Detroit Lions. Sink or swim time

Well OK, the Lions just blasted the Packers 40-10. Though the final score was definitely more lop-sided than most would have predicted, it's no big surprise they won the game. What would have raised many an eyebrow would have been if the Lions had found a way to lose it.

Thing is, it was hardly even a fair fight. Forget the home field advantage. That happens every week, one way or the other. The Lions were relatively healthy for this game, while the Packers continue to be the walking wounded. Everybody knows starting QB Aaron Rodgers is still on the shelf, but their offensive line is banged up and their receiver corps has been decimated. They've also had some key injuries on defense. The Packers are basically trying to tread water until they can get a few of their starters back. While Lions' fans are no doubt celebrating their first victory on Thanksgiving in 10 years to climb atop the NFC north division, they might want to consider where their team would be if Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson came up lame, and they had to go deep on their depth chart to man a few positions elsewhere. But no sad tears for the Packers. That's the way it goes in the NFL sometimes.

Right now, the Lions would seem to be at the proverbial crossroad. At 7-5, and atop their division with 4 games remaining, they can do one of three things.

The glass half full scenario. Let's say they win 3 out of the last 4 to finish 10-6, and get a home playoff game. In a perfect world, they could actually run the table to finish 11-5, and maybe even get two home playoff games.

The glass half empty scenario. They lose 3 out of their last 4 to finish 8-8. Maybe they get into the playoffs -- and maybe not. They could also actually run the anti-table to finish 7-9, miss the playoffs entirely, and another year of the "same old Lions" chants would thunder down upon their heads.

Splitting the difference scenario. They finish 9-7, which might well be good enough to win their division, given how bad or banged-up the rest of the teams in the division are, and make the playoffs to host a first round game. No, getting a bye is out of the question. Those two spots appear to be already reserved by New Orleans and Seattle.

Not to overstate the obvious, but the true test for the Lions begins next week when they have to travel to Philly. At that, the Lions will have enjoyed the advantage of three more days rest between games, seeing as how the Eagles have to play Arizona on Sunday. But the City of Brotherly Love will afford the Lions no picnic. Besides the raucous fans, the Lions aren't known for playing well outdoors in adverse weather conditions, which Philly might well offer in December. And new coach Chip Kelly's Eagles seem to be quietly holding their own out in the NFC east division. They're slugging it out for a division championship as well.

Following that game, the Lions return home to host the Baltimore Ravens, followed by the NY Giants. Both those teams started out the season horribly, but both also have not only righted their ships, but are coming on strongly of late. The Ravens in particular seem to have regained their championship swagger, and who knows what will happen when "Eli's coming"?  One thing for sure.... These guys aren't the patsies they were a month ago. Far from it. The both "got game" these days.

This trifecta of games will make or break the Lions this year. If they win 2 out of 3 (yours truly thinks a sweep is highly unlikely), they'll be in decent shape heading into Minnesota for the season finale. The Vikes have been pretty bad.

But drop 2 out of 3, entirely possible, to fall to 8-7, needing a win in Adrian Peterson land, and things might get a little dicey for the Honolulu blue and silver.

Yep, it's down to sink or swim time now, and the reality check starts next week.

On a  personal note.... Many thanks Crystal, for the superb Thanksgiving dinner. That's the best meal I've had since -- well -- maybe I should be careful about burning any bridges. Let's just say it was light years better than anything yours truly could have whipped up on my best day EVER in the kitchen. Love ya, girl.