Week 12 will produce many compelling matches across the NFL landscape. But this week is the favorite of many NFL fans because of the games played on Thanksgiving Day.
There is much time and space that could be dedicated to the misery of the Detroit Lions since they last won an NFL championship in 1957. But in the interest of time and for the Lions’ fanbase’s sanity, here’s a quick version of what ailed the franchise in advance of Detroit’s annual tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Day Game against the Green Bay Packers.
- The Lions haven’t won a Thanksgiving Day game since 2016. Detroit is 37-44-2 all-time on the holiday. The Lions are 12-8-1 against the Packers on Thanksgiving.
- Detroit hasn’t won a division championship since winning the NFC Central in 1992.
- The Lions are off to an 8-2 start for the first time since the 1960s.
But the top sports news today shows that Lions’ coach Dan Campbell has changed the culture in the Motor City. Detroit swept Green Bay last season and won the first meeting between the teams this season. Can the Lions put the hammer down on turkey day to emphasize their dominance in the division?
Seattle Needs to Avoid Tailspin
The Seahawks can’t seem to get by the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the Rams once again being a middling team, Los Angeles came from behind last Sunday to beat Seattle 17-16 at home. The Rams swept the season series and have won seven of the past 10 games between the teams.
The Seahawks won’t see the schedule get much easier for them. Seattle will host San Francisco on Thanksgiving. The 49ers have looked rejuvenated since returning from their bye week. San Francisco has run off consecutive victories, knocking off the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Seahawks will need to hope quarterback Geno Smith can return. He missed three series in Seattle’s loss to the Rams after taking a helmet to the arm.
Giants and Patriots No Longer Battle of Top Teams
It’s hard to imagine the depths to which the New York Giants and New England Patriots have fallen. In the last 20 years, the Giants and Patriots played in the Super Bowl twice. Now, each team has quarterback issues and is well outside the playoff picture this year.
New York quarterback Tommy DeVito picked up his first NFL victory last week against Washington following a few woeful performances. DeVito avoided throwing any interceptions, put up 246 passing yards, and threw for three touchdowns for the 3-8 Giants.
Things are ugly in New England. Mac Jones hasn’t panned out under center for the Patriots. New England has lost three straight games to fall to 2-8 and has failed to score more than 17 points in any of the three contests.
Broncos Need to Maintain Momentum
It’s hard to imagine the Denver Broncos thought the playoffs would be a possibility after they got torched for 70 points. But the Broncos have made a sudden turnaround as the season has gone along. During the first month of the season, anyone could score on Denver.
The Broncos allowed 36.2 points per game. However, during the past month, Denver coach Sean Payton and his Denver team have figured things out. The Broncos have only allowed 16.8 points per game and have strung together four straight wins.
Black sports news shows that Russell Wilson led a game-winning drive to help Denver trip up a hot Minnesota team last week. Now, the Broncos are hoping to take advantage of Cleveland. While the Browns are missing their starting quarterback and running backs, Cleveland’s defense is still at full force.
Myles Garrett is playing like a true Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and the Browns smothered Kenny Pickett and the rival Pittsburgh Steelers last week.
Saints and Falcons Battle in NFC South Pillow Fight
There’s always one division in the NFL that is weaker than the others. This year, the title for worst division goes to the NFC South. While the New Orleans Saints have appeared to be the most stable team of the bunch, they have had injury issues at quarterback all season.
Despite New Orleans being on a bye last week, Saints quarterback Derek Carr remained in concussion protocol. That means the Saints may have to turn to inconsistent veteran quarterback Jameis Winston to make the start. The Saints’ opponent Sunday has had quarterback issues of their own.
The Atlanta Falcons have lost three straight games but only sit a game behind New Orleans in the standings. The Falcons have decided to start second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder under center despite his struggles. Atlanta tried to play veteran Taylor Heinicke during its last game but saw him struggle in a disappointing loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Bills Ready to Run Gauntlet
The Buffalo Bills’ season may just be determined over the next three weeks. The Bills, who are on the outside looking in on the playoff race, will have to play Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Dallas in consecutive games. Winning two out of three of those contests seems like a must for Buffalo, which hasn’t been consistent all season.
The Eagles, Buffalo’s opponent this week, are coming off their biggest win of the season. Philadelphia won a Super Bowl rematch with Kansas City after rallying from a 10-point halftime deficit. The Eagles have looked more determined after their disappointing loss to the Super Bowl last season.
Philadelphia is off to a 9-1 start for the fifth time in franchise history. The Eagles reached the Super Bowl in the four previous seasons when they won nine of their first ten games. Buffalo can’t afford to lose to stay in the playoff race, while the Eagles want to keep separation between them and the Cowboys in the NFC East Division race.
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