At the same time many in the Midwest are starting to prepare their roasts, the Green Bay Packers will be having their cupcake.  The Lions will host the Packers once again on Thanksgiving for Detroit’s traditional game.  I was a little worried going into this game after the Packers lost CB Al Harris and DE/LB Aaron Kampman in last week’s game.  However, with Detroit QB Matt Stafford doubtful and probably out and WR Calvin Johnson likely being sidelined, I have little fear going into this game.  This is a great opportunity for the Packers to accomplish two goals.

1. The first goal is to win.  The Packers must win this game and let’s be honest, if they lose to the Lions, Green Bay does not deserve to be in the playoffs.   As a divisional and conference win, this game is important as a tie breaker for the Wild Card berth.  Winning also puts more pressure on the Eagles, Giants and Falcons to win, in order to stay in the race with the Packers.  A win puts the Pack at 7-4, and gives them cushion for a loss.

2. The second goal of the Packers is to recalibrate their defense after losing two Pro Bowl-level defensive players.  Dom Capers came into this season promising to cater his defensive scheme to the talent available.  Unfortunately for Capers, it is back to the drawing board.  But fortunately for Capers, he gets to test his adjusted scheme against a hapless Lions offense (assuming Stafford and Johnson are indeed out). He’s got a real world test of his players and their abilities and he’s got time to adjust.  And he’ll need to because there are some much better teams still to come on the Packers’ schedule.

I expect to see what the rest of the world expects to see this Thanksgiving; a complete lopsided Packers victory.  There is always a chance of Green Bay choking on a cupcake, but I do not see this happening.  Happy Thanksgiving and Go Pack.