The game, which was contested at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, became notable due to the performance of Matt Flynn, who at the time was the backup quarterback behind starter Aaron Rodgers.

Flynn's counterpart on the Lions, quarterback Matthew Stafford, threw five touchdowns of his own, along with 520 passing yards.

Riding the coattails of his performance and tutelage under Rodgers, Flynn signed a multi-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason, presumably as the expected starter.

Commentators also noted that resting Rodgers made have led to the Packers' eventual demise in the playoffs, a 37–20 upset loss to the New York Giants in the Divisional round.

The Detroit Lions began the 2011 NFL season with a record of 5–0, although they lost 5 of their next seven games, including a 27–15 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 12.

Other key players for the Packers, such as Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb, James Starks, Clay Matthews III, Bryan Bulaga, and Charles Woodson were held out of the game due to injury or for rest.

[8] The Packers started the game with the ball, although Flynn fumbled on the drive and the Lions took over with a short field.

[9] On the ensuing kickoff, Packers kick returner Pat Lee let the ball hit the ground and it bounced directly at him, ricocheting off his legs.

However, Stafford threw a short pass to Kevin Smith, who fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the Packers.

[9] Starting at mid-field, the Packers drove 48 yards in 7 plays, capped by a 7-yard touchdown pass from Flynn to Jordy Nelson.

[9] The Lions began the second half with the ball, but after driving 66 yards, Stafford was intercepted by Jarrett Bush.

The Packers 31–26 lead did not last long though, as the Lions took the ensuing drive 85 yards in just 6 plays, including a 41-yard catch by Johnson.

Flynn threw a four-yard touchdown pass, his sixth of the game, to Jermichael Finley to give the Packers the lead again, 45–41.

Stafford completed three consecutive passes for a total of 43 yards, but on his fourth throw Sam Shields intercepted the ball to secure the Packers victory.

[13] Stafford's yardage total for the game put him over 5,000 passing yards for the season, becoming just the fourth player to reach that milestone in NFL history.

[6][18][19] This interested expanded significantly after his performance, ultimately helping him secure a three-year, $26 million deal from the Seattle Seahawks to be their presumed starting quarterback.

[25] Wilson ultimately won the battle, securing the starting role for the next 10 seasons and winning Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks.