It's not just the turkey, or the stuffing, or the certain 8,000 calories one will consume that makes Thanksgiving a nation pastime in American homes. The NFL has been involved with Thanksgiving since it's earliest of days and has had both classic and controversial moments in league history. This year, a different type of history could be in the making and it continues on Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions could be on the verge of having a winless season, Arizona could win their first division title in over 30 years, and the McNabb era could be coming to an end after 10+ years in Philadelphia. Ah yes, so grab those sweet potatoes, pull up a chair, and continue to stuff your face as the Annual Thanksgiving NFL Classic continues.
Tennessee (10-1) at Detroit (0-11):
The Lions have been playing games on this day since 1934 and it seems as though each year it gets worse. This year the Lions are at an all time low with 0 wins and 11 losses, a fired gm early in the season, and a starting quarterback who was retired less than a month ago. The only bright spots are rookie running back Kevin Smith and 2nd year improving wide out Calvin Johnson. The rest of the team is a mess and it could be a few hundred more Thanksgivings before the Lions turn it around.
The Titans started out 10-0 for the first time and franchise history only to see that record blemished with a bad 34-13 loss to the New York Bretts on Sunday. It's a good thing the loss came during the regular season and not in the playoffs, so Titans fans can take a little breath and move on. One loss it not the worst thing especially when you have 10 wins on the year already, just ask the New York Giants. Chris Johnson is one of the better rookies starting this year and may have a shot at offensive rookie of the year. Kerry Collins wasn't terrible against the Jets (243 yards passing and no interceptions) and he should be a shoe in for come back player of the year, and the Titans defense is still one of the best in the league. Add to that this team plays the lowly Lions and things should be back on track after an off week. Don't look for Jeff Fisher to let this team lose focus, especially against a win-less team. Titans will tear up the Lions worse than John Madden vs. the Turkey at the dinner table.
Titans 38 Lions 14
Seattle (2-9) at Dallas (7-4):
Dallas is back on track having won their past 2 games. Tony Romo is healthy and Terrell Owens had a coming out party (over 200 yards vs. the 49ers) in 2008. Seattle has been decimated with injuries in Mike Holmgren's final season and will surely have a top 5 draft pick in the 2009 draft. So what makes this Thanksgiving game so interesting? Not much. Owens should have another big day; Romo could see 300 yards and the Dallas team as a whole should cruise. Matt Hasselback is close to finally being 100% but it's too little, too late for this team. Jim Mora will have some work to do as he takes over as head coach next season. With the team getting back to 100% they should be much better than the 2008 version of this team, which I would best describe as a mess. Families gather round, the Turkey won't be the only thing getting roasted this holiday season.
Dallas 31 Seattle 14
Arizona (7-4) at Philadelphia (5-5-1):
Not knowing that NFL games can end in a tie is probably worse than getting benched, unless you’re Donovan McNabb of course. The Eagles star quarterback has had a pretty rocky season and it finally came to a head least Sunday when he was benched prior to half time for incumbent Kevin Kolb. The 2nd year qb out of Houston looked terrible, not to mention his play on the field was also inept. McNabb has played very poorly the past 3 games and has thrown 10 interceptions this year while completing less than 60% of his passes. His demise in Philly could be coming soon and there are already numerous sports outlets speculating on where he will end up next year. The Eagles may finally be on the downside after having much success since Andy Reid took over way back in 1999. Brian Westbrook is injury prone and aging, they have a great rookie wide out in Desean Jackson but not much else, and McNabb could potentially be past his prime. If the Eagles lose today and next week, they could certainly be looking more and more to 2009.
Arizona is on pace to have its best season ever and Kurt Warner is the man leading the charge. The former 2 time MVP could be in line for a 3rd as he has the Cardinals ready for a division title and a home playoff game. The NFC west is terrible besides these Cardinals (the 3 other teams have a combined 7 wins) and the playoffs are basically a given. Tim Hightower has posted a productive rookie campaign and sent former star Edgerin James to the bench. The team has 2 of the best receivers in the league and a defense that isn't to shabby either. But it is Warner that has them at this point. Captain Kurt is back to his pre-injury Rams form with 21 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions, along with 3500 passing yards. In fact, he is projected to throw for over 5000 yards and possibly break Dan Marino's 1984 record. Now those are some certain MVP qualifications.
The key to the game will be the Eagles stopping the Cardinals passing attack and for McNabb to get out of his 3 game slump. After being benched, then named the starter a day after, his confidence could be on shaky ground. You wonder if McNabb has paid any attention to the media circus that has been going on in Philly since Sunday. We will find out soon.
Arizona 24 Philadelphia 17
