What happened at Lambeau
On a national Thursday Night Football stage, the Commanders vs. Packers matchup delivered what it promised: an early-season test with playoff vibes. Green Bay beat Washington 27-18 on Sept. 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field, improving to 2-0 and handing the Commanders their first loss. Both teams came in at 1-0 after division wins, and you could feel the urgency from the first drive.
Jordan Love was steady and composed, managing the game and controlling tempo when it mattered most. Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showed why he won the job—poised under pressure, willing to push the ball—but life on a short week in Green Bay is a tough assignment for any first-year starter. Terry McLaurin was a frequent target and a safety valve, but Green Bay’s secondary kept big plays in check.
Green Bay’s defense, anchored by its pass rush and sticky coverage, set the tone. The Packers forced long fields, limited yards after the catch, and made Washington earn everything. Edge pressure collapsed the pocket at key points and disrupted Washington’s timing, especially late in drives. On the other side, Matt LaFleur leaned into a balanced script, mixing quick throws with a steady run plan to keep Washington’s front honest.
The swing came in the second half, where the Packers stitched together a clock-chewing drive to build a two-score cushion. Washington answered, but settling for field goals rather than touchdowns proved costly. For a rookie quarterback, these are the reps you want—hostile environment, national TV, and pressure possessions in the fourth quarter. Daniels’ mobility extended plays and kept drives alive, but Green Bay’s red-zone execution was better.
Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit had the call for Amazon’s broadcast, and local fans in the Green Bay market also had the game on WGBA-TV. It was a clean production, with the usual Thursday night bells and whistles, including advanced stats visuals and replays that showed how Green Bay tilted Washington’s protections.
For context: Green Bay has held the historical edge in this series, and the Packers again leaned on formula—defense, efficient quarterback play, and situational football. Washington showed fight, especially on defense, but short-week travel to Lambeau is rarely forgiving. Dan Quinn’s team now has an early measuring stick; LaFleur’s squad leaves with the kind of win that carries weight in December.
- Spread and total: Packers -3.5 cashed; the combined 45 points stayed under the 48.5 total.
- Quarterback watch: Love’s decision-making in high-leverage downs stood out. Daniels’ composure on the road offered real positives despite the loss.
- Key matchup: Green Bay’s corners kept a lid on explosives, forcing Washington to string first downs rather than strike fast.
How to watch, listen and stream (TNF details)
This Thursday Night Football game streamed nationwide on Amazon Prime Video at 8:20 p.m. ET. Prime subscribers could watch on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and game consoles through the Prime Video app. In the Green Bay TV market, the game also aired on WGBA-TV for over-the-air viewers.
Broadcast booth: Al Michaels handled play-by-play with Kirk Herbstreit on analysis. The TNF pregame, halftime, and postgame studio coverage provided extended breakdowns, with field-level reports throughout the night.
Alternate viewing: Amazon’s presentation included advanced viewing options such as data-enhanced overlays, wider tactical angles, and real-time player-tracking insights. Viewers could pause, rewind, and rewatch key sequences without leaving the stream.
Audio and radio: Fans followed along on each team’s official radio network in their home markets, and national satellite radio carried home and away feeds. A Spanish-language audio option was available within the streaming experience for viewers who prefer it.
Live updates: For fans tracking the game on the go, real-time scoring, drive charts, and player stats were available through major sports apps, including the CBS Sports App.
Why the coverage matters: TNF is the week’s first national window, and it shapes the conversation heading into Sunday. With Washington starting a rookie quarterback and Green Bay banking on Jordan Love’s growth, this was more than a routine Week 2 date. The Packers’ win checks big boxes: complementary football, situational poise, and a clean finish on a short week. For Washington, the tape offers clear teaching points—red-zone execution, pass protection on third-and-medium, and finishing drives when the game is within one possession.
Two weeks in, both teams look like they belong in the NFC race. Green Bay’s defense has the teeth to swing games. Washington’s young quarterback has the tools to make weekly gains. The difference Thursday was experience and execution when the field shrank.
