Last week’s record: 8-6
Overall record: 95-65
Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, dessert, family, friends………….and football. We here at TheAOSN.com would like to wish all our readers and followers a happy Thanksgiving, and we hope you are all looking forward to Thursday’s NFL action as much as we are!
12:30 p.m. (FOX), Ford Field, Detroit
Reports are surfacing of dissension in the Eagles’ ranks as a slow but steady implosion continues, and they remain one of the most enigmatic teams. Typical of their fortunes, Ryan Mathews, who has somewhat surprisingly been their best running back, has still not cleared the concussion protocol, and his absence will place the focus squarely on DeMarco Murray. With Matthew Stafford struggling with his own consistency issues, the Lions have been in the same boat as well, but seem to be trending in the right direction with 2 straight wins.
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Calvin Johnson has averaged 129 yards in Thanksgiving Day games the last 3 years. He’s due for an explosion to lead DETROIT to this win.
4:30 p.m. (CBS), AT&T Stadium, Irving
The Greg Hardy reunion. A home crowd eager to see Tony Romo back in action. A shot at a previously-unthinkable 11-0 for the Panthers while the Cowboys try to force their way back into the NFC East picture. Cam Newton continuing to have fun. There are plenty of compelling reasons to tune in for this one, and plenty of fireworks could be in the offing. The Panthers’ defense – already a force this season – welcomes Charles Johnson back to the pass rush and Dez Bryant will be a handful for the smaller Josh Norman and Bene Benwikere to keep in check.
Emotions will be high for the home team, but CAROLINA is simply playing better football and are not showing any signs of slowing down.
8:30 p.m. (NBC), Lambeau Field, Green Bay
Just when the Bears looked like they were starting to string together some good play, they ran right into a wall last week against the Broncos as Jay Cutler and Jeremy Langford were both held in check. Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffery are probable for Thursday, but they will face a defense that has quietly become one of the league’s best in scoring defense. Eddie Lacy found his groove last week against a sound Vikings defense, and will like his chances along with James Starks. The highly-anticipated returns of Brett Favre and Bart Starr to Lambeau Field will only ratchet up the odds against the Bears.
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On a night where two legendary quarterbacks grace the night, look for Aaron Rodgers to remind everyone of his case to be included in the discussion about GREEN BAY signal callers.