Introduction to Raiders vs Packers Series History
The Green Bay Packers are 9-6 against the Las Vegas Raiders all-time. GB is 5-3 at home and 4-7 away. In their history, they have only met once in the postseason, where the Packers beat the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II by a score of 33-14.
The Packers had an 8 game winning streak versus the Raiders, having beaten the Raiders in 8 straight regular season games, until the Pack lost to the Raiders in Las Vegas in 2023. Before that, however, the AFC West Raiders beat the Packers 5 games in a row from 1972 to 1987.
From iconic plays like the Lambeau Leap to the contributions of notable players and coaches who have worn both jerseys, Packers vs Raiders history is filled with rich history and memorable matchups.
Super Bowl II
First Matchup
The first matchup in Packers vs Raiders history was Super Bowl II. Played on January 14, 1968, at the Miami Orange Bowl, the game marked the second consecutive appearance by the Packers and the first Super Bowl for the Raiders. Super Bowl II was the second AFL – NFL World Championship Game before the NFL merger in 1970.
Defending NFL Champions
Led by legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi, the Packers were determined to defend their title against the up-and-coming Raiders, led by head coach John Rauch. With a record-breaking audience tuning in, this encounter was destined to become a memorable chapter in pro football history.
The Packers entered Super Bowl II favored by 14 points with a talented roster, featuring the likes of Bart Starr, Paul Hornung, and Ray Nitschke. Lombardi’s team had established themselves as a dominant force, having won the inaugural Super Bowl the previous year.
Their experience and championship pedigree were evident as they took control early in the game, setting the tone for the contest. Bart Starr’s stellar performance as quarterback proved instrumental, connecting with receivers Boyd Dowler and Max McGee for key touchdowns, while the Packers’ defense relentlessly pressured the Raiders’ offense.
Packers win Super Bowl II
The Packers’ dominance culminated in a convincing 33-14 victory, securing their second consecutive Super Bowl triumph and their 11th World Championship.
The Raiders’ inaugural Super Bowl appearance marked a significant milestone for the franchise, symbolizing their emergence as a force to be reckoned with. Led by quarterback Daryle Lamonica, who had replaced the injured regular starter during the season, the 12-1 Raiders showcased their explosive offense throughout the game.
Lamonica connected with receiver Bill Miller for the Raiders’ first touchdown, providing a glimmer of hope for their spirited fan base. However, the Packers’ defensive prowess proved insurmountable, limiting the Raiders’ scoring opportunities.
End of Packers Dynasty
Super Bowl II not only highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the Packers and the Raiders but also encapsulated the changing landscape of professional football. For the Packers, it was a fitting conclusion to their remarkable dynasty under Lombardi, as the head coach would step down after the game, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.
Beginning of Raiders Dynasty
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ appearance in the Super Bowl was a springboard for their ascent to greatness. They were a dominant force in the NFL throughout the 70’s under John Madden and the 80’s under Tom Flores.
They won Super Bowl XI versus the Minnesota Vikings in 1977, Super Bowl XV versus Philadelphia in 1981, and Super Bowl XVIII versus Washington in 1984.
Memorable Moments
Lambeau Leap
The Lambeau Leap was invented against the Raiders on December 26, 1993. Coincidentally, it was the 3rd coldest game of all time with a temperature of just 0 degrees.
Famously, Reggie White recovered a fumble, and before going out of bounds, he flipped the ball to LeRoy Butler who grabbed it in stride and ran to the end zone. He ran straight through the end zone and leaped into the stands where the fans held him up and hugged him for a few seconds.
The Lambeau Leap was solidified as a tradition by Robert Brooks who was the first to premeditate the leap by doing it after scoring touchdowns.
Favre’s MNF Game for the Ages
Brett Favre‘s father Irvin Favre passed away unexpectedly on the day before the Packers were set to play the Raiders on Monday Night Football, December 22, 2003. Understandably, Favre could have chosen to not play the game, ending his record streak of 205 straight starts and jeopardizing their playoff hopes.
Instead, Favre decided to play and had a game for the ages. He absolutely lit up the Raiders, passing for 399 yards, four touchdowns, and a 154.9 passer rating – the highest of his career! The game was simply electric.
It seemed every time Favre would throw the ball, regardless of whether the receivers were open, they refused to drop anything coming their way. Unbelievable catches in traffic. The Packers ended up winning the game 41-7.
The Raiders fans were a class act that night. Raiders Nation cheered for Favre before the game and had plenty of supportive signs for him in the stands.
Rodgers’ Perfect Game
In their 2019 meetup (LaFleur’s first season as head coach) against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field, 2-time MVP Aaron Rodgers completed 25 of 31 passes for 429 yards, 5 touchdown passes, and 0 interceptions. That was good enough for a perfect passer rating of 158.3.
Rodgers joined an exclusive group of just 6 NFL quarterbacks who achieved a perfect 158.3 passer rating (minimum 30 passing attempts). Rodgers, who is the best Packers quarterback of all time, has since won a total of 4 MVP awards.
Packers-Raiders Switching Sides
James Lofton
Lofton began his career with the Packers, where he played from 1978 to 1986. He was a key contributor to the Packers’ passing game and established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the league. In 1987, Lofton joined the Raiders and played for them for two seasons.
Charles Woodson
Cornerback Charles Woodson was drafted by the Raiders in 1998 out of Michigan and played for them until 2005. During his time with the Raiders, he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and was a standout player on their defense.
In 2006, Woodson joined the Packers and played for them until being released following the 2012 season. He had a highly successful stint with the Packers, winning Super Bowl XLV with them in the 2010 season and earning several individual accolades, including the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2009.
Woodson rejoined the Raiders in 2013 and played 3 more seasons with them.
Jordy Nelson
Wide receiver Jordy Nelson played 11 NFL seasons: 10 seasons with Green Bay and his last season with Oakland in 2018. He retired as a Packer by signing a 1-day deal, and in 2022 was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame.
Davante Adams
The Packers traded Davante Adams to the Raiders in 2022. Having played with Derek Carr at Fresno State, Adams wanted to move back west and reunite with Carr. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for Adams, Carr was eventually benched and released from the Raiders due to poor play. Adams still had an impressive first season in Las Vegas with 100 receptions, 1,516 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns.
Ron Wolf
Hall of Fame General Manager Ron Wolf managed the Packers from 1991 to 2001. He turned the long-losing Packers around by hiring Holmgren, trading for Favre, and signing White. He was inducted into the HOF in 2015.
Before he was a Packer, Wolf began his NFL career with the Oakland Raiders under Al Davis in 1963 at the age of 25. He started initially as a scout and later as an essential part of the team’s front office. Wolf contributed to the recruitment of numerous skilled players for Oakland through the draft, such as Gene Upshaw, Art Shell, Ken Stabler, and Jack Tatum.
Jon Gruden
Jon Gruden was the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1998 to 2001 and again from 2018 to 2021. Before that, he was an assistant coach for the Packers from 1992 – 1994.
Raiders vs Packers 2023
In 2023, the Packers took on the Raiders for the first time at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. It was also the first game in NFL history run on 100% renewable energy. The Packers ended up losing 13-17.
Conclusion
The Packers have played the Raiders 15 times and have a winning record of 9-6. Most notably, Super Bowl II was a huge win over the Raiders before the Raiders started two decades of dominance in the 1970s and 1980s.
The two teams have their share of legendary players and coaches, many of whom have worked for both teams. The Packers have an eight game winning streak that will be tested in 2023. Is there more NFL history to be made?
