NFL - THANKSGIVING PREVIEW

Houston Texans (9-1) @ Detroit Lions (4-6)

Houston travel to Detroit to take on the Lions in the first of Thursday's Thanksgiving games.  The Texans were taken to overtime on Sunday by the Jacksonville Jaguars and will need a big reaction to get back to the form that has got them to 9-1.  The Texans have a strong defense and are giving up just 300 yards per game.  The offense is picking up and they are 12th in passing and 8th in rushing.  The Lions are all about the pass and lead the NFL in passing.  They have had a mixed season on the ground and rank 23rd in rushing.  On a few occasions, Mikel Leshoure has had big games but they don't happen often enough.  This game will come down to the injury report.  Houston's Pro Bowl cornerback, Jonathan Joseph is listed as questionable and will be a game time decision.  If he misses out, Calvin Johnson will win this game for the Lions.  Johnson is a danger to any team in the league, so when he is up against backups, it's a recipe for disaster. 

Prediction - Even if Joseph plays he can't be at one hundred percent and Calvin Johnson will lead the Lions to a surprise win.

Washington Redskins (4-6) @ Dallas Cowboys (5-5)

This years Thanksgiving game in Dallas sees an all NFC East clash, between the Redskins and the Cowboys.  Neither side are at their best but when these two come together you can always guarantee fireworks.  The Cowboys have relied on Tony Romo's arm this year and rank 7th in passing.  When Romo is playing well, he can win games on his own.  When he's playing bad, he plays really bad.  He has had a decent season overall this year but had two disasters against the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants.  He had nine interceptions in those two games alone.  If you take those out, he has had four interceptions in eight games.  The trouble is knowing when Romo will have those games as they do happen a few times every year.  The Redskins are bad at defending the pass and rank 30th in the league.  The Redskins are a run first offense and are second in rushing this year.  The Cowboys rank 13th in run defense and should be able to find a way to stop the Redskins.

Prediction - The Cowboys will pass the Redskins to death and get the win.

New England Patriots (7-3) @ New York Jets (4-6)

This years Thanksgiving games finish with an AFC East clash between the Patriots and the Jets.  These two have had some good battles in recent seasons and the first clash this season went to overtime.  The Patriots were poor that night and tried to throw it away but just done enough to get back into it.  On paper this game should be an easy win for the Patriots but Rex Ryan usually comes up with something to make New England's life difficult.  The Pats are very good on offense and rank 4th in passing and 5th in rushing.  The Jets defense are 4th against the pass and 30th against the run.  Stevan Ridley should get plenty of carries and should be a good fantasy pick.  The Pats weakness is their pass defense.  I can't see Mark Sanchez having enough quality to win this game for the Jets however and the Patriots should be able to pick up the win. 

Prediction - A Pats victory to all but seal the division.