Normally, I don't predict Thursday games; well if you've been reading these posts I don't really predict the Sunday games either, but anyway with 3 games being played on Thanksgiving, and all 3 having playoff implications I thought I'd give you my limited insight as to games this Thanksgiving. So here we go.
Philadelphia
at Detroit -2
The Lions are done, so they have nothing to lose, while the Eagles sit at 4-6, but only 1 game back on the Giants for 1st place in the NFC East. The reports out of Philly this week are that Chip Kelly has lost the Eagles locker room. Has he really, or is he just looking to the infinite number of college jobs that seem to be opening up? The Lions have managed to win the last two games against the Packers and Raiders, but the Eagles haven't really had an impressive win outside of the game against the Giants all year. This is clearly a must win game for the Eagles as they have a brutal stretch going forward: At New England, Buffalo, Arizona, Washington, at NY Giants.
Sanchez isn't a franchise QB, but the Lions have multiple issues. I think Kelly knows that if he doesn't win this game and the Giants win, with the schedule going forward, he's looking at heading back to college. Sanchez needs to target Jordan Matthews and get rid of the ball as quick as possible if the Eagles hope to win the NFC East.
Despite everything spiraling downward, I think the Eagles somehow pull out of the tailspin and get a win on the road to get to 5-6. Things aren't going well in Philly; as evidenced by the fact they gave up 45 points at home to a rookie QB, but things haven't gone well for any team in the NFC East. Philly 27 Detroit 17.
Carolina
at Dallas -2
3-7 Dallas is favored against the 10-0 Carolina Panthers, because apparently the massive number of Dallas fans who gamble have the same amount of logic and reasoning as people who think Donald Trump should be President. Dallas fans will tell you that under Tony Romo, their Cowboys are 3-0. Yes, you're 3-0 against the 5-5 Giants, who you needed a last second drive to beat at home, the 4-6 Eagles, who just got trounced by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the 4-6 Dolphins who fired their head coach before the leaves started to change. The Panthers on the other hand haven't been dominant in a lot of their wins, but they've looked pretty good all year. The team plays good defense, runs the ball well, and their receivers have looked really impressive in the last couple of weeks.
Here's where things get interesting: Josh Norman vs. Dez Bryant. If Josh Norman shuts down Dez Bryant, the way he's shut down every other top tier WR this year and last year for that matter, the Cowboys are going to have a long day. Josh Norman didn't cover Desean Jackson on 1 major play where he scored on a 56 yard touchdown, because Colin Jones blew the assignment, but the rest of the day Jackson only had 31 yards receiving. With Charles Tillman questionable, that means Colin Jones is likely going to be shadowing Terrance Williams/Cole Beasley. Which means Romo will be looking to them a lot, because Kuechly and Thomas Davis will be covering Jason Witten.
The battle up front is going to be one for the ages. Greg Hardy vs. Michael Oher. These two guys both played at the same high school, Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, and college, Ole Miss together. There might not be two guys in the league who know more about each other's characteristics more than these two players. Greg Hardy has made it known he doesn't appreciate the way the Panthers treated him, while Michael Oher has found a resurgence in Charlotte, not seen since he won a ring with the Ravens in the 2012 season. If you haven't been paying attention to the news or the history of these two players in the last 5 years, one has been tried for domestic violence and then paid off the victim not to testify, and the other has been a model citizen with an Academy Award winning film made about his life.
The Panthers are clearly the better football team, and despite Romo's success against the Dolphins, I think Carolina gets the win. "Analytical Ron," with his transition lenses, have the Panthers stay the course and they'll be steady throughout the game. Vegas is begging people to take the Cowboys, because suddenly Romo is back so Dallas, and their huge fan base who think it's 1995, think the Cowboys are going to the Super Bowl, which ain't happening. Give me the Panthers to win 31-23.
Chicago
at Green Bay -8.5
The night cap sees the Bears heading to Green Bay. Chicago has looked better than expected, but they are still 4-6 and have to go to Lambeau. Green Bay snapped their 3 game losing streak by beating a good Vikings team soundly on the road 30-13 to retake the lead in the NFC North. With Arizona playing the 49ers, the Packers know they have to keep pace with a win this week.
Despite their 7-3 record the Packers have some serious problems running the ball and playing defense. It's been the A-Aron show since the season started, but Jay Cutler has actually played fairly well the last few weeks, despite being 2-2 in the last 4 games. The Bears aren't heading to the post season, but they can still have a decent year.
Brett Favre's jersey will be retired on Thursday night, and HOW HAS THIS NOT HAPPENED YET? He's the best QB the Packers have ever had. Sorry Aaron Rodgers fans, but I'll take Favre over Rodgers. The Bears expect to have Alshon Jeffrey and Matt Forte back which means this should be a really close game, but I still like Green Bay to get the win at home. They just have too much talent, and they own Chicago at Lambeau. Green Bay 24 Chicago 16.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving this holiday season and may the Good Lord help you if you're going shopping on Black Friday. God Speed. Cheers!
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