It’s Thanksgiving week, so we’re going to keep this short and sweet and give you more time to enjoy food, family and of course, football. There are three games scheduled for Thanksgiving Day this year, but unless you’ve got the NFL Network (not likely in most cable packages), you’re going to miss one – the night game between Indy and Atlanta. But don’t worry – you won’t be missing much.
Now, onto the games that you will be able to see, starting with the two nationally televised Thanksgiving tilts. And don’t worry – these picks were made and printed before any of the Turkey Day games kicked off.
Green Bay (9-1) at Detroit (6-4): On paper, the Packers should dominate this game – Detroit has lost two straight after a 6-2 start, and Green Bay’s defense has been locking down foes for weeks now. But the short week of preparation can do strange things to a team’s game plan and the Packers have to be careful not to get caught looking ahead to a battle with Dallas for NFC supremacy on Nov. 29. I think the Lions will keep this one close, but Brett Favre is playing at his highest level in years, and he’ll be the difference for the Pack on Thursday. Score: Green Bay 24, Detroit 20.
NY Jets (2-8) at Dallas (9-1): This matchup probably looked more enticing when the season began, and if the Jets hadn’t held off the Steelers at home last week, I’d be calling for record scoring numbers from Dallas’ offense this time around. As it is, the Jets are at least playing with passion now that Kellen Clemens is under center, and although they won’t beat Dallas at home, they should be able to pressure Tony Romo enough to keep the score from getting out of hand. But that still won’t be enough to help them beat the prolific Cowboys. Score: Dallas 27, New York 17.
Minnesota (4-6) at New York Giants (7-3): The Giants may be 7-3, but they haven’t impressed me over the last couple of weeks. They need to do a better job in downfield coverage and stop turning the ball over on offense before I’ll seriously consider them a playoff threat. The Vikings are near the top of the league in forced fumbles, but they lack a deep passing game. As long as running back Brandon Jacobs can overcome a hamstring injury to contribute, the Giants should be able to hold off Minnesota at home. Score: New York 24, Minnesota 20.
Baltimore (4-6) at San Diego (5-5): As inconsistent as the Chargers have been this season, they’re still tied for first place (with Denver) in the AFC West. But if they want to retain that distinction, they need to start winning, and soon. Baltimore’s offense looked more frisky than usual in coming back against Cleveland last week, but that was against the Browns, one of the most inconsistent defenses in football. Facing the Chargers, Kyle Boller and the Ravens’ attack will be hard-pressed to put up 30 points again, and even with QB Philip Rivers’ recent struggles, the Chargers will earn the win at home. Score: San Diego 23, Baltimore 20.
Miami (0-10) at Pittsburgh (7-3): Since I always pick the Monday night games, I’m going to devote some ink to this one. In a weird way, I think last week’s loss to the Jets will help the Steelers in the long run, forcing them to face some adversity and getting them used to dealing with a playoff-caliber pass rush (which the Jets have). Unfortunately for the Dolphins, the Steelers will be looking for revenge this week, and Pittsburgh is not the place for rookie quarterbacks making their second start (John Beck) to be on a Monday night. Miami may not win a game this season, and they certainly won’t this week. Score: Pittsburgh 30, Miami 13.
Quick picks: Indy will take down Atlanta in the other Thursday game, Denver will handle Chicago, Cleveland will beat Houston, Jacksonville will roll over the Bills and the Patriots will keep the pedal to the floor and top Philadelphia on Sunday night.
Last week’s record: 9-1. Overall: 76-32.