Thanksgiving Day football is event within itself with three salivating contests that could really shape the NFC play-off race, something that has been nothing short controversial this year! The play-off landscape is far from over with some odd races emerging around the league and as the season begins to heat up, the most important games are to come. All races will be outlined in the coming days, but seeing as the games are so close let’s focus on the holiday games just around the corner!
The games are written in chronological order.
Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears
H2H: Lions: 31/100, Bears: 13/5 Skybet
Handicap: Lions (-7): 23/25, Bears (+7): 23/25 Skybet
A key game in the divisional race of the NFC North sees Chicago head to Ford Field in Detroit to try and upset their division rivals in their annual Thanksgiving contest. Chicago have the form heading into the game with two wins on at home against very abject teams in the Minnesota Vikings and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Detroit are coming off a pretty resounding loss against the best team in the AFC (arguably) in the New England Patriots, but where their offense failed last week, it is very difficult to see Chicago putting up as much resistance as the Patriots did. Detroit’s pass rush is quality and Jay Cutler is always subject to panic when he see’s opposition shirts around him. Cutler’s history of turning the ball as well as his ability to get down on himself very quickly, should result in Detroit’s offense getting plenty of opportunity to wake their offense up, as they have not scored a touchdown in the previous two games. That being said Matt Stafford (The Lions’ QB) has had some trouble with throwing interceptions this year, so their success will depend on his accuracy.
Prediction:
Detroit need to win this game to stay in the divisional race with the red hot Green Bay Packers. If Chicago can slow down the Lion’s pass rush with Matt Forte, and Cutler gets the ball to all of his weapons, the Bears could steal this. But, Mr. Inconsistency never fills me with confidence. I see Detroit winning this game, but it being a bit closer then it probably should be.
Lions win 24-21
Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles
H2H: Cowboys: 5/9, Eagles: 29/20 Skybet
Handicap: Cowboys (-3): 39/50, Eagles (+3): 27/25 Skybet
Huge game in Arlington, Texas where the NFC East’s best teams duke it out for sole possession of first place. Back-up Eagles QB Mark Sanchez has not had much success on Thanksgiving, with the infamous “Butt Fumble” occurring two years ago when he was blown out by the Patriots as the New York Jets’ QB (it’s worth a YouTube!). He leads an Eagles team that despite having the starting QB out, are still producing well on the backs of their Running Backs LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles. However, on the other side the Cowboy’s secret weapon on DeMarco Murray behind an Offensive Line that is widely considered to be the best combination in football. The Eagles will need to rely on their front defensive line in order to win this game, they are second in the league in sacks up to this point and they will need to pressure Dallas QB Tony Romo into making mistakes, and doing their best to contain Murray, not an easy feat against this O-Line. Dallas know that the Eagles have a high turnover margin, and Mark Sanchez is known for making key mistakes. That being said, the Cowboys’ secondary got a scare last week against the Giants who used their sheer speed to get past them and put points up. Look for Eagles’ speedster Jeremy Macklin to try and do the same.
Prediction:
If you’re key to winning a game is shutting down DeMarco Murray, you are in for a long night. Dallas’ front line is strong and if all the Eagles are worrying about is keeping Murray in check, Jason Whitten (Dallas Tight End) and Dez Bryant (Dallas Receiver) will keep the score ticking over for the ‘Boys. I can’t see Sanchez making this game his own and propelling his team to the next level, but on the back of his RB and probably a Special Team’s TD from Darren Sproles, they won’t get blown out.
Cowboys win 31-24
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
H2H: 49ers: 81/100, Seahawks: 26/25 Skybet
Handicap: 49ers (-1.5): 9/10, Seahawks (+1.5): 94/100 Skybet
The best rivalry in the NFL today heads to Levi’s Stadium in California for the match of the day! With the Cardinals trying to run away with the division, this is a huge game in the NFC West as a win for either time likely deals a steady blow to the other’s playoff chances. The 49ers have won six games in a row against the Seahawks at home, and are hoping to extend that record on the back of their pass rush lead by Aldon Smith, which is finally waking up! Pressuring Russel Wilson and stoping their ability to move the chains is key in this game, but putting the Seahawks down is a very difficult thing to do. Last year’s Superbowl champs have been underperforming as of late, but seem to hit their stride last week against the division leading Arizona Cardinals where they convincingly upset the Cards’ at home. However, the 49ers’ QB Colin Kaepernick has been noticeably missing big plays from his arsenal this year, something that the 49ers desperately need to kick-start their offense. Relying on the ground game with Frank Gore (the 49ers Running Back) may be all they have to keep the chains moving, as everyone knows that while Russel Wilson is also similarly down in his statistics from last year, his legs are the key to his success. Always keeping defensive lines in a few minds has been the key to his success and couple that with the hard-running Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks RB), you have a recipe for success.
Prediction:
By far the most difficult game of the night to pick, we have to look at San Francisco’s inability to close out games as their demise. Even though Seattle has never looked great travelling to San Francisco, they at least look like they are beginning to find their form again and should provide a lot of headaches to Kaepernick and the 49ers. If he tries to reignite his big play ability getting his receivers involved, Seattle have the secondary to steadily shut that down and get some turnovers from it. The best part about this is that no matter what happens in this great game, which it almost always is when these two meet, they get to do it again in Seattle in two weeks!
Seattle wins 23-13
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
