DETROIT -The New York Giants and Detroit Lions are 6-3 and tied for the third-best record in the NFC, setting up a matchup that might end up being very important in the playoff race.

At least, that's how the Lions are looking at it.

“This is separation Sunday for us,” Detroit receiver Roy Williams said. “If we win this game, we'll be alone in third place.”

Giants coach Tom Coughlin, meanwhile, tried to downplay the big picture significance of the game.

“We're really not talking about playoffs or anything of that nature at this point,” Coughlin said.

Detroit is clearly fired up about playing meaningful games in November for a change, giving its lackluster franchise a shot at reaching the postseason for the first time since 1999.

Coach Rod Marinelli projected the standings onto a big screen during a team meeting Wednesday, hoping to focus his players on their place in the race and not the critics who are saying they're the same-old Lions after they lost last week at Arizona.

The possibly pivotal game in Detroit will likely be decided by Detroit's offensive line and the Giants' pass rush.

Jon Kitna has been sacked an NFL-high 37 times, seven more than any other quarterback, which has contributed to him leading the league with 11 fumbles.

New York leads the league with 32 sacks thanks to a talented quartet: Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan and Mathias Kiwanuka.

The Giants will probably have a lot of success getting to and knocking down Kitna if Detroit can't rediscover its running game.

Arizona held the Lions to minus-18 yards rushing as they abandoned the running game - in part because Kevin Jones was limited to four carries because of a sore left foot, which ended his season early last year and delayed his start this season.

Jones ran for 253 yards and two touchdowns in the three previous games, all victories.

Even if Jones is hurting, offensive tackle Jeff Backus hopes offensive coordinator Mike Martz doesn't give up trying to move the ball on the ground.

In truth, some Lions are getting geared up for their next two games.

Just four days after hosting the Giants, Detroit plays the NFC North-leading Green Bay Packers at home on Thanksgiving.

“These are two playoff games and might be the road we have to play in the 2007 playoffs,” Williams said.

“We're undefeated at home and if that stays true, we'll be an 8-3 ballclub and nobody in America said we would be 8-3.”