Thanksgiving Day Preview

With three games on the docket today to go along with your turkey dinner, let’s preview the match ups. Some things to think about as you stare into the oven today waiting for that bird to be done...

APPETIZER:

Tennessee (10-1) at Detroit (0-11)

By now, we are all tired of seeing the Lions play on Thanksgiving, but give the NFL some credit here—they uphold tradition (even if that tradition is brutal). However, I see this as a big game for the Titans after a blow out loss to the Jets last week. With Indy playing good football, and holding an easy schedule until these two meet  in week 17, Tennessee needs to take care of business today at Ford Field. Look for the Titans to try and get their running game back up to speed, and to get LenDale White back into the game plan. I expect to see a heavy dose of White and Chris Johnson against a Lions defense that struggles in every aspect of the game. Throw in some play action from Kerry Collins, and we are most likely looking at win number eleven for the Titans. If you are a Lions’ fan, maybe you will get to see Drew Stanton play some extended time, because the Daunte Culpepper adventure needs to come to an end. He isn’t the answer (I can see him getting cut in the off-season), so why not turn the game over to Stanton. A couple of big plays from Calvin Johnson should warm you up for turnkey dinner as well. Tennessee big folks.

PICK: Titans 28 Lions 9

MAIN COURSE:

Seattle (2-9) at Dallas (7-4)

Another lackluster match-up in the afternoon game. At the beginning of the season, this looked like a classic holiday match up, but we all know how the story goes in Seattle. They are done, but, for Cowboys’ fans, this is a must win game as we look ahead to December. The ‘Boys schedule is a monster after today. Last week we found out that Terrell Owens still can make plays when he gets the ball, and once you give him a taste, he wants (and demands) more. Look for Tony Romo to throw at least three deep balls to Owens. But, don’t sleep on the Hawks. They played the Redskins down to the wire last week, and during a short practice week, anything can happen—if Matt Hasselbeck can protect the football. Pressure, pressure, and more pressure if I am calling the defense for Dallas today. Owens goes over 100-yards and Marion Barber closes it out with a dominant fourth quarter. Jerry Jones can have Pac-Man over to his house and eat turkey with a smile tonight.

PICK: Cowboys 23 Seahawks 14

COFFEE and DESSERT:

Arizona (7-4) AT Philadelphia (5-5-1)

 How bad is it going to be for McNabb tonight? More importantly, how bad is it going to be for NFP fantasy expert, Joe Fortenbaugh—who is going to sit in the cold and watch this game? We know all the attention in the pre-game, during the game, and the post-game is going to be dedicated to the McNabb-Andy Reid soap opera, but there is a game to be played. The Cards have a lot to prove, especially the label of being a “soft team.” No better way to prove people wrong with a win on the road in Philly. I expect McNabb to have a big night and throwing it back in the face of the Eagles front office. Will it be enough? We saw that the Cards can put up points when they played the Giants last week. With all the outside distractions, a short week, and a quarterback looking to the future, I don’t see Philly pulling out this one against Warner and company—who will have a big night (shocking, I know). Warner throws for 350 tonight.  McNabb and the defense keep it close, but  Fortenbaugh goes home unhappy and the Cards go to 8-4. Too bad we have to wait all day for this game. Don’t eat too much or you might miss this one.

PICK: Cardinals 30 Eagles 22

Happy Thanksgiving from The National Football Post!

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