Thanksgiving football is an American tradition.
However, with often-incompetent Detroit and routinely erratic Dallas as
permanent hosts an afternoon nap was often the only recourse from sloppy or
dull pigskin. This year even large doses
of tryptophan should not result in an incoherent state of semi-consciousness. Detroit faces a bounce back game against
Chicago. That game leads into a duel for
control of the NFC East between Philadelphia and Dallas. If that is not enough for you, the premier
rivalry in the game will be on display as Seattle visits San Francisco in a
contest that could effectively eliminate one of last season’s NFC Championship
Game participants.
1) New
England- Three pertinent truths for Sunday’s showdown with Green Bay are worth
mentioning. First, Aaron Rodgers is the
best quarterback in the league right now.
Secondly, Tom Brady is one of the three best quarterbacks in NFL history
(Montana and Unitas are the others).
Third, Brady achieved his place in history by winning exactly this type
of game.
2) Green
Bay- As the Patriot machine roles into Lambeau Packer fans should take comfort
in Aaron Rodgers’ 42-10 career record at home.
Green Bay will need a historically efficient game from Rodgers in order
to beat the Pats.
3) Denver-
The Broncos ran 35 times for 201 yards against a stingy Miami defense. They also passed 35 times and gained 249 net
passing yards. Production aside, that
type of play calling balance leads to winning football.
4) Arizona-
Losing at Seattle is not cause for alarm.
However, the mere three points that Arizona put on the scoreboard bears
watching as the Drew Stanton experience marches onward.
5) Dallas-
Saying that Tony Romo gives a team a decided advantage at quarterback in a big
game is absurd, unless the other team is lining Mark Sanchez up under
center. Advantage Dallas.
6) Indianapolis-
Newly signed return specialist Josh Cribbs displayed his talents with a 46 yard
kickoff return and his 9.6 yards per return average on five punts. A Colts offense averaging 30.3 points per game,
good for fourth in the NFL, will be additionally lethal thanks to the hidden
yards Cribbs will provide.
7) Seattle- Sunday’s 19-3 win against a quality opponent,
Arizona, felt like a vintage Seattle performance.
8) Baltimore-
The remaining schedule for the Ravens (vs. San Diego, @ Miami, vs.
Jacksonville, @ Houston, and vs. Cleveland) is full of challenges and opportunities
to work through a crowded AFC playoff picture.
9) Detroit-
A Matthew Stafford/ Calvin Johnson offense should score more than 15 points
over two weeks. Admittedly, the Lions were
playing on the road against conference leaders but the offense must improve or
the Lions risk missing the playoffs.
10) Miami- Losing at
Denver hurt Miami’s playoff positioning but the game illustrated how much Joe
Philbin’s team has improved over the last eight weeks.
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