What each NFL team has to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, plus Week 12 Picks
The best holiday of the year is upon us and it's time to see what each NFL team has to be thankful for this holiday season.
First off, let's start with the kickers. Kickers missed 12 extra points on Sunday. That's the most in a single Sunday since 10 were missed in 1985. Click here to see all 12 misses. So, it's safe to say kickers aren't thankful the NFL moved the extra point back, making it a tricky 33-yard try. I don't know what is going on, but the NFL has managed to make the extra point exciting and worth watching so a round of applause to the league.
Now for the teams.
The Cowboys are thankful for their rookies, QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott. Dak, Ezek and the Cowboys own the best record in the NFL on Thanksgiving. You can bet Owner, President, Founder and CEO, Jerry Jones, is happy about that.
The Eagles are thankful the Rams took Jared Goff number one overall in the draft, leaving them with Carson Wentz, who in time, will be one of better quarterbacks in this league.
The Giants are thankful they're 7-3, despite playing like a 3-7 team in most of their games this season. Also, they're thankful for safety Landon Collins, who has turned into one of the game's best defensive backs.
The Redskins are thankful for QB Kirk Cousins, but what they aren't thankful for is that they didn't come to terms with Cousins on a contract extension this past offseason. Cousins is playing on a franchise-tag this season, so you can bet he'll want top dollar after the season he is having.
The Lions are thankful they're in first place on Thanksgiving for the first time since the Herbert Hoover administration.
The Vikings are thankful that, despite all the injuries, they're still tied for first place in the division going into Thanksgiving.
The Packers are thankful that mathematically they're still in the NFC North race despite giving up 153 points in the last four games, all losses.
The Bears are thankful that Jay Cutler's last season in Chicago is almost over.
The Falcons are thankful for Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and their offense.
The Saints, Buccaneers and Panthers are all thankful that they'll still in the NFC South race this late in November, despite playing rather poorly over the first 11 weeks.
The Seahawks are thankful for once again dominating the NFC West.
The Rams are thankful to be out of St. Louis. Los Angeles is much nicer and warmer this time of year.
The Cardinals, much like the Bengals, should be a lot better than what their record shows. What has happened out in the desert? They still have one of the nicest stadiums in the league, so that's something to be thankful for.
The 49ers have nothing to be thankful for. They're a mess. The only thing they have going for them is the fact that they have one of the nicer stadiums in the league.
The Patriots are thankful for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Obviously.
The Dolphins are thankful for RB Jay Ajayi. Since Ajayi broke out for 204-yards against the Steelers, the Dolphins have won five straight and Ajayi has rushed for 685-yards in those five games.
The Jets and Bills will only be thankful when the Patriots get moved into another division. Also, the Jets will be thankful when they finally find a franchise quarterback.
The entire AFC South, Texans, Titans, Colts and Jaguars are thankful that they can all still win the division after 11 weeks. The Jaguars hopes are less than one percent, but it's a sliver of hope nonetheless.
The Bengals, Ravens and Steelers are thankful they too can still win the division after 11 weeks. The division winner may have an 8-8 record come January with as bad as the division has been this season. Or if the Bengals pull off a miracle and find a way to win five of their last six games, 8-7-1 could win the division.
The Browns are thankful they don't have to play in the College Football Playoff (CFP) as a result of having the worst record in the league. How cool would that be though? The worst team in the NFL after Christmas gets seeded number four in the CFP and has to play the number one team in college football. I'd tune into watch that, just saying.
The Chargers will be thankful when they find a new stadium, whether that be in San Diego, in Los Angeles with the Rams or somewhere else.
The Chiefs and Broncos are thankful for being in the fight for first place in the toughest division in football, the AFC West. Broncos have to be thankful for John Elway too. Elway won two Super Bowls as a player and built one heck of a team to win it last year as general manager.
The Raiders are thankful for returning to prominence. Oakland hasn't been good in over a decade and now they're one of the best teams in football. It's been a great season out by the Bay for the Raiders, who could soon find themselves in Las Vegas, which I'm all for by the way.
As for the league, they have to be thankful that, despite the drop in TV ratings, the NFL is still the most popular sport in the country. Ratings should be good this Thanksgiving.
Week 12 starts off with three terrific matchups on Thanksgiving. First place is up for grabs in the NFC North as the Vikings and Lions kickoff around lunch time, then the Redskins and Cowboys play a pivotal NFC East game just when most people are in a coma after eating Thanksgiving dinner.
Finally, the night ends with the Steelers and Colts. If you aren't out for early Black Friday shopping and aren't asleep already because of all the food you just ate, this game should be entertaining.
And with that, on to my picks for Week 12.
Week 12 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
DETROIT over Minnesota (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS): The Lions have won three-straight on Thanksgiving and after beating the Vikings, 22-16, three weeks ago in overtime, I think they'll make it four-straight. Show of hands, who had the Lions all along in first place on Thanksgiving night? Not many, I'm guessing.
DALLAS over Washington (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX): The Cowboys have lost two straight on Thanksgiving, but that'll change this year. This will be a fantastic game, back-and-forth I'd imagine, but I like the Cowboys behind their two terrific rookies to get extend the Dallas winning streak to 10 games.
Pittsburgh over INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): In his last two games against the Colts, QB Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for 886-yards, 10 TD and the Steelers have score a combined 96 points. I know this is a different season, but still, those are impressive numbers. And by the way, Colts QB Andrew Luck is in the concussion protocol and may not play. I think I'll take the Steelers on Thanksgiving night.
Tennessee over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Although the Titans lost last week up in Indianapolis, I still think they're the team to beat in the AFC South. QB Marcus Mariota is playing well and RB DeMarco Murray is the best back in football behind Ezekiel Elliott. The Bears are a mess and I like the Titans to get the win.
BUFFALO over Jacksonville (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Jaguars are done and have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league this season. Until QB Blake Bortles plays better, the Jaguars aren't going anywhere. I was less than impressed watching the Bills struggle with the Bengals last week, but their defense did step up in the second half. Helps when you don't have to cover A.J. Green though. Any rate, I'll take the Bills in this one.
BALTIMORE over Cincinnati (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): With WR A.J. Green out for the next several weeks, possibly the rest of the season, the Bengals have an even greater hill to climb if they want to make the postseason for a sixth straight season. Losing an All-Pro receiver is gut wrenching for any team, but when the Bengals don't have anyone else on their roster even close to being half of what A.J. Green is, you have a problem. Not to mention, their second leading receiver, RB Giovani Bernard, tore his ACL last week and is done for the year. So, no Green, no Bernard and the Bengals are going up against the number two defense in the league. Looks like a Ravens win to me.
ATLANTA over Arizona (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): One of the main reasons why the Cardinals are struggling this season is because of the play of QB Carson Palmer. Palmer's completion percentage is down, he's already thrown 10 INT, he threw 11 all of last season, and his QB rating has plummeted by 20 points. With the Seahawks running away with the NFC West title, Carson Palmer and the Cardinals need to play better and fast if they're to have any chance of making the playoffs. Traveling to Atlanta to take on a well-rested Falcons offense won't make life any easier. Falcons get the win behind a strong performance from QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones.
NY Giants over CLEVELAND (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Will the Browns win a game? The NFL's ultimate question and I still believe they'll surprise somebody and get a win. Could be the Bengals at home or maybe in Buffalo, but not this Sunday against the Giants. New York wins yet another game. Hard to believe they could be 8-3 heading into December.
NEW ORLEANS over Los Angeles (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): There is no doubt in my mind that the Los Angeles defense can hold Drew Brees and the Saints offense to 20 points or less. The Rams are giving up an average of 18.7 points/game, so it's possible. Problem for the Rams is that if they hold the Saints to say, 17 points, I don't think rookie QB Jared Goff and the Rams offense can score 17 points. They were awful last week in Goff's first start and I expect him to struggle again on Sunday. Saints win a close one.
MIAMI over San Francisco (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): With the Dolphins on a five-game winning streak and the 49ers on a nine-game losing streak, I think I'll take Miami in this one. 49ers may only win one or two more games this season and Sunday won't be one of them.
HOUSTON over San Diego (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Houston will return home this week where they are 5-0 this season. The Chargers are coming off a bye and are just 1-4 on the road this season. With that being said, I think the Texans have the advantage being at home, but I'm still not sold on them being a playoff contender.
Seattle over TAMPA BAY (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): The Seahawks are riding a three-game winning streak and have looked like the Seahawks we are accustom to seeing. Additionally, they seemed to have found a running game. Seattle rushed for 152-yards on 30 carries last week against the Eagles and if they can continue to run the ball effectively and play solid defense, they'll be tough to beat the rest of the season. Good luck to the Buccaneers.
OAKLAND over Carolina (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Along with the Cowboys and Patriots, the Raiders are one of the best teams in football. After defeating the Texans in Mexico City on Monday night, Oakland is 8-2 and all alone in first place in the AFC West. Carolina might have won three of their last four, but it's been by the skin of their teeth and they haven't looked impressive doing it. Raiders will be too much for them to handle as Oakland wins again.
New England over NY JETS (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): For whatever reason, the Jets are going to go with Ryan Fitzpatrick again this Sunday against the Patriots. The Jets are 3-7 and have zero chance of doing anything the rest of the season,. Why not let Bryce Petty and/or rookie Christian Hackenberg get some experience and see if they're any good so you can plan for next season? Horrible mistake in my opinion and Fitzpatrick will probably play poorly as the Patriots roll the Jets on Sunday night.
DENVER over Kansas City (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): This could be the best game of Week 12. Two tough football teams with good defenses will battle it out to try and keep pace with the Raiders in the division. At the end of the season I expect each of these teams to be in the playoffs whether that be as division champs or via a wild card berth. With Denver being at home and coming off a bye, I think they'll win a close ball game.
PHILADELPHIA over Green Bay (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): As I stated earlier, the Packers have given up 153 points in the last four games, all losses. With that being said, even with Aaron Rodgers, I have to go with the Eagles in this one. Philadelphia is also 4-0 at home this season, so there's that too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Last Week: 10-4
Overall: 96-65 (.596)
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| The Bengals Mike Nugent was one of several kickers who missed extra points on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated.com) |
Now for the teams.
The Cowboys are thankful for their rookies, QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott. Dak, Ezek and the Cowboys own the best record in the NFL on Thanksgiving. You can bet Owner, President, Founder and CEO, Jerry Jones, is happy about that.
The Eagles are thankful the Rams took Jared Goff number one overall in the draft, leaving them with Carson Wentz, who in time, will be one of better quarterbacks in this league.
The Giants are thankful they're 7-3, despite playing like a 3-7 team in most of their games this season. Also, they're thankful for safety Landon Collins, who has turned into one of the game's best defensive backs.
The Redskins are thankful for QB Kirk Cousins, but what they aren't thankful for is that they didn't come to terms with Cousins on a contract extension this past offseason. Cousins is playing on a franchise-tag this season, so you can bet he'll want top dollar after the season he is having.
The Lions are thankful they're in first place on Thanksgiving for the first time since the Herbert Hoover administration.
The Vikings are thankful that, despite all the injuries, they're still tied for first place in the division going into Thanksgiving.
The Packers are thankful that mathematically they're still in the NFC North race despite giving up 153 points in the last four games, all losses.
The Bears are thankful that Jay Cutler's last season in Chicago is almost over.
The Falcons are thankful for Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and their offense.
The Saints, Buccaneers and Panthers are all thankful that they'll still in the NFC South race this late in November, despite playing rather poorly over the first 11 weeks.
The Seahawks are thankful for once again dominating the NFC West.
The Rams are thankful to be out of St. Louis. Los Angeles is much nicer and warmer this time of year.
The Cardinals, much like the Bengals, should be a lot better than what their record shows. What has happened out in the desert? They still have one of the nicest stadiums in the league, so that's something to be thankful for.
The 49ers have nothing to be thankful for. They're a mess. The only thing they have going for them is the fact that they have one of the nicer stadiums in the league.
The Patriots are thankful for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Obviously.
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| Jay Ajayi has run wild the past five weeks, helping the Dolphins climb back into the playoff picture. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images) |
The Jets and Bills will only be thankful when the Patriots get moved into another division. Also, the Jets will be thankful when they finally find a franchise quarterback.
The entire AFC South, Texans, Titans, Colts and Jaguars are thankful that they can all still win the division after 11 weeks. The Jaguars hopes are less than one percent, but it's a sliver of hope nonetheless.
The Bengals, Ravens and Steelers are thankful they too can still win the division after 11 weeks. The division winner may have an 8-8 record come January with as bad as the division has been this season. Or if the Bengals pull off a miracle and find a way to win five of their last six games, 8-7-1 could win the division.
The Browns are thankful they don't have to play in the College Football Playoff (CFP) as a result of having the worst record in the league. How cool would that be though? The worst team in the NFL after Christmas gets seeded number four in the CFP and has to play the number one team in college football. I'd tune into watch that, just saying.
The Chargers will be thankful when they find a new stadium, whether that be in San Diego, in Los Angeles with the Rams or somewhere else.
The Chiefs and Broncos are thankful for being in the fight for first place in the toughest division in football, the AFC West. Broncos have to be thankful for John Elway too. Elway won two Super Bowls as a player and built one heck of a team to win it last year as general manager.
The Raiders are thankful for returning to prominence. Oakland hasn't been good in over a decade and now they're one of the best teams in football. It's been a great season out by the Bay for the Raiders, who could soon find themselves in Las Vegas, which I'm all for by the way.
As for the league, they have to be thankful that, despite the drop in TV ratings, the NFL is still the most popular sport in the country. Ratings should be good this Thanksgiving.
Week 12 starts off with three terrific matchups on Thanksgiving. First place is up for grabs in the NFC North as the Vikings and Lions kickoff around lunch time, then the Redskins and Cowboys play a pivotal NFC East game just when most people are in a coma after eating Thanksgiving dinner.
Finally, the night ends with the Steelers and Colts. If you aren't out for early Black Friday shopping and aren't asleep already because of all the food you just ate, this game should be entertaining.
And with that, on to my picks for Week 12.
Week 12 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
DETROIT over Minnesota (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS): The Lions have won three-straight on Thanksgiving and after beating the Vikings, 22-16, three weeks ago in overtime, I think they'll make it four-straight. Show of hands, who had the Lions all along in first place on Thanksgiving night? Not many, I'm guessing.
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| It doesn't get much better than football and turkey on Thanksgiving. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Workman/Portland Tribune) |
DALLAS over Washington (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET, FOX): The Cowboys have lost two straight on Thanksgiving, but that'll change this year. This will be a fantastic game, back-and-forth I'd imagine, but I like the Cowboys behind their two terrific rookies to get extend the Dallas winning streak to 10 games.
Pittsburgh over INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): In his last two games against the Colts, QB Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for 886-yards, 10 TD and the Steelers have score a combined 96 points. I know this is a different season, but still, those are impressive numbers. And by the way, Colts QB Andrew Luck is in the concussion protocol and may not play. I think I'll take the Steelers on Thanksgiving night.
Tennessee over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Although the Titans lost last week up in Indianapolis, I still think they're the team to beat in the AFC South. QB Marcus Mariota is playing well and RB DeMarco Murray is the best back in football behind Ezekiel Elliott. The Bears are a mess and I like the Titans to get the win.
BUFFALO over Jacksonville (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Jaguars are done and have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league this season. Until QB Blake Bortles plays better, the Jaguars aren't going anywhere. I was less than impressed watching the Bills struggle with the Bengals last week, but their defense did step up in the second half. Helps when you don't have to cover A.J. Green though. Any rate, I'll take the Bills in this one.
BALTIMORE over Cincinnati (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): With WR A.J. Green out for the next several weeks, possibly the rest of the season, the Bengals have an even greater hill to climb if they want to make the postseason for a sixth straight season. Losing an All-Pro receiver is gut wrenching for any team, but when the Bengals don't have anyone else on their roster even close to being half of what A.J. Green is, you have a problem. Not to mention, their second leading receiver, RB Giovani Bernard, tore his ACL last week and is done for the year. So, no Green, no Bernard and the Bengals are going up against the number two defense in the league. Looks like a Ravens win to me.
ATLANTA over Arizona (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): One of the main reasons why the Cardinals are struggling this season is because of the play of QB Carson Palmer. Palmer's completion percentage is down, he's already thrown 10 INT, he threw 11 all of last season, and his QB rating has plummeted by 20 points. With the Seahawks running away with the NFC West title, Carson Palmer and the Cardinals need to play better and fast if they're to have any chance of making the playoffs. Traveling to Atlanta to take on a well-rested Falcons offense won't make life any easier. Falcons get the win behind a strong performance from QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones.
NY Giants over CLEVELAND (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Will the Browns win a game? The NFL's ultimate question and I still believe they'll surprise somebody and get a win. Could be the Bengals at home or maybe in Buffalo, but not this Sunday against the Giants. New York wins yet another game. Hard to believe they could be 8-3 heading into December.
NEW ORLEANS over Los Angeles (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): There is no doubt in my mind that the Los Angeles defense can hold Drew Brees and the Saints offense to 20 points or less. The Rams are giving up an average of 18.7 points/game, so it's possible. Problem for the Rams is that if they hold the Saints to say, 17 points, I don't think rookie QB Jared Goff and the Rams offense can score 17 points. They were awful last week in Goff's first start and I expect him to struggle again on Sunday. Saints win a close one.
MIAMI over San Francisco (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): With the Dolphins on a five-game winning streak and the 49ers on a nine-game losing streak, I think I'll take Miami in this one. 49ers may only win one or two more games this season and Sunday won't be one of them.
HOUSTON over San Diego (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Houston will return home this week where they are 5-0 this season. The Chargers are coming off a bye and are just 1-4 on the road this season. With that being said, I think the Texans have the advantage being at home, but I'm still not sold on them being a playoff contender.
Seattle over TAMPA BAY (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX): The Seahawks are riding a three-game winning streak and have looked like the Seahawks we are accustom to seeing. Additionally, they seemed to have found a running game. Seattle rushed for 152-yards on 30 carries last week against the Eagles and if they can continue to run the ball effectively and play solid defense, they'll be tough to beat the rest of the season. Good luck to the Buccaneers.
OAKLAND over Carolina (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Along with the Cowboys and Patriots, the Raiders are one of the best teams in football. After defeating the Texans in Mexico City on Monday night, Oakland is 8-2 and all alone in first place in the AFC West. Carolina might have won three of their last four, but it's been by the skin of their teeth and they haven't looked impressive doing it. Raiders will be too much for them to handle as Oakland wins again.
New England over NY JETS (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): For whatever reason, the Jets are going to go with Ryan Fitzpatrick again this Sunday against the Patriots. The Jets are 3-7 and have zero chance of doing anything the rest of the season,. Why not let Bryce Petty and/or rookie Christian Hackenberg get some experience and see if they're any good so you can plan for next season? Horrible mistake in my opinion and Fitzpatrick will probably play poorly as the Patriots roll the Jets on Sunday night.
DENVER over Kansas City (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): This could be the best game of Week 12. Two tough football teams with good defenses will battle it out to try and keep pace with the Raiders in the division. At the end of the season I expect each of these teams to be in the playoffs whether that be as division champs or via a wild card berth. With Denver being at home and coming off a bye, I think they'll win a close ball game.
PHILADELPHIA over Green Bay (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): As I stated earlier, the Packers have given up 153 points in the last four games, all losses. With that being said, even with Aaron Rodgers, I have to go with the Eagles in this one. Philadelphia is also 4-0 at home this season, so there's that too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Last Week: 10-4
Overall: 96-65 (.596)
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