NFL Thanksgiving Football Predictions, Best Bets

Ah, Thanksgiving. A perfect day to gorge yourself and lie around on the couch. And what's the perfect compliment to gluttony and sloth? Why, a full slate of NFL football on the tube.

This year, we've got three games to satisfy the pine for pigskin. The Packers of Green Bay (sorry, had to throw that 'Coming to America" reference in there) play at the Detroit Lions, the New York Jets play at the Dallas Cowboys, and the Indianapolis Colts play at the Atlanta Falcons.

It's safe to say a large majority of America will be watching the first two games, but I have a feeling not as many will catch the late game. Why? Well, for one, most people will be in a food- (and/or alcohol-) induced coma by then. Second, the game is on the NFL Network, which many people across the country don't get. But, that's another story for another time.

Anyway, on to the predictions:

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Time - 12:30 P.M. EST
Venue - Ford Field

For the first time in years, Detroit is playing a meaningful Thanksgiving Day game. The 6-4 Lions are chasing the 9-1 Packers for the NFC North crown, but a current two-game losing streak has the Lions in a must-win position.

Green Bay has been on fire, and they can all but lock up the division with a win here. And, history is on their side. The Lions are 11-5-1 all-time against Green Bay on Thanksgiving Day, including a 22-14 victory in 2003. That game was the only win for Detroit on Thanksgiving in the last seven years.

The Lions certainly have more to play for than the Packers, so I expect a strong showing from them. Both defenses have been playing well, but I expect the offenses to shine here. Both passing attacks are solid, but the running edge probably goes to Green Bay with the emergence of Ryan Grant and the fact the Lions RB Kevin Jones is banged up.

Expect a lot of fireworks, with Green Bay coming out on top.

Prediction:
Green Bay - 38
Detroit - 30

...

New York Jets at Dallas Cowboys
Time - 4:15 P.M. EST
Venue - Texas Stadium

It's a tale of two teams here, as the 10-1 Cowboys take on the 2-8 Jets. Some may say that Dallas could look past the Jets in this one, due to the Cowboys big showdown with Green Bay next week. But, the Jets proved last week that they're no pushovers by beating the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, the Cowboys should be prepared for the J.E.T.S.

Dallas is 25-14 on Thanksgiving. The Jets are making their first Thanksgiving appearance since 1985, when they lost at Detroit.
The Cowboys are 6-2 against the Jets, who will be visiting Dallas for just the third time.

Outside of New England, Dallas has the most explosive offense in the NFL. I really don't see the Jets sub-par defense being able to stop them, and I don't see young QB Kellen Clemens and the Jets offense being able to keep up, either. Still, the Jets are well coached and the Dallas defense can be beat.

I expect the Cowboys to pound away on the suspect run defense of the Jets with Marion Barber III and Julius Jones. Then when they lull the Jets into a stupor, they'll throw over the top to Terrell Owens. If the Jets can play strong defense and make some special teams plays, they could stay in it. If not, look out.

Prediction:
Dallas - 35
Jets - 17

...

Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta Falcons
Time - 8:15 P.M. EST
Venue - Georgia Dome

I'm sure the schedule makers were salivating over this matchup in the preseason, as it would pair Peyton Manning and Michael Vick in a Thanksgiving night quarterback duel. Well, Vick and his dogs quickly put an end to that, and, basically, the Falcons' season. Now we've got a Manning/Joey Harrington clash. How exciting!

The 8-2 Colts barely won their last two games and are depleted due to injuries (including left tackle Tony Ugoh and star receiver Marvin Harrison), but I still don't think the 3-7 Falcons have enough on either side of the ball to beat them.

This is another game where the favorite (the Colts) could be in danger of looking ahead, as the Colts will take on second-place Jacksonville (7-3) next week in an AFC South showdown. But, the Colts are too well coached and experienced to look past anyone, even the lowly Falcons.

Look for heavy does of Joseph Addai and Kenton Keith from the Colts. I think they can win this game without Manning even attempting a pass. Atlanta is plagued by injuries on both the offensive and defensive lines, and their skill players can't come close to matching the Colts.

In a game not many people will see, expect the defending Super Bowl champions to get back on track with a big win.

Prediction:
Colts - 31
Falcons - 6

Enjoy the action and have a great Thanksgiving!