December in the NFL means playoff clinching time — although usually not this early — but with Buffalo and Kansas City already on the postseason bracket for this year in the AFC, it's time the NFC got in on the action. Enter two of the league's best teams for a massive new chapter in their rivalry, as the little brother in this series over the past several decades looks to be the first NFC team to punch its ticket to extended January football.
The 11-1 Detroit Lions can earn a playoff berth Thursday night at home against the 9-3 Green Bay Packers, who are well positioned to become a playoff team in their own right in the coming weeks.