Week Twelve, Thanksgiving Games
I’m not gonna get to all 16 games before it comes time to shove the bird in the oven, so here’s what I’m thinking about the Thanksgiving slate. I can make one prediction with confidence: At least two of these games, combined with tryptophan and a drink or two, are gonna render most of America comatose. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to the Lions, Cowboys and Bengals for sucking. Here’s what to expect to sleep through.
New England (-6.5) at Detroit
Yes, New England is banged up (and happy, I’m sure, that they get 11 days off after this game). Yes, the Patriots are coming off their second straight intense conference showdown (and second straight big win) and have to be fairly exhausted. And, yes, the Lions have an under-appreciated defensive front. But I still can’t imagine a result other than Detroit dropping its seventh straight Thanksgiving game. The Lions are incapable of stopping the run. They also surrender way too many passing TDs for their own good. And then there’s the little matter of their entirely one-dimensional offense. I sort of expect the Pats to come out flat and struggle to score early, and I’m not giving six and a half, but I’ll take New England straight up just the same.
New Orleans (-3.5) at Dallas
So the Cowboys have now shocked the Giants and beaten the bejesus out of the Lions. That’s nice and all, but I’m not buying. Not yet. And certainly not against a Saints squad that’s looking increasingly like last year’s model. New Orleans by six.
Cincinnati (+8.5) at NY Jets
OK, so do I really need so say anything in reference to this game beyond pointing out that the Bengals last week blew a 17-point halftime lead at home to the Buffalo Bills? So how do you think this game is gonna turn out? Me, I’m thinking the Frat Boys aren’t gonna need any last-second heroics for a change. New Jersey by 17.
