The NFL will continue their long tradition with the Thanksgiving Day lineup Thursday with a trio of games. Detroit, which has played host every Thanksgiving since 1934 (with an exception from 1939-44) hosts Houston. Dallas, which has played host every season since 1966 (except for 1975, 77) hosts RG3 and rival Washington. Then in the nightcap, the Jets will line up against New England and look for redemption.
Here’s what to expect in each contest.
Game one, 12:30 EST: (9-1) Houston at (4-6) Detroit—The Lions come into this game in dire need of a win. Detroit, which lost three of its first four games, has clearly underachieved this season and one more loss will probably spell the end of their playoff hopes.
Quarterback Matt Stafford, who threw for more than 5,000 yards last season, is off his pace a bit and has just 12 TDs through 10 games after finding the end zone 41 times last year.
Offense isn’t their only problem though as the Lions have surrendered 24.6 points per game—good for 23rd in the league.
Houston, meanwhile, hangs their hat on defense. Sophomore defensive end J.J. Watt is third in the league with 11.5 sacks though he has just two in the last four games—a slump for him. On offense, Arian Foster is fourth in rushing yards (949) but is averaging just 3.8 per carry.
As a team though Houston is coming off a very shaky 43 – 37 overtime win and certainly aren’t used to being in the spotlight in the NFL this late in the season. They’re due a loss here: Lions 24, Texans 14.
Game two, 4:15 EST: (4-6) Washington at (5-5) Dallas – The Cowboys are bit of a mystery this year.
Tony Romo has thrown for nearly 300 yards per game but on two occasions his picks (whether it was his fault or the receiver’s) have single-handedly lost the game for Dallas.
Romo coughed it up four times in a loss the Giants and five in a loss to the Bears (both at home) yet in the other eight games he has a total of just four interceptions.
