Thanksgiving NFL Football Games Predictions

It's almost that time of year again. Thanksgiving means turkey, family, and NFL football. Here's a preview of the NFL football schedule for Thanksgiving 2009, with predictions in each game.

Thanksgiving 2009 NFL football game #1: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (12:30 pm, FOX)

Green Bay hasn't provided the stiff challenge to Minnesota in the NFC North that everyone was expecting. But if they lose this one, the Packers are in deep trouble. It's amazing that in this world of parity in the NFL, the Detroit Lions could very well follow up their historic 0-16 season with a 1-15 season. Where's the improvement?

If you'll be indulging in some wine or liquor this Thanksgiving, play the Aaron Rodgers drinking game - take a drink every time Rodgers gets sacked today.

The prediction in this game is Green Bay, by at least two touchdowns.

Thanksgiving 2009 NFL football game #2: Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys (4:15 pm, CBS)

There's never been a year in the NFL quite like 2009, with so many absolutely dreadful football teams. The Oakland Raiders are one of about five teams (Cleveland, Buffalo, Tampa, Detroit) that are so bad, it's hard to believe they've even won a single game. Somehow, Oakland has managed a couple of victories.

The Raiders' frightful offense isn't likely to provide much of a challenge for Dallas. The Cowboys are still in the driver's seat for the NFC East title. The pick in this game is Dallas, in a blowout.

Thanksgiving 2009 NFL football game #3: New York Giants at Denver Broncos (8:20 pm, NFL Network)

I have to admit, I was thrilled a few years back when the NFL added a third football game on Thanksgiving. Like a lot of people, I was tired of seeing the Cowboys and Lions every year. The third game has breathed new life into the football holiday.

This year, Denver plays host to the Giants in what is the marquee NFL matchup of Thanksgiving Day. The Broncos stormed off to a 6-0 start, then came crashing down against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The Broncos are being exposed as a pretender. They're not as good as their early results seemed to indicate.

Kyle Orton is incapable of throwing the ball deep, which means defenses should be able to handle Denver's offense with little problem. The Broncos do have a solid defense, but that can only take you so far.

Meanwhile, the Giants are an enigma. They have all the talent necessary to compete for another Super Bowl championship, but they haven't shown it yet in 2009. Still, it's a good bet they'll get it together. The prediction here is the New York Giants.

Sources:

nfl.com