Thanksgiving Day is almost upon us. One of the most popular holidays in the U.S., you just can’t think of Thanksgiving without friends, family, turkey and of course football! The NFL has been playing games on Thanksgiving since 1934 when The University of Detroit Stadium hosted the first Thanksgiving Day football game as the Detroit Lions faced off against the Chicago Bears. Now 84 years later, these two will once again meet up for a Thanksgiving Day gridiron battle.
Turkey Day schedule
CBS Sports indicates that NFL schedule makers hit a home run in terms of scheduling three games that all have serious playoff implications.
Let’s break them down!
Chicago Bears (-3.5) at Detroit Lions - 12:30 PM - CBS
The Bears and Lions get all the pigskin action going on Turkey Day from Ford Field in Detroit. Right now the Bears (7-3) are in control of the NFC North division as they currently hold a 2.5 game lead over the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions are currently in last place with 4-6 record, however, they are coming off of a big win against the Carolina Panthers and they play a lot better at home. A win for Detroit against the Bears will put them right back in the postseason hunt.
Pick -- Detroit +3.5
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys (-8) - 4:30 PM - FOX
This game had all the makings of a classic NFC East rumble - and it still may.
However, the loss of Washington Redskins starting quarterback Alex Smith has taken some of the luster out of this key matchup.
ESPN indicates that Smith suffered two breaks in his leg when he was sacked on Sunday afternoon in the Redskins loss to the Houston Texans. Colt McCoy will take over for Washington at QB for the remainder of the season.
Now, just because the Redskins will be without their starting quarterback won’t damper the fact that this game is for first place in the NFC East. Washington (6-4) currently holds a one-game lead over the 5-5 Cowboys. This game should be closer than people think.
Pick - Washington +8
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (-12.5) - 8:20 PM - NBC
This is it for the Atlanta Falcons.
A win over the Saints will keep their wild-card hopes alive - a loss and you can put a fork in ‘em! Atlanta is currently on a two-game losing streak, and those losses came against teams (Cleveland and Dallas) that don't have half of the firepower the Saints do. This game is a rivalry, so the intensity will be there, however, the potential for another lopsided victory for the Saints is a good possibility.
Pick -- New Orleans -12.5
No matter what you and yours are doing this Thanksgiving, be safe and try not to overeat. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!