Week Thirteen, Thanksgiving Day
Ah, yes, Thanksgiving football. A great American tradition. And today, the NFL celebrates by giving us a full slate of games that we can be thankful for in at least one regard: we won’t feel bad about missing the “action” while we stir the gravy, carve the bird and sleep off our full bellies. Thanks for a Thanksgiving slate loaded with painful mediocrity, NFL! Here’s what not to expect.
Green Bay (+6) at Detroit
If the Lions wanted to win their first division title in 20 years (and their first ever in the NFC North), they probably would have found a way to beat Pittsburgh and/or Tampa Bay over the last two weeks. If the Packers wanted to win their third straight NFC North title, they probably would have, in the off season, figured out a way to protect their franchise quarterback or brought in a capable backup. Of course, the Bears don’t seem to want the division crown, either. So maybe these teams know something we don’t. What I do know is that some team has to win the North. And one of these teams has to win this game. I’m going with the one that’s at home and that has a real starting QB. But I’m not giving any six points. Lions by a field goal.
Oakland (+9.5) at Dallas
Well, I suppose the Cowboys are in a battle for first place in the NFC East. And that would probably mean something if first place in the NFC East meant anything. Since it doesn’t, I’ll just have to fall back on the fact that the Raiders (shockingly) are awful. Dallas by six.
Pittsburgh (+3) at Baltimore
The winner of this game takes the inside track for the AFC six seed. What’s odd, is that I think the loser of this game will be in the final wild card slot when the regular season comes to an end four weeks from now. Pittsburgh makes the playoffs, but Baltimore wins tonight. Ravens by four.
