GREEN BAY -- 'Tis the season for separating in the NFC North.

The Packers begin looking at playoff possibilities when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in the first of three consecutive games against division opponents.

The Packers (6-3-1) rallied for a 27-20 win at the New York Giants to snap a two-game skid. Green Bay, which has played just one division game to date, is a half-game behind division-leading Chicago and a half-game ahead of defending division champion Detroit.

Minnesota (4-6-0) lost at home to Chicago, 19-17, on a last-second, 48-yard field goal for its fourth defeat in five games.

"NFC North, going to Lambeau, always a very, very important game for the Minnesota Vikings and it is absolutely one this week," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday.

Since op

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