NFL Thanksgiving Day Football

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means that it is time for family, food, and football. This Thanksgiving, the NFL will provide us with a slate of three games throughout the day. Two of the three games feature match-ups that aren't that appetizing, but here is a breakdown of each game:

Green Bay Packers (4-3) at Detroit Lions (1-6), 12:30 PM ET, FOX

The first Thanksgiving Day game will feature the Packers visiting Ford Field to take on the Lions in Detroit. One year after going winless, The Lions are in the midst of another rough season. Through week 8, they have won just one game and rank 25^th in the NFL in total offense, averaging a paltry 16.1 points per game. Scoring won't come easy against Green Bay either. The Packers rank 4^th in the NFL in total defense and only allow 19.1 points per game. The Packers' season has been somewhat disappointing thus far. They expected big things out of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and hoped to find themselves in the playoffs. Rodgers has been solid this year, but the Packers certainly hoped they would have been in a better situation at this point. They should however, enjoy feasting on the hapless Lions on Thanksgiving. Prediction: Green Bay 31, Detroit 17.

Oakland Raiders (2-6) at Dallas Cowboys (5-2), 4:15 PM ET, CBS

The second game of the day will have the Raiders playing the Cowboys at the new billion dollar Cowboys Stadium. The Raiders have once again struggled this year and have provided more excitement off the field than on it. The Raiders rank last in the NFL, averaging just 9.8 points per game. They are led by JaMarcus Russell, who at this point has to be considered one of the biggest draft busts in history. The former number one overall pick seems to be incapable of completing a pass and has only two touchdown passes, compared to nine interceptions. The Cowboys are having a good season led by their potent offense. They rank second in the league in total offense and average over 28 points per game. They are in great position to make a run for the playoffs and should have no problem disposing of the Raiders on Thanksgiving. Prediction: Dallas 34, Oakland 7.

New York Giants (5-3) at Denver Broncos (6-1), 8:20 PM ET, NFL Network

The final game on Thanksgiving night should also be the most interesting as the Giants visit the Broncos at Invesco Field. After starting out 5-0, the Giants have struggled lately and have lost 3 straight games. The Giants were one of the favorites in the NFC going into the season, so their recent trouble has been cause for some concern in New York. However, led by their strong defense and quarterback Eli Manning, the Giants should be able to turn things around and at least make things interesting on Thanksgiving. The Denver Broncos may be the surprise of the first half of the season. Led by their first ranked defense and the steady play of Kyle Orton, the Broncos have started off the season 6-1. The crowd will be excited on Thanksgiving night and the Broncos should have enough to overcome the Giants. Prediction: Denver 17, New York 14.

SOURCE: www.nfl.com