Thursday Games
There were 3 games on Thanksgiving Day. According to ESPN scoring, the morning game against the Bears and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field was dominated by the Bears defense. With the Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky out with a shoulder injury, it was left to Chase Daniel to lead the Bears. Daniel had a respectable day but the defense ended up as the player of the game. They held Stafford to 236 passing yards and 0 TD’s and 2 INT’s. One of the interceptions led to a Bears defensive TD. Detroit’s running game was their shining star, RB L. Blount rushed for 88 yds and 2 TD’s, but it was not enough as the bears won 23-16.
The second game of the day featured a battle for first place in the NFC East. The Washington Redskins took on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. This was similar to the early game where the Skins were also without their QB Alex Smith out with a broken leg. Colt McCoy, QB for Washington was the starter against Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. The break out player in this game was Amari Cooper, who had 8 receptions for 180 yards and 2 TD’s, his longest being 90 yards. McCoy had comparable numbers to Dak, on yardage and attempts but with one exception, interceptions. Colt threw 3 INT’s which probably turned out to be the factor in their lost of 23-31.
The evening game saw the Atlanta Falcons face arguably the best team in the NFL, New Orleans Saints. This game had few surprises as the Saints offense dominated the night. However, it was not the same cast of players that did the scoring. Thomas, Kamara and Ingram did not have a TD between the three of them. Each team had one INT, but the difference was in the other turnovers as the Falcons lost 3 fumbles. The Saints defense has really turned up the heat in the last few games making them a complete package. The Falcons QB, M. Ryan threw for 377 yards and two TD’s while Brees threw for just 171 yards and 4 touchdowns giving them the win 17-31.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
There are 11 games on Sunday and another on Monday night. For a full list of game times you can find them at NFL.com.
First off is the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Buffalo Bills. The Cleveland Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots take on the New York Jets. We also get to see the New York Giants take on the Champion Philadelphia Eagles, while the 49’ers face off against the Buccaneers. The last two early games will be the Seahawks at the Panthers and the Raiders at the Ravens.
The late games have a list of three match-ups. The first is the Cardinals vs the Chargers in Los Angeles. We will also see the Steelers at the mile high Broncos. Last of the late games we have the Dolphins vs the Colts in Indianapolis.
On Sunday night we have a great match-up between to teams from the NFC North. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers take on Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. In my opinion this should be the game of the week. Rodgers will be looking for the Packers first road win of the season and to stay in the hunt for the post season. The Vikings are also looking to stay in the hunt and keep their half game differential between them and the Division leading Bears. This should be a shootout in the north on Sunday night.
Bold Predictions
I will start this week off with the Browns at the Bengals. I believe the 3-6-1 Browns will defeat the 5-6 Bengals. Baker Mayfield QB of the Browns will throw for 350+ yards and 4 TD’s and get the win 38-27
I am once again going to pick against the Patriots. I think the Jets will give the Pats their second loss in a row beating them 17-24.
The Giants will continue their roll against the flat Eagles. The Giants will win this match extending the woes of the Eagles by a score of 31-24
Next we have the Cards at the Chargers. The Red Birds will beat the Bolts at home. With M. Gordon RB for the Chargers being questionable, I think the Cardinals will win. I also think Gordon does not start making it easier for the Cards 27-21.
Last but not least is the Broncos over the Steelers. The team from the Steel City is on a 5+ game winning streak, but that comes to an end in the Mile High City, 24-38.
Fantasy
This time of the year there is not much to say. Bye weeks end after this week. Who you have is who you have, because trades for most ended this week. Your weekly starters are the ones you will finish out the season with. Any injuries you receive will have to be filled off the waiver wire unless you have done your job and got your players backup from the team roster. Hopefully you are in the hunt for your post season with a winning record. With just 4 weeks remaining now is not the time to get cute with your players. Don’t try new things at this stage, dance with one ones you brought to the party. The guys you drafted in the first, second, third and forth rounds, if healthy are your studs. Good luck to all this week.