If you grew up in a household similar to mine, Thanksgiving Day was one filled with watching football early in the day, playing football in the middle of the day and feasting and more watching football later in the day. No matter how rough my childhood was at times, that day was always awesome.
Unfortunately, I married into a non-football family, so as an adult the football watching is usually just me and one of my brother-in-law's. A few others feign interest, but he and I are the only ones enjoying the greatest sport on Earth. I don't really understand their desire to watch parades on television either, but they understand my obsession, so it all works out.
Anyway, I'll be in and out as I am sure many of you will be today. Let's get on with my predictions and be sure to share yours in the comments below!
Chicago Bears |
Thursday, November 26, 2014
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Detroit Lions |
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AVG. YDS (RNK) |
TEAM CATEGORY |
AVG. YDS (RNK) |
||
14th | Pass Off. | 10th | ||
20th | Rush Off. | 30th | ||
28th | Pass Def. | 10th | ||
12th | Rush Def. | 1st | ||
5-6 | Ford Field, Detroit, MI | 7-4 | ||
3rd NFC North | Spread: -7 | 2nd NFC North | ||
First up, the Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears. Both teams have actually had similar offensive struggles in the last few months, but the Lions have been winning low scoring and close games, while the Bears were just getting blown out. Somehow, if Jay Cutler bests Matthew Stafford here today then the NFC playoff race will get a little more interesting. I expect both of these teams to finish on the outside looking in once its all said and done, but its always more interesting when the crowd is thick for that last playoff spot.
I just don't think it will happen. As much as I distrust the Lions to put up points, I distrust Cutler's decision-making far more. The Lions should abuse this atrocious Bears defense, while the Lions defense should get just enough turnovers to preserve victory here. Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 17.
Philadelphia Eagles |
Thursday, November 26, 2014
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Dallas Cowboys |
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AVG. YDS (RNK) |
TEAM CATEGORY |
AVG. YDS (RNK) |
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4th | Pass Off. | 17th | ||
12th | Rush Off. | 2nd | ||
30th | Pass Def. | 19th | ||
16th | Rush Def. | 13th | ||
8-3 | AT&T Stadium, Dallas, TX | 8-3 | ||
1st NFC East | Spread: -3 | 1st NFC East | ||
With an NFL-created NFC lovefest this Thanksgiving its hard to get truly excited for any of these games as a Denver Broncos fan, but at least this match-up between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys features two probably playoff teams with suspect defense and elite offenses. Can you say high scoring affair? I'll watch it for that reason alone.
Tony Romo and Dez Bryant are going to obliterate this defense and DeMarco Murray will mop them up. I'm sure Mark Sanchez will find a way to score some point, but he'll also find a way to score some turnovers for the Cowboys defense. Either way, this should be the offensively exciting game of the day and America's other team will find a way to come out on top - probably with a pick six to seal it. Prediction: Cowboys 41, Eagles 31.
Seattle Seahawks |
Thursday, November 26, 2014
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San Francisco 49ers |
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AVG. YDS (RNK) |
TEAM CATEGORY |
AVG. YDS (RNK) |
||
30th | Pass Off. | 24th | ||
1st | Rush Off. | 10th | ||
3rd | Pass Def. | 2nd | ||
6th | Rush Def. | 7th | ||
7-4 | Levi Stadium, Santa Clara, CA | 7-4 | ||
2nd NFC West | Spread: -1 | 2nd NFC West | ||
In what I thought was the new traditional AFC Thanksgiving slot, we get two NFC teams again. Jerks. I honestly hope this game is sloppy, horrible football that ends in a 3-3 tie. Such is life as an AFC fan. The NFL will always want to give preference to their NFC. Or something like that.
Anyway, this game is going to be a classic defensive struggle. I hate that those are my favorite kind of games, because I really dislike both of these a lot. Colin Kaepernick has been really awful this year in my opinion and I think the San Francisco 49ers get beat at home this time by the Seattle Seahawks. It would be better if both teams tied and the game sucked though, because then the AFC would get their Thanksgiving Day game back. Prediction: Seahawks 20, 49ers 16.