Thursday: 11:30 a.m., Ford Field (Ch. 4, 100.3-FM, 1130-AM)

ABOUT THE LIONS

• The Lions (6-4) have played only one game since defeating the Vikings in overtime Nov. 6 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

• All QB Matthew Stafford does is lead fourth-quarter comebacks, including his sixth of the season Sunday in a 26-19 victory over Jacksonville.

• Stafford has a 101.2 passer rating, trailing only Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Dak Prescott and Drew Brees.

• In the last matchup, Stafford was hit only four times (one sack) against the Vikings defense.

• Thursday's winner will decide the NFC North's leader through 12 weeks.

Stafford

PLAYER SPEAK | WR GOLDEN TATE

• Tate had a season-best 11 receptions for 79 yards and the game-winning touchdown (and somersault) against the Vikings on Nov. 6.

• The seventh-year receiver has doubled his catch total (35) the past five games compared with the season's first five games (17).

• On fourth-quarter comebacks: "At this point we have to prove we can walk away with a game and not stress out the whole fan base."

• On Stafford: "One thing I notice week in and week out is he's a very, very tough, physical guy. He's been hit a lot over the past years and he continues to get up."

COACH SPEAK | JIM CALDWELL

• Caldwell is in his sixth NFL season as a head coach with a 50-40 record in the regular season and 2-3 in the playoffs.

• The ex-Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator has the Lions as the only other NFC North team with a positive turnover ratio (plus-2)

• On Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes: "He's been playing well since he's been in the league, actually. … Obviously he can catch, and it's obvious he's fast with that 100-yard return he had the other day."

• On counteracting the Vikings pass rush: "When you have that many rushers, and a guy like [Danielle] Hunter you throw in there, it gives you all kinds of difficulties."

ANDREW KRAMMER