Happy Thanksgiving week, folks. As we’ve hit the home stretch, the final third of the season, we’ll slim down the number of games and take a look at only the most important stuff that pertains to Week 12:

1. We’ll go chronologically for the Thursday games at least. Houston travels to Detroit for the traditional early Thanksgiving game, and both teams have a little something to prove coming off Week 11. The Texans won, the Lions lost, but both games were marred by warts. The major problem for the Texans was not getting Arian Foster cranked up — although Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson certainly didn’t seem to mind — and having trouble stopping the Jaguars’ previously dormant passing duo of Chad Henne and Justin Blackmon. One receiver they won’t have to concern themselves with is suspended Lions WR Titus Young, who was excoriated by head coach Jim Schwartz for Young’s bad behavior. That slides Ryan Broyles and Mike Thomas up a notch each on the totem pole. If the Texans suffer as many broken coverages as they did vs. the Jags (shocking coming off an excellent game against the Bears), the Lions might be able to get back on track with the big play.

2. There is an air of panic surrounding the Lions right now, but Schwartz took a stand against Young’s selfish behavior and has to hope that the message is heard by the other 52 players. “When you are a player,” the coach said, “it’s your job to make the team happy, not the team’s job to make you happy.” At 4-6, few are happy. There are spats on the sideline, players crowing in the locker room and a fan base upset at its team’s performance. Winning Thursday would be a major step forward with such a brutal road ahead; five of the final six opponents, starting with the Texans, have records above the .500 mark. The Lions made the playoffs last season by winning three of their final four games but all three came against teams that missed the postseason. Believe it or not, the Texans could clinch a playoff spot this week with a win and help. They need one of two scenarios to happen, but both include the Titans, Chargers and Bengals all losing or tying. Don’t ask. Just pass the gravy bowl.