The annual Thanksgiving Day games at Detroit and Dallas are this year joined by an evining game in Baltimore, as the Ravens take on the 49ers. With Green Bay at Detroit and Miami visiting Arlington, all three games look like they could be crackers.
Green Bay (10-0) at Detroit (7-3)
The Packers stayed unbeaten as they brushed past Tampa Bay at Lambeau on Sunday, and Aaron Rodgers (statistically the best quarterback in the league this season) threw another three touchdown passes. The Packers leading rusher, James Stark will be a game time decision as he nurses a knee injury, but Rodgers' passing game could well be enough even if he doesn't make it. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw two first half interceptions against the Panthers on Sunday, but rallied to throw a total of 5 touchdowns as the Lions put 49 points on the board and blow the Panthers away with a remarkable second half comeback. The Lions defence is becoming a bit of an interception machine as well, and although Rodgers has only 4 interceptions all season, the pass rush specialising Lions defence may force him into some mistakes. Green Bay certainly won't have it all their own way, and I actually fancy Detroit to nick it in overtime.
Prediction: Green Bay 24 Detroit 27
Miami (3-7) at Dallas (6-4)
Miami's luck seems to have turned with two extremely impressive home victories in the past two weeks, with the quarterback/running back tandem of Matt Moore and Reggie Bush finding top form. Their defence is bucking up as well, especially in their rush defence. The Dolphins look a changed team in the last few weeks, and a much tougher prospect than they did at the start of the month. The Cowboys have stuttered this season, but are on a three game winning run (ironically their last two games have been against the same opposition as Miami). Tony Romo is having what is statistically as good season, and hasn't thrown an interception since the end of October. He's also not missing Miles Austin as much as we all first thought. Their defence has tightened right up as well. Miami's resurgance has been impressive, and I expect a tough game, but I can't see past Dallas at home.
Prediction: Miami 21 Dallas 27
San Francisco (9-1) at Baltimore (7-3)
The battle of the Harbaugh brothers is an intriguing one, and the first time brothers have come head to head as head coaches in NFL history. Add to the fact that these two are two of the top teams in the league, we've got an absolute cracker on our hands in the NFL Network game. Younger brother Jim has been an absolute revalation since stepping up from Stanford, and has brought out the absolute best in quarterback Alex Smith. The 49ers haven't lost since week 2, and with Frank Gore back at running back, as well as the best kicker in the NFL in David Akers, are looking good to storm to the NFC title game. The Ravens, led by older brother John, have had a mixed season, but find themselves in third place in the AFC. Ray Lewis is probably out, but their defence has played well without him, although coming up against the 49ers impressive offence may be their undoing.
Prediction: San Francisco 37 Baltimore 20
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