The Detroit Lions improved to 7-4 but remain third in the NFC North entering a pivotal stretch of the season. With a major divisional matchup less than three days away, here is where the NFC North stands heading into Thanksgiving week.

Chicago Bears

Coming off yet another win, the Bears improved to 8-3. But one big question remains: can they beat a quality opponent? Chicago has not defeated a team with a winning record this season. Their latest victory, a 31-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, came against backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, and even then the Bears narrowly escaped with the result.

Despite sitting atop the division, Chicago faces one of the league’s most difficult remaining schedules. Five of their next six opponents are currently at least three games above .500. That gauntlet begins this week with a trip to Philadelphia, where the Eagles are looking to rebound from a loss. The Bears enter the week with +260 odds, the third-best chance to win the division.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers handled business with ease in their most recent outing, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 and shutting down rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, known around the league as “Nine.” Even without running back Josh Jacobs, Green Bay showed balance and control throughout the game.

Now the Packers turn their attention to Detroit. They’ll travel to Ford Field for the annual Thanksgiving Day game, one of the most watched contests of the NFL calendar. Green Bay won the first meeting between the teams at Lambeau Field, but the Lions will be eager to even the series—and perhaps flip the division race.

Green Bay’s schedule remains challenging. The Packers still have a road trip to face the AFC’s current No. 1 seed, the Denver Broncos, and a critical late-season matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, who are in a tight playoff battle of their own. For now, the Packers sit as the betting favorite to win the division at +135.

Detroit Lions

Fresh off a dramatic overtime victory, the Lions kept their season on track behind the explosive performance of running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Detroit’s defense looked shaky at times, but reinforcements are coming. Edge rusher Marcus Davenport and rookie corner Terrion Arnold are expected to return, giving the unit much-needed support.

The Lions host the Packers in a Thanksgiving showdown that could reshape the NFC North landscape. Following that, Detroit will play two more home games before a Week 15 meeting with the Los Angeles Rams and former franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. If the Lions win their next three games, they could find themselves back in the hunt for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Even two wins over that span would keep them in strong playoff position.

Detroit also closes the season with a potentially decisive Week 18 matchup in Chicago. Depending on how the next several weeks unfold, the division title could be on the line. Three of Detroit’s final six games are scheduled for Thursday, giving Lions fans plenty of prime-time exposure. Detroit enters the week at +170, second in the division odds.

Minnesota Vikings

Since defeating the Lions earlier in the year, the Vikings have dropped three straight. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled significantly and is now in the concussion protocol. Minnesota must travel to Seattle this week, where Sam Darnold—who led the Seahawks to 14 wins last season—awaits.

The Vikings are no longer realistic contenders for the division, but they remain capable of creating chaos. Their final two games come against the Packers and Lions, giving them a chance to spoil someone’s postseason plans.