The only thing better for Thanksgiving NFL games than rivalries are rivalries with something on the line. Miraculously, the NFL got that this year — even though each game includes a team with a losing record.
Speaking of thankful, for once it doesn't include a Lions team that's stumbling along with just one or two wins, or with a coach with his head on the chopping block like a holiday turkey. Or both. Not that Matt Patricia has been stellar, but presumably he'll be back next year, and they do have a chance to complicate the Bears' run at a division title. Still … the Lions, again.
The later games, Washington-Dallas and Atlanta-New Orleans, harbor fierce, historic hatred of each other and have playoff berths riding on them. So, as always, pace yourself, at the table and in front of the TV.
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Thanksgiving game picks against the spread
NFL Thanksgiving game picks, predictions
(All times ET)
Chicago Bears (7-3) at Detroit Lions (4-6)
Thursday, 12:30 p.m., CBS
The Bears' drubbing of the Lions at Soldier Field a week and a half ago became infamous as the Cody Parkey game, as he hit the upright on two field goals and two extra points. The Bears would be thrilled with a repeat of that many chances again; behind Mitchell Trubisky, they pretty much scored at will.
And if the defense makes a wreck of Matthew Stafford the way they did then, and did last Sunday night to Kirk Cousins, this could be a result America is familiar with and accustomed to every year.
Prediction: Bears, 36-16
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Against the spread | Straight up
Washington Redskins (6-4) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5)
Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Fox
There will be great nostalgia for the last time Colt McCoy started in this building, a lights-out performance as a fill-in back in 2014; McCoy, of course, is also a Texas college legend. If that moves Washington enough to overcome the increasing odds against them in this, it would be memorable.
But the odds are long. The Cowboys are not looking like world-beaters lately, but after wins over the Eagles and Falcons and the production of Ezekiel Elliott (273 combined rushing yards, 388 total yards), they bring plenty to this game.
Prediction: Cowboys, 29-23
PLAYOFF PICTURE: Cowboys have new life
Atlanta Falcons (4-6) at New Orleans Saints (9-1)
Thursday, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Yes, history says it will be competitive — the Saints won what still is a contender for the game of the year in Week 3, 43-37 in overtime in Atlanta. Obviously, the odds are that it will be a shootout.
But the odds that the Falcons even serve as much as a speed bump to Drew Brees, the way he’s playing right now, are extra-slim. And it’s in the Superdome. The Saints have scored 40 or more six times this season, the last three straight overall and four times so far at home.
Prediction: Saints, 44-34
