Packers without their star quarterback is considerable.
435-yards-considerable.
With Matt Flynn starting in place of Rodgers, under pressure all day long and inaccurate and inconsistent when given chances, Green Bay gained just 126 total yards. Despite four turnovers, the Lions gained 561 yards and were able to do something that they rarely get the chance to do:
Easily beat the Green Bay Packers, this time by a score of 40-10.
It was certainly a reason for Lions fans to celebrate a shredding of the Packers unlike they ever get to do.
It seemed like things were going to go Green Bay's way early on. The Packers scored the first touchdown after Morgan Burnett returned a Matthew Stafford fumble to give the Packers a 10-3 lead in the second quarter, but they couldn't take advantage of any other mistakes by Detroit. And there were plenty.
Despite Reggie Bush fumbling in the first quarter and Stafford throwing two interceptions, Green Bay's offense was abysmal with Flynn. Including this nugget of information from ESPN with just over four minutes left to go in the game.
The Packers currently have 56 yards. That would be their lowest output since 1976, when they were held to 36 by the Bengals in a 28-7 loss.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 28, 2013
That was followed up shortly later by a 56-yard catch from James Jones that made the gap between the two teams slightly smaller, but not by much.
Detroit had lost 15 of its previous 16 games against the Packers and the 30-point gap is the fourth-most points by which the Lions have beaten Green Bay in their 169-game history. It's pretty incredible to think about how big of an impact one player can have on a game and a team.
This Thanksgiving, the Packers will remember how thankful they are for a healthy Aaron Rodgers.
Fantasy Studs and Duds
Despite two interceptions, Stafford had 330 yards passing and three touchdowns. Calvin Johnson was great again, gaining 101 yards and a touchdown, while Bush had 182 total yards and a touchdown.
Packers running back Eddie Lacy had 10 carries for 16 yards and Flynn was 10-of-20 for 139 yards, an interception and a fumble lost. He was also sacked seven times.
Injury Report
Packers center Evan Dietrich-Smith left with a knee injury and did not return.
Did They Cover?
The Lions were 6.5-point favorites, according to OddsShark.com, so they covered by quite a bit.
Up Next
The Packers host the Atlanta Falcons at 1 p.m. Dec. 8. Rodgers believes he will be able to return for that game.
The Lions travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles at the same time and date.
More from SB Nation NFL
• NFL Week 13 expert picks | 3 teams can clinch playoff spot
• A secret history of Thanksgiving football
• Stephen White: How to fix Geno Smith
• Kelly: Long live the read option
• How the NFL's most advanced game broadcast is made
• NFL Mock