Thanksgiving Football Games

Turkey. Gravy. Green beans. Potatoes (sweet, mashed). Dressing. More gravy.
Hey, leave room for some football.

Happy Thanksgiving to your and yours from me and mine. May your blessings be great and your worries few. Eat, watch football and be merry.

The NFL, once upon a time, staged only one game – in Detroit – on Thanksgiving. That tradition continues. Later, it sought to add a second game and only Dallas volunteered. So that tradition continues. And, with the regular Thursday night package in place now, why not add a third game?

Here are a few things to know about Thanksgiving Day and football:
– The important thing is giving thanks.
– Eating is good.
– Falling asleep with your heiner in the recliner is excused on this special day.

Here’s what you need to know for your viewing pleasure on this happy holiday:

• Chicago Bears (7-3) at Detroit Lions (4-6), 12:30 p.m., CBS. The Bears play great defense and are on the cusp of being outstanding. They do creative offensive things as well. The Lions are pretty much the Lions.
• Washington Redskins (6-4) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5), 3:30 p.m., Fox. First place in the NFC East is at stake. The Redskins will start former University of Texas star Colt McCoy at quarterback for the injured Alex Smith. The Cowboys are showing odd signs of cohesion and could steal a weak division if they can even the season series with the Skinnards.
• Atlanta Falcons (4-6) at New Orleans Saints (9-1), 7:20 p.m., NBC. The Saints have won nine straight and are an offensive powerhouse. The Falcons’ injury-riddled defense won’t be able to slow Drew Brees and friends. Just try to picture Bourbon Street on a Thanksgiving night after a Saints win.

That’s three divisional games to open Week 12. More tasty morsels follow on Sunday. For now, enjoy that turkey leg and the leftovers.

 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman