It's one of America's biggest holidays of the calendar year; where we sit
around the table and give thanks for our loved ones. The aroma of
baked turkey with dressing, plenty of sides and sweet treats to choose
from. Kids watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and excitement
over the floats, music artists and countless toy commercials in between.
It keeps them occupied until dinner is served.
We say our family prayer for the food and those who've prepared it and
feast. If you're a football fan and watch all the games I'm about to write
about, this is the article for you. Thanksgiving brings plenty of football
for the family; even if they're a casual fan. Members wearing team
colors, mapping out what time to grab seconds, thirds and sweets. On
this football Thursday, the matchups aren't what you say festive. But I'll
give you my honest takes.
Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears
Traditionally, this game is first on deck; as Detroit is the hottest team in
football. What used to be a laughing stock appetizer game is now must
see television. Led by head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared
Goff, these aren't the Lions of old folks. Sitting comfortably at 10-1 and
leading the NFC, Detroit will look to avenge last year's disappointing
game as the Chicago Bears roam into Motown. Rookie quarterback
sensation Caleb Williams will make his first Thanksgiving Day game in
hoping to get a much needed win as Chicago keeps their playoff hopes
alive. With a team in turmoil and the wooded forest shrinking, a big win
can build momentum. Expect a lot of roaring and mauling in this
divisional matchup.
Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants
America's Team will play their annual primetime game in the mid-
afternoon slot. When the schedule was announced, nobody in their right
minds would've thought it'd be back-ups. Cowboys quarterback Cooper
Rush and Giants Tommy DeVito will headline this mismatch of an NFC
East showdown. Two different teams whose seasons haven't went as
planned. Dak Prescott's season was cut short with a hamstring injury
and Tommy DeVito replaced former quarterback Daniel Jones; who was
released last week.
Dallas coming off a backwards, lopsided win over Washington in a 34-
26 road victory. Their first win since week five over Pittsburgh. Injuries,
turmoil, the circus and drama that Jerry Jones created has been the
storyline. Not the way it was scripted, but I've wrote two separate
articles on this team in the past. Back to our regularly scheduled
program, New York's season can't get any better after a blowout loss to
Tampa Bay. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers comments raised
eyebrows about "losing" which can be frustrating. They too suffered the
repercussions of banking on Daniel Jones and watching former Giant
Saquon Barkley sign with rival Philadelphia. A front office mistake and
it's proven to be bad for everyone involved.
If you're expecting even more than what's been produced between both
teams, it's going to be a long three hours. There's going to be some
head scratching play calling which will make you cringe and scream.
Either way, America's Team dominates the ratings and nothing else will
matter.
Green Bay Packers vs Miami Dolphins
On to the night cap of Thanksgiving football, we head up to historic
Lambeau Field; as the Green Bay Packers will host the Miami Dolphins.
I believe this is the first time Green Bay has hosted a Thanksgiving night
game. The Packers are looking to keep pace in the NFC North and
playoff seeding coming off a win over San Francisco. Quarterback
Jordan Love has been solid thus far with a strong run game from Josh
Jacobs. Green Bay will have the home field advantage and weather in
their favor. Defensively, cornerback Xavier McKinney has been the
unsung hero as he's been a wrecking ball with interceptions.
For Miami, a short week and traveling to weather below 70 degrees
doesn't bode well. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa isn't a guy who can do
much in cold weather. Credit, they have the playmakers outside who
can make it a track meet, but the lake front will be the biggest factor.
This matchup will feature two young head coaches who have some of
the best schemes and concepts for their offenses. Green Bay's Matt
LeFluer and Miami's Mike McDaniel. Expect the Packers to shred
cheese on the Dolphins and end Thursday night with full stomach.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Las Vegas Raiders
The NFL has given us a shopping day on Black Friday as the defending
champions Kansas City Chiefs host their division rival Las Vegas. When
these two last played on Christmas 2023, the Raiders upset KC and we
questioned if the Chiefs were mentally fatigued. Fast forward to 2024
and you can say Kansas City is staying the course. Nothing phases
quarterback Patrick Mahomes or Andy Reid.
For Vegas, a season of "business decisions" led to trading Devante
Adams; while first year head coach Antonio Pierce has dealt with roster
issues prior to last year. Quarterback Gardner Minshew's season is over
with a collarbone injury. Aiden O'Connell looks to right the ship against a
very good Chiefs defense led by defensive tackle Chris Jones.
With Kansas City looking to get hot headed into the final stretch, wins
will be tougher as their championship pedigree will be tested. If you
wanna beat them, go for the home run plays early and often. Don't
leave any doubt and coach aggressively to beat Kansas City. Once you
think it's over and enough time left for "Mahomes Magic," you're cooked
and he give you any sympathy. Divisional rival matchups bring out the
ugly and for both of these teams, no love lost.
From all of us here at The Gryd Network, have a blessed, safe and
wonderful Thanksgiving. Take timeout to be appreciative of life, health
and strength. Enjoy family, food and football this Thanksgiving.
Stai tuned.
