Leading up to a Thanksgiving battle for first place in the NFC North, these 6-4 teams likely spent some time this week being thankful for their defense and special teams — at least for one week. In one-score victories over the Cardinals and Jaguars, respectively, the Vikings and Lions each received a defensive and special teams touchdown to bail out largely stagnant offenses.
Danielle Hunter and Brian Robison spearheaded a resurgent Minnesota pass rush, battering Carson Palmer relentlessly for four sacks and 15 QB hits after totaling three and 18 combined during its four-game tumble. The Lions forced three turnovers — including a Rafael Bush pick-six — after entering Week 11 with just seven takeaways, the fewest in the NFL.