The Packers can deliver the knockout blow to the Lions

Thanksgiving won't determine whether the Lions reach the playoffs, but their hopes of repeating as division champs will land on life support with a loss to the Packers.

At this time a year ago, the NFC North landscape looked markedly different from what it does today. While the Green Bay Packers then boasted an 8-3 record, they entered Thanksgiving week ranked behind the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, having lost to each earlier in the season. Green Bay still seemed like a decent bet to reach the playoffs, but the division crown already seemed out of reach.

The Packers’ prospects in the NFC North looked decidedly better at the moment. Though they again trail in the standings, the current leader -- the former cellar-dwelling Chicago Bears -- holds only a slight edge entering Week 13. And with two matchups between the teams slated for December, Green Bay controls its destiny within the division.

However, the more glaring changes have come elsewhere in the NFC North.

The Vikings, a 14-3 squad just a year earlier, have fallen to dead last in the standings. Their season effectively ended this past Sunday at Lambeau Field, falling to the archrival Packers in decisive fashion. The remaining six games still matter to Minnesota, particularly as it pertains to the team’s embattled second-year quarterback. However, at 4-7, no realistic path to the postseason remains.

The Lions haven’t fallen off to quite the same degree. However, they too find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff field. Losses to the Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and, inexplicably, the Vikings have dropped Detroit to 7-4 and third place in the NFC North.

On Thursday, the Packers can deliver the knockout blow to the Lions’ hopes of repeating as division champions.