Sunday, I was much better at 11-5 for an overall record of 91-58, a winning percentage of .610. I lost with Cincinnati, New Orleans, Detroit, Chicago and Pittsburgh. The Jets found a way to beat Pittsburgh in OT and I have to realize that as long as Eric Mangini is coaching the Jets, he finds a way to win off byes.
We have three games on Thanksgiving Day. Let’s go over the games.
Green Bay at Detroit – Fox, 12:30 p.m.
This used to be the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit until 1962. Packers coach Vince Lombardi didn’t like being on the road every year so he appealed to the league and got the day off afterwards. Now the Packers are coming in at a 9-1 record while the Lions have to show they’re not frauds after a 6-2 first half. The Packers seemingly have found a new running game and of course, Brett Favre is finding ways to get the ball to his receivers. Jon Kitna did not play well against the Giants in a loss on Sunday. The top two teams in the NFC North now get together in a pretty big game for both teams although the Packers can afford one loss in the division, but they don’t want to look ahead to next Thursday’s game against the Cowboys who are also playing on Thanksgiving Day. While Brett Favre has not done well in enclosed stadia in the past, he’s done much better in recent times. Ryan Grant ran the ball successfully against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10 and looks to run again here. The Packers defense is among the best in the NFL. A loss here by the Lions and they are on a three game losing streak. They need to pull out all of the stops here. In fact the last time the Lions won on Thanksgiving Day was four years ago against Brett Favre and the Pack. However, those were different teams. Take the Pack here to make a statement, 35-20.
New York Jets at Dallas – CBS, 4:15 p.m.
The Jets surprised everyone except themselves on Sunday by limiting the potent Steeler attack to just 16 points and 263 total yards on offense. Coach Mangini also limited Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger’s mobility in the pocket. Now facing another mobile QB in Tony Romo, the Jets will have all they can handle. The Cowboys have their excellent corps of wide receivers in T.O. and Patrick Crayton. Plus, their running game with Julius Jones and Marion Barber has been tough to stop. While young Jets QB Kellen Clemens played well in managing the game against Pittsburgh, he will face his toughest test in the Cowboys. So Thomas Jones will be asked to help carry the load, but the Dallas defense is very good. I’m going to take the Cowboys to win this game, 28-14.
Indianapolis at Atlanta – NFL Network, 8:15 p.m.
When the schedule came out earlier this year, NFL Network was salivating over the prospect of Peyton Manning vs. Michael Vick. Well, a few months later, everything changed. Now the Falcons come into this game limping after a 31-7 loss at home to Tampa Bay. However, Indy certainly isn’t playing on all cylinders. After two straight losses, the Colts barely pulled out Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. Kicker Adam Vinitieri doesn’t look right after missing two field goals in each of the last two games. Yes, he did kick the game winner on Sunday, but it was after he totally missed two chip shots earlier in the game. Marvin Harrison will be out once again for this game. Dwight Freeney is also out weakening the Colts defense. While the Colts have not played a complete game since Week 8, they’ll have a chance to get better against a depleted Falcons team. I’m going to take the Colts to win, 29-10 and send me off on a 3-0 start in Week 12 of the National Football League.
Have a happy Thanksgiving.
