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Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions 12:30 PM (EST)
For the first course, the once perennially mismatched Lions are now the 7-3 upstarts from the Motor City. Entering the Lions den, known as Ford Field, are the champions from last year and currently undefeated Green Bay Packers (10-0). The Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers and his 128.8 QB rating are on pace to break a slew of NFL records for offense. The Lions, on the other hand are a stout defensive team. They are led by the Sporting News choice for the dirtiest player in the NFL Ndamukong Suh. The Lions defense ranks 11th overall. Matthew Stafford and Calvin “Megatron” Johnson” lead a very strong passing attack for the Lions. So make sure you have plenty of napkins. Many fans will be eating their turkey while sitting on the couch watching this one. As an added bonus you get to hear the group Nickleback at halftime. A country and western group in Motown, what will they think of next?
Miami Dolphins @ Dallas Cowboys 4:15 PM (EST)
For second’s, we get the Cowboys (6-4) tied with the Giants for the lead in the NFC east meeting the suddenly resurgent Miami Dolphins (3-7). The Dolphins are riding a three game winning streak after a disastrous start. The improved play of Matt Moore and the Dolphin defense has been the reason for their improvement. The last three games Miami’s offense has averaged over four touchdowns (28.6 PPG). Their defense has allowed less that a seven points per game (6.6). At Cowboy Stadium they will face a Tony Romo led 6th rank offense also averaging four touch downs a game. The Cowboys defense, ranked 10th in the league is led by Andre Ware. Ware is second in the league in sacks (13). You can expect a close battle here. You have to wonder if one of these teams will use the “wish bone” formation for the sake of the Holiday.
San Francisco 49ers @ Baltimore Ravens 8:15 PM (EST)
For dessert, we get the NFC west leading 49ers (9-1) traveling east to Baltimore. There they will be greeted by the Baltimore Ravens who are currently tied with Pittsburgh for the division lead (7-3). The 49’ers feature the dangerous running back Frank Gore on offense. This year the 49ers defense leads the league in fewest points scored against (145). The Baltimore Ravens offense features Rutgers own Ray Rice at running back. The Raven defense still one of the best in the league is currently ranked (4th). You can expect these two teams to try and knock the stuffing out of each other. Look for a low scoring hard hitting game. Both of these teams have “gobbled up” turnovers this year. So let’s talk turkey; the key to this game will be stuffing the run game. That will force the play callers to “wing it” the rest of the game.
Happy Thanksgiving!