Turkey Day Triple Header:

Best wishes for a joyous Thanksgiving Holiday to one and all.

New England -6.5 At Detroit 51

When was the last time the Lions won their annual Turkey Day classic? It’s been a long while, no? Even though the Lions (and their fans) have suffered through years of terrible football, Thanksgiving Day represents a big part of their season and their long tradition. This year, Matthew Stafford is out and Jahvid Best has been slowed down with turf toe. This leaves Shaun Hill, Calvin Johnson and a cast of thousands to face the Patriots, who are coming off of two big wins against Pittsburgh and Indy. Last week, the Pats nearly blew a win but for bad throw by Peyton Manning at the end. Provided Brady can spread the ball around and the ground game functions reasonably well, the Patriots should win the game by a touchdown. But the defense remains troubling, so the question remains whether a journeyman quarterback can have some success through the air.

Projected Final Score: New England 27, Detroit 20.

New Orleans -3.5 At Dallas 50

Just around the time millions of Americans awake from their tryptophan-induced comas, the Saints and Cowboys will kickoff in Big D. For the Cowboys, winners of their first two games under Jason Garrett, this game represents a chance to build upon a solid start under a new coach. For the Saints, this game represents much more: an opportunity to play a consistent stretch of highly competitive ball as the regular season moves into the final month. As is the case with Detroit, the Cowboys are trying to play it out with a journeyman at the controls and, while Kitna has a few better weapons with which to work, Brees nearly has a full compliment. The Cowboys defense will not have fans remembering the glory days of Doomsday and Brees ought to have more than a little success through the air.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 31, Dallas 24

At NY Jets -9 Cincinnati 43

What can the Bungles say after last week? Five second half touchdowns to Buffalo last week? Five? Buffalo? Seriously, sports fans, that’s shocking. If they haven’t quit already, both of their starting corners are out and they may resort to using a couple of reserve wideouts to fill in. Carson Palmer was seen at the facility a day before the game in a walking boot. Any guesses as how this game is going to play out? It ain’t gonna be pretty Bungles fans. TO will be covered by Revis and Cromartie draws OchoStinko. The Jets haven’t exactly bowled over the opposition lately as they’ve gotten lucky OT/late fourth quarter wins against Cleveland and Houston respectively. Coach Ryan will undoubtedly remind his charges that they’re a much better football team than having to rely on winning at the last gasp, and this week is the perfect opportunity to throw down the gauntlet.

Projected Final Score: NY Jets 24, Cincinnati 14