Here are five things the Lions (10-5) must do to beat the Packers (14-1) at Green Bay at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

1. Play like they mean it. After all the talk this week, expect to see the Lions go at full-tilt trying to get first win at Green Bay since 1991. Yes, they’re in playoffs, but first they have another task at hand.

2. If it’s really windy the Lions have to depend on their running game along with short passes and maybe a reverse here and there. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is usually pretty good at mixing it up, there’s no reason to think he won’t do the same on Sunday.

3. Matthew Stafford has been on a roll with nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions in the last three games, all of them wins. He’s never played at Lambeau (he’s been injured the previous two years) so you’ve got to think he might want to show Packer fans what he’s made of.

4. No matter if it’s Aaron Rodgers in at quarterback or backup Matt Flynn the defensive line has to step up and put pressure on them. The secondary will be playing without Louis Delmas yet again. They need help up front from the line.

5. Special teams must play well. The wind and cold can cause issues at Lambeau. The forecast is for 32 which should help Jason Hanson unless it's violently windy.

Prediction: Lions 28, Packers 21.

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Quarterback Drew Stanton is a busy man and the Lions have rewarded him by naming him the Robert Porcher Man of the Year to recognize his community service.

He is one of 32 finalists, one from each team, who receivers $1,000 for his foundation and is a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Stanton played in high school at Farmington Hills Harrison and then went to Michigan State.

In his fifth season in the NFL and with the Lions, he has established the High 5ive Foundation to support programs at Special Olympics and Children’s Miracle Network. He’s been involved in both since playing at MSU.

Stanton donates 40 tickets for every Lions' home game through the Lions' CATS (Caring Athletes Ticket Service) for Kids program. He’s also involved in the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

In 2010 and again in 2011, the High 5ive Foundation assisted Orchards Children's Services over the holidays. He also hosted the 2010 and 2011 Cystic Fibrosis Golf Outing in Michigan to help raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. He and his foundation ran the tournament in Lansing raising more than $50,000 a year.

Stanton, his wife and family continue to serve Thanksgiving dinner at the Detroit Rescue Mission on Thanksgiving Day following the Lions' annual Thanksgiving Day game.

He’s heavily involved in the Lions’ team community activities too.

The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced live on FOX before Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.

The Lions, who haven’t won on the road against the Packers since 1991, are 3.5-point favorites on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

That has something to do with the fact that Aaron Rodgers and the other Packers’ starters might not play the whole game.

How much does that streak mean to the Lions?

“It will be a nice one to get off our resume, but you know, whether it’s the Green Bay Packers or whoever — it’s the next game on our schedule and that’s the most important thing,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said. “It’s hard to hold Matt Stafford accountable for something that happened in 1992, 93, 94, 95, and so on. That doesn’t mean a whole lot. It’s more important what we’re doing this week, what we do in practice yesterday, today, tomorrow, and how we play on Sunday — not what happened 20 years ago. But it would be nice to get it off our resume so to speak.”

I think there are two reasons they’d like to snap that streak. One they want a win to get to 11-5 for the season and to earn the fifth seed.

Two, they get tired of answering questions that really had nothing to do with them and this would put an end to that.

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ALLEN PARK — Cornerback Chris Houston arrived to practice late, but he ran out on the field and took part in drills. He was still wearing a soft cast on his left hand. He told reporters on Wednesday that he would play on Sunday in Green Bay. His knee, which he injured on Thanksgiving, is not 100 percent but close enough.

Calvin Johnson (Achilles) didn’t practice for the second straight day but he expects to play Sunday.

Safety Louis Delmas (knee) has not returned to practice. Corey Williams (hip) was out for the second straight day.

Defensive end Willie Young (ankle) who sat out on Wednesday was back at it.

Rookie Nick Fairley, who practiced Wednesday but was seen limping afterward, was out on Thursday. He’s been in and out of practices all along dealing with the foot that he broke in training camp.

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ALLEN PARK — Cornerback Chris Houston is sporting a cast on his left hand and didn’t practice today (Wednesday). It’s not a good sign for the depleted secondary heading into Green Bay on Sunday.

Safety Louis Delmas, who had a wrap around his right knee, also did not practice. He underwent minor surgery on an MCL tear on Dec. 17.

Defensive tackle Corey Williams (hip) did not practice and neither did defensive end Willie Young.

The Lions are preparing to play the Packers at 1 p.m. on Sunday. A win would give them the fifth seed in the NFC.

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After the Packers beat the Bears on Sunday night, it appears there are three possibilities left for the Lions to get a fifth seed instead of a sixth as a wild-card playoff team. It’s down to the Lions and Falcons for the fifth and sixth seeds. All games are Sunday, Jan. 1, unless noted.

1. If the Falcons beat the Saints (tonight) AND Lions beat Packers AND Bucs beat Falcons.

2. If the Saints beat Falcons (tonight) AND Lions beat Packers.

3. If the Saints beat Falcons (tonight) AND Packers beat Lions AND Bucs beat Falcons.

It’s to the Lions advantage to be the fifth seed where they would likely face the winner of the Giants and Cowboys Sunday night. The Lions came back to win 34-30 at Dallas on Oct. 2. They didn’t play the Giants this season.

As the sixth seed they’d likely face the Saints. The Lions lost 31-17 at New Orleans on Dec. 4.

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Oh, there was some whooping and hollering after the Lions dismissed the Chargers with a dominating 38-10 win on Christmas Eve.

Shoot, it was Christmas Eve and the team had just given itself the best possible present — a trip to the playoffs.

Still, it’s a focused bunch.

They have one more regular season game at Green Bay next Sunday.

“It was alot of excitement (in the locker room), i don’t think there was too many tears,’’ wide receiver Nate Burleson said.

“We gave the game ball to Mr. Ford. At the end of the day, we made the playoffs true. it feels good, true. Fans are excited, true. But we’re not done, we still have a long way to go. We’re in the tournament now, we might as well go for a championship,’’ Burleson added.

Next weekend’s games will determine whether the Lions are a fifth or sixth seed. While there are many scenarios, the Lions could lose at Green Bay and still be a fifth seed if the Packers beat the Bears tonight (Sunday), New Orleans beats the Falcons and the Bucs beat Atlanta.

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Here are five things the Lions (9-5) must do to beat the San Diego Chargers (7-7) to clinch a wild-card playoff berth.

1. Throw the ball to Calvin Johnson. This is not rocket science. The Lions can win a game without getting the ball to him much (see win over Vikings). But they improve their chances of winning when they do (see win at Oakland).

2. Matthew Stafford must play like he did the final seven minutes at Oakland. The offensive line must continue to give him time.

3. The defensive line must get to quarterback Philip Rivers early and often especially with the Lions a little thin at defensive back. Safety Louis Delmas and cornerback Aaron Berry are doubtful.

4. Get points on the board early. Those comebacks make for good TV, but it could be much tougher against the Chargers.

5. Maintain the cool that has allowed the Lions to win nine games and be on the verge of the playoffs.

Prediction: Lions 28, Chargers 24

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One of the best weekly NFL shows on TV is “Turning Point” on Versus. Hosted by Dan Patrick, he and Tony Dungy break down four of the most interesting games from the previous weekend.

The Lions win at Oakland was one of the featured games on Wednesday night. It will re-air tonight (Thursday night) at midnight. They break down big plays, show game clips and pick up audio from along the sidelines. Interesting stuff. They mix it with clips of the post-game press conferences. This week it’s a great look at the always humble Calvin Johnson. Also Matthew Stafford explains why he ran the ball on fourth-and-2.

Then at the very end of the show they show coach Jim Schwartz in the locker room giving out game balls. He tells the team great game, the usual stuff. Then he shouts, “We’re halfway there!”

That had me stumped for a minute. Halfway? They’ve won nine games.

Ah, but Schwartz breaks the season down into four quarters of four games each.

So in this final quarter they are 2-0, halfway to the goal of 4-0.

That’s how he’s conditioned the players to look at the season. Sure there’s one game at a time, but this quarter view seems to work for them. Remember last season they were 4-0 in the final quarter even though they had no shot at the postseason.

This season they opened 4-0, slipped to 2-2, slipped again to 1-3.

When they’re done with a quarter, they move on to the next hoping to redeem themselves. They’re doing a good job so far in this final quarter. One more win and they're in the playoffs.

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ALLEN PARK — Defensively the Lions are still missing six players. Nick Fairley (foot), Louis Delmas (knee), Chris Harris, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams (hip) and Don Carey didn’t practice Wednesday.

Fairley worked on Tuesday, the others didn’t.

It's possible Vanden Bosch is taking a second-straight rest day.

Long snapper Don Muhlbach was off Tuesday, but back at work on Wednesday.

The Lions play the San Diego Chargers at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. A win would clinch a playoff berth.

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ALLEN PARK — Long snappers really aren’t missed until they’re not there. Don Muhlbach, the Lions’ long snapper, was not at practice today (Tuesday). It’s unknown if he’s injured and the Lions will not produce an injury report today.

Center Dominic Raiola was taking the long-snapping duties during practice.

Safety Chris Harris was on the sidelines, but not participating in practice. He was tested for a concussion during Sunday’s game but no results were released.

Safety Louis Delmas who had minor surgery Saturday to repair his torn MCL also did not practice.

CB Don Carey also did not practice.

DT Corey Williams (hip) was out along with Kyle Vanden Bosch who was likely taking a rest day.

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What will be the Lions’ record on Jan. 2?

Before the season started, I predicted a 9-7 finish. I think I underestimated the Lions even though I assumed they would have Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure to boost the running game.

Took a lot of criticism for being a Pollyanna by a lot of anonymous folks who seemed to enjoy blasting me for my pick.

Now if the Lions lose the last two I’ll be right on the money.

I don’t think that will happen. I see a win on Saturday over the Chargers to get them into the playoffs.

Not sure what will happen in Green Bay, but it’d be tough to win there.

What are you thinking? 10-6? 9-7? 11-5?

Let me know.

You can make it anonymous if you’d like, but remember my name is on everything I write.

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Here are five things the Lions (8-5) must do to beat the Raiders (7-6) at Oakland on Sunday:

1. Get the ball to Calvin Johnson who was the target just four times in the win over Minnesota. He had three catches for 46 yards and the Lions won. But with one of the top receivers in the NFL, it seems getting Johnson the ball would be a priority.

2. Stop the run. The Raiders feature the NFL’s sixth best rushing offense led by Michael Bush and Darren McFadden (who will not play due to a foot injury). Conversely the Lions own the 27th best rush defense. Not a good ratio.

3. Defense should come out on fire like they did in the win over Minnesota on Sunday. Of course that was at Ford Field and this is on the road. Cliff Avril looked like a defensive end who was possessed. They need that attitude.

4. Matthew Stafford needs to continue the way he’s played the past two games when he has had just one interception. He’s a different player without the glove and splint. He has to prove he’s a big-game player.

5. Don’t look ahead. This is a huge game for the Lions’ playoff chances. They said all the right things during the week about one game at a time, but now they need to play that way.

Prediction: Lions 21, Raiders 17

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Running back Kevin Smith, who has been dealing with a nasty high ankle sprain, was more active in Thursday’s practice than on Wednesday.

Smith missed last week’s game against the Vikings.

Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan seems confident Smith will be ready to go Sunday.

“Kevin’s practicing, he’s making progress ... We’re very positive about him being ready to go,’’ Linehan said.

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ALLEN PARK — Six Lions’ defensemen didn’t practice today (Thursday).

Missing from the practice field were Louis Delmas (knee), Eric Wright (hamstring), Justin Durant (hamstring), Nick Fairley (foot), Aaron Berry (shoulder) and Lawrence Jackson (thigh).

None were a surprise.

Coach Jim Schwartz repeated on Wednesday that if any of these injuries were thought to be long-term, the players would be placed on injured reserve.

However, it’s closing in on the time to make the decision who will be available at Oakland on Sunday. If Fairley can’t play, the return of Ndamukong Suh ensures the defensive line won’t be short at tackle.

If Delmas, Wright and Berry can’t play the secondary will again be short on bodies.

Running back Kevin Smith (high ankle sprain) was on the practice field, but didn’t participate in all the drills.

The Lions (8-5) play a key game in their playoff chase at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Oakland Raiders (7-6).

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ALLEN PARK — Ndamukong Suh is a little crazy if he thought he was going to walk back onto the Lions practice field and not have to answer any questions about his two-game suspension or car accident in Portland.

Crazy.

Suh seems to love the limelight. That’s great. He was after all the NFL’s second overall pick in 2010.

But with the spotlight, come the responsibilities.

At the podium after Wednesday’s practice he said he wanted to focus on the Oakland Raiders. He didn’t grasp the idea that he had to put the whole stomping incident behind him first.

He has not publicly spoken since immediately after the game when he came up with some story that he was trying to withdraw himself from a situation.

Wednesday was his chance and he blew it. He could have easily apologized to fans, admit he made a mistake and say it won’t happen again.

It’s a good philosophy to have whether you’re an NFL player or a plain Jane sports writer. If you make a mistake admit it, apologize for it and say it won’t happen again.

It’s pretty simple.

Suh is hurting his image by not owning up to his mistake.

It’s going to be hard to move on until he does so.

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ALLEN PARK — Running back Kevin Smith, who missed Sunday’s game, was at practice today (Wednesday), but wasn’t able to do much. He was doing balance drills on the sideline with a trainer following the stretch period.

Smith sustained a high ankle sprain on Thanksgiving.

Cornerback Chris Houston, who has missed the last two games with a sprained MCL, was back at practice. Also back was Nick Fairley who didn’t play Sunday after aggravating his foot injury in New Orleans.

Still missing were Louis Delmas (knee), Eric Wright (hamstring), Justin Durant (hamstring), Aaron Berry (shoulder) and Lawrence Jackson (thigh).

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch didn’t practice which is the norm on Wednesdays when he is given a rest.

The Lions (8-5) play at the Oakland Raiders (7-6) at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Raiders are coming off two lop-sided losses — at Miami 34-14 and at Green Bay 46-16.

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It’s a holiday tradition like no other in Keego Harbor. On Thursday night check out the Christmas fund-raiser to raise funds for Our Children’s Fund so local kids can have a terrific Christmas.

It was all started by Tom “Killer” Kowalski about a dozen years ago. We’re continuing it in his honor. It’s always a blast. If you’ve been before, you know that. If you haven’t been, check it out.

There will also be plenty of items to raffle included signed memorabilia from the Lions and Red Wings. Also, several local golf courses have chipped in with gift certificates. So bring your money.

It won’t be the same without Tom this year, but we can’t let the kids down.

Festivities start at 7. The Brewhaus is on Orchard Lake Road, just west of Cass Lake Road in greater downtown Keego.

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Overlooked a bit in the Lions’ 34-28 nail-biter of a win over the Vikings on Sunday was the performance of quarterback Matthew Stafford.

His numbers weren’t gaudy — 20 of 29 for 227 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His rating was a respectable 115.2.

Since his broken index finger has healed, he’s thrown just one interception and that was late in the loss at New Orleans when he was trying to make something, anything happen.

Stafford has been consistent saying he doesn’t care about his stats as long as they win.

“We need to play as good as we need to play to win every week,’’ Stafford said Sunday. “You know, that’s the way it is. Some games are going to be prettier than others. You look at the first-half stats of this one, we played well. We didn’t play as well as we could in the second half but we got the win.’’

The defense pitched in with two touchdowns — one on a fumble recovery and one on an interception return. In this win the defense was the story.

But the Lions can’t get to the playoffs without a well-oiled, smooth-running offense.

“I thought we made some big plays, we made some plays when we needed to, one third down to Titus (Young) for a long one, another third down that Titus caught a quick little slant and you know made a big play for us there,’’ Stafford said.

Stafford was pressured all day long by Jared Allen and the Vikings’ defensive line. But he hung in there and made smart decisions.

It seems like we’re seeing this offense grow up week after week. And even though he never made a big deal about it, Stafford is a much better quarterback now that his broken finger has healed.

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DETROIT — Been out most of this week for my Dad’s funeral. My Dad taught me football and took me to my first Lions game back at Tiger Stadium. He closely followed whatever team I covered so he had his eye on the Lions.

Thanks for your patience.

I’m back now, sitting in the press box at Ford Field waiting to talk to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at 11, followed by Vikings at Lions.

Four more games to wrap up the season and it should be interesting.

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NEW ORLEANS — Kevin Smith’s ankle is healed enough that he’s starting at running back tonight.

Not surprisingly Sammie Hill is getting the start at defensive tackle for Ndamukong Suh.

Chris Houston and Louis Delmas, who both have knee injuries and were doubtful for the game, are out.

Aaron Berry will start at cornerback with Chris Harris starting at safety.

Brandon McDonald (knee) is out along with Lawrence Jackson (thigh), Drew Stanton, Aaron Brown and Leonard Davis.

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Five things the Lions (7-4) must do to beat the Saints (8-3) at the Superdome on Sunday Night Football:

1. Pressure Drew Brees who looked almost unstoppable on Monday night in the win over the Giants. The Lions will miss Ndamukong Suh but they have to soldier on and perhaps it will give them additional resolve to get the job done. If they can’t get at it from the middle, Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch will need to attack from the outside. If Brees has time, he’ll pick apart the Lions secondary.

2. Matthew Stafford, minus his gloves and finger splint, needs to have a solid ratio of touchdowns to interceptions. He’s thrown nine in last three games and won’t blame it on the finger. He needs to make better decisions.

3. Get the ball to Calvin Johnson. Yes, he’s mostly double- and triple-teamed but he must be a target. Getting Johnson heavily involved in the offense gives the offense a better chance.

4. Patched-up secondary must pull together. Chris Houston and Louis Delmas might sit out with knee injuries, so others must step up. Eric Berry could start at corner with Alphonso Smith at nickel. Chris Harris is expected to get the nod at safety. Here’s an interesting stat. John Wendling, who excels on special teams, is 4-0 as a starter going back to last season

5. Don’t let the bright lights be blinding. It’s the Lions first appearance on Sunday Night Football. Game time got moved to set up one of the NFL’s best matchups of the day in prime time. Keep the attitude, don’t get too caught up in the playoff ramifications.

Prediction: Saints 42, Lions 35

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A little surprised that Ndamukong Suh’s appeal of his two-game suspension was denied. I thought it was deserved, but just didn’t think it would stand.

Because the Lions defensive tackle missed almost the entire second half on Thanksgiving after being ejected, thought they might lop off one of the games. Of course, I’m sure they took that into consideration for the original two-game suspension.

Obviously there are those who think Suh needs to learn a lesson and one of them is Hall of Famer Art Shell who conducted the appeal process and made the final decision.

Perhaps next time Suh errs, he’ll be smart enough to stand up and admit it. I think that would have gone a long way in the way this situation was handled.

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ALLEN PARK — Lions running back Kevin Smith, who sprained his ankle in the Thanksgiving game, is optimistic after completing a full practice on Thursday.

“Every day it’s getting better so at this pace I’m excited,’’ Smith said.

He would not put a percentage on his chances of playing on Sunday night at New Orleans.

“Every day I got better, today is Thursday I was able to practice the full practice,’’ Smith said. “I feel good, it’s still an ankle sprain, but it’s football.’’

Smith has played in three games since he was re-signed by the Lions after Jahvid Best sustained his concussion that forced him out for the season.

Against Carolina he had 16 carries for 140 yards, four catches for 61 yards and three touchdowns (two rushing).

He got off to a good start against the Packers (seven carries for 36 yards and three catches for 21 yards before he had to leave the game with the ankle injury.

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ALLEN PARK — Lions running back Kevin Smith progressed on Thursday to participating in drills at practice. Smith, who injured his right ankle on Thanksgiving, was limited to stretches in Wednesday’s practice. He was active in the portion of practice open to the media.

Meanwhile it’s looking doubtful for Sunday at New Orleans for cornerback Chris Houston and safety Louis Delmas. Neither has practiced so far this week due to knee injuries. Cornerback Brandon McDonald (lower leg) who ran sprints along the sidelines in Wednesday’s practice, was not seen on Thursday.

Add defensive end Lawrence Jackson (thigh) to that list. Jackson could not play on Thanksgiving after his injury in the win over the Panthers.

Linebacker Doug Hogue, who was out with an illness on Wednesday, returned to practice on Thursday.

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