NFL Thanksgiving Game Predictions


For NFL fans, Thanksgiving Day in the United States is truly one of the best days on the football calendar. It offers fans the unique ability to watch three Thursday games, something that only happens once a year. For someone like myself who lives outside the United States, it will be a constant reminder of the amazing food that I'll be missing out on, as well as the fact that we don't get two full days off work,  unlike my American neighbours to the south.

 The slate of games as a whole is somewhat lackluster, whoever each game does present story-lines that make the games compelling.

 Game #1: Chicago Bears (7-3) @ Detroit Lions (4-6) - 12:30 PM

The first game of the day features the Bears & Lions. Chicago, fresh off their Sunday night victory over Minnesota, will have to travel to Detroit to face the Lions. This scheduling snafu may make this an unwinnable game for Chicago. It's total BS that the NFL who says they care about player safety would have a team play Sunday night at 8:30, then again on the following Thursday at 12:30 in the afternoon. The Bears have three days to prepare to face a division rival on the road. Plus, Detroit just won a huge game at home against the Carolina Panthers, and don't have to travel for the game. This could be a weird game where Chicago coach Matt Nagy decides to use trick plays and field position to try to win the game. I think Detroit will do just enough to win, and get to 4-5 on the season.

 UPDATE: Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is unlikely to play due to shoulder soreness, meaning backup QB Chase Daniel will likely start the game.

 Final Score Prediction: Detroit 21 - Chicago 16

 Game #2: Washington Redskins (6-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-5) - 4:30 PM

The next game takes place in Dallas, with the Redskins and new starter Colt McCoy coming to town to face the Cowboys. With starting quarterback Alex Smith done for the season due to a gruesome leg injury, McCoy is the next man up in Washington. While everyone seems to think this will end the Redskins season, I would like to point out that Alex Smith was never the focal point of their offence. Their offence's identity came through a power-running attack led by the ageless wonder Adrian Peterson. McCoy's only job will be to manage the game & not commit turnovers, and if he can do that, I don't think all is lost in Washington. Although I do think the Cowboys will win this game, I don't think the reason will be because McCoy. I simply think the Cowboys are a better team right now, and that they would win this game even if Alex Smith was still playing for the Redskins.

 Final Score Prediction: Cowboys 27 - Redskins 24

 Game #3: Atlanta Falcons (4-6) @ New Orleans Saints (9-1) - 8:30 PM

The final game of the day features the hottest team in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints hosting the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons season has essentially been ended due to a variety of injuries and costly losses to the Browns and Cowboys in back to back weeks. They'll be headed to the Superdome, where Drew Brees & Co. are licking their chops waiting for them. The Saints will feast early and often on the Falcons depleted defence, and this game will only stay close if Matt Ryan can match Drew Brees touchdown for touchdown. The Saints are the best team in football, and would love nothing more than to put the final nail in a division rivals coffin. Look for the Saints to once again run up the score and send a message to the entire NFL.

 Final Score Prediction: Saints 45 - Falcons 23
- Cameron Begin

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