By DeAndre Levy

Special to Detroit Free Press

We're in first place going into the last month of the regular season, which is great. An ideal situation this late in the season is to be in control of your own destiny, as I always hear said in football.

Nothing is guaranteed, I know, but for what it is, it feels great.

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We have some good teams ahead and I wouldn't want in any other way. It's an opportunity each week to earn our position.

Taking a look at this week’s opponent, they cannot be discounted or overlooked because of their record. Chicago has been running the ball better and have a very tough running back in Jordan Howard, who is gaining steam the last several games. NFC North games are always tough, especially late in the season and are competitive regardless of each team’s record.

It’s an important stretch this next month. Our collective focus is tighter than ever. It feels different. Less uncertainty and less questioning. I like where we’re at right now, but certainly want more.

Playoffs are a rare opportunity and each game really just a step to an ultimate goal. We all know what that ultimate goal is but for now, the focus remains on finishing the season strong to have an opportunity to play at in the playoffs and even greater hosting a home game at Ford Field!

We have to take care of business to make this happen. Starting with Chicago.

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