The Green Bay Packers believe they've come a long way since they last faced the Detroit Lions nearly a month ago. They get a chance to prove it Thursday when they visit Detroit to close a stretch of three games in 12 days.

Although the Packers (9-3) have put themselves in good shape to earn a playoff berth by winning three straight and seven of their last eight, they remain two games behind the Lions (11-1) and a half-game behind Minnesota (9-2) in the NFC North. They also already lost at home to both teams.

Hours after the Green Bay Packers watched the Chicago Bears fail to give them any help when they botched the end of the early Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions, the Packers figured they'd better at least help themselves Thursday at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers beat the Miami Dolphins in a Thanksgiving edition of Sunday Night Football as they look to solidify their chances at a playoff berth.Packers take down Dolphins in primetime Thank

The Green Bay Packers are peaking at the right time. After getting manhandled by the Detroit Lions before the bye, they have won three in a ro