Thanksgiving weekend, and what a feast of football to dine on while dining on all of the delicious food. The NFL has six games which I could choose from which are good games, while college features a plethora of rivalry games. Some of which mean something as far as conference or division, the others just for pride. This weekend is all about the three f's: food, family, and football. Granted, you could put in shopping as another one, with black Friday, however, that's for some, but not for most. Anyway, here are 10 of the best football games this weekend, with two NFL games featured tomorrow.
NFL
Green Bay at Detroit, 12:30, Fox
Many people have been criticizing the NFL the past few seasons for giving the Lions a showcase game on Thanksgiving day despite the Lions being one of the worst teams in the league. But, the league kept on giving it to them, just like they have every year since 1936. Now, this game could be considered the best of the three on Thanksgiving day, with division rivals competing, and one having an undefeated record.
This game also is probably the best "measuring stick" for the Lions so far this season, as it will pit them against the best football team in the league thus far this season. Can the Lions actually pull off the upset? Maybe. It depends, this game may turn into a shootout, as last week did with the Lions, 49-35. The Lions will need their defensive line to bring pressure to Aaron Rodgers, they'll need to control the wide array of Packers receivers, and finally control the clock. Detroit has the ability to do it, but I don't think that Kevin Smith can come back and have the week like he did last week (more than 200 yards from scrimmage).
Pick: Green Bay 42, Detroit 31
San Francisco at Baltimore, 8:30, NFL Network
This is the battle of the Harbaugh brothers, and has been anticipated since the beginning of the season, whether or not the 49ers were any good or not. But, turns out this is an attractive game because both teams are very good. San Francisco is the number two seed in the NFC currently, while the Ravens would be the number two in the AFC. Baltimore seems to play to the level of their opponents, as evidenced by their losses to Jacksonville and Seattle. San Francisco just plays well as a team, and has won in the eastern time zone despite their five trips out east. Now, the fact that they've been able to win all five of those games is a testament to how well they've been prepared. But, since the 49ers are playing on a short week and having to travel, I'll give the edge to Baltimore, solely because they're at home. Otherwise, both teams are very evenly matched.
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Francisco 14
Chicago at Oakland, 4, Fox
If this game was played a week ago, it'd be a doozy of a game probably. However, becaue Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler is now out at least for the rest of the regular season due to a broken thumb, this game suddenly became a lot less interesting. But, Chicago also has what many consider to be the MVP of the NFL in Matt Forte, and the best returner of all time in Devin Hester, plus Chicago has been playing some lights out defense. Oakland is seeming to come together as a team and control their own destiny in the lousy AFC West. But, they're slowly getting the old Carson Palmer back and having a defense which is stepping up to the plate. This will be a good game, and giving the edge to Oakland because they're at home and they can have a chance to unload on new quarterback Caleb Hanie, which nobody ever heard of before last year's NFC championship game.
Pick: Oakland 23, Chicago 10
New England at Philadelphia, 4:15, CBS
Philadelphia gave fans a glimmer of hope in reviving their season last week in their big win over the Giants in New Jersey. Now, this week, the Eagles season will definitely be dead. Philadelphia is facing the best team they have faced the entire season in the Patriots. Granted, the Patriots defense isn't all that good, but their offense with Tom Brady and his talented tight ends more than make up for it. Rob Gronkowski and aaron Hernandez will have a field day against the weak Eagles linebackers and the Patriots will roll.
Pick: New England 45, Philadelphia 13
New York Giants at New Orleans, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
New York is coming off a bad loss at home to rival Philadelphia, while New Orleans finally had a week off in week 11 and now will have a crowd behind them. New Orleans controls their destiny in the NFC South, while New York will need help in the NFC to even make the playoffs, but they're still a very good team. I think that the Saints will roll here though because they are playing at home, and they're really good at home, then they are coming off a bye week.
Pick: New Orleans 38, New York 21
College
#3 Arkansas at #1 LSU, 2:30 Friday, CBS
CBS is thrilled to have the SEC especially this year, as they've already had a 1 vs. 2 game in LSU/Alabama and now they've got a 1 vs. 3 game. This game should be a lot different than the LSU/'Bama game as Arkansas doesn't have nearly the defense that Alabama did. Plus, Arkansas already lost big to Alabama at Alabama. If Arkansas has any shot at beating LSU, they'll need to figure out a way to solve LSU's defense, which has been stellar all season. But, I just don't think they have enough.
Pick: LSU 43, Arkansas 24
#2 Alabama at #24 Auburn, 3:30, CBS
Auburn won last year's game after being down 24-0 at one point, then came roaring back to win 28-27 in Alabama. Now, there are many folks on Alabama's team which was there last season, and they didn't forget. So, they will be out to grab the victory and do it big time against a young Auburn team.
Pick: Alabma 51, Auburn 21
#5 Virginia Tech at Virginia, 3:30, ABC or ESPN2
This game will determine who will face Clemson in the ACC title game next week. Virginia Tech seems to be ranked fifth solely based on their reputation, not based on the quality of their opponents or how they've beaten them. Granted, their only loss came against Atlantic division winner Clemson, but they don't really have any other signature victories. Mike London has done amazing things at Virginia, which really isn't the best place to succeed in football. But, they've been in anonymity this season in the ACC.
Pick: Virginia 24, Virginia Tech 21
#19 Penn State at #16 Wisconsin, 3:30, ESPN
Penn State is shockingly still in the hunt for the Leaders division title, and the winner of this game will win the Leaders division and play in the inaugural Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. Penn State will need to stop Wisconsin running back Montee Ball and be able to score more than 20 to win this game. Ball has accounted for 30 touchdowns this season, which to give you an idea is more than the University of Kentucky has scored this football season. That is how important it is to stop Ball in this game. Plus, Penn State will need to try and score some points again, which has been very hard for them to do.
Pick: Wisconsin 31, Penn State 16
#22 Notre Dame at #6 Stanford, 8, ABC
Stanford looked sluggish in their win last week over Cal, but eventually pulled away in the second half. Stanford still has Andrew Luck and a good defense to win, with their only loss coming at home against a very fast and athletic Oregon team. But, they are now facing a depleted Notre Dame team, which is coming into this game without their leading rusher Jonas Gray, who now has a torn ACL. Granted, Notre Dame still has a talented group of receivers, but Gray was an integral part of their offense. Then they need to also rely on their defense to contain Luck and Stanford's tight ends. But, I don't think they can.
Pick: Stanford 34, Notre Dame 28
Finally, enjoy the weekend, enjoy tomorrow, and take time to really step back and think what you're thankful for. Personally, it's Jesus, who decided to save me, and die for me.
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