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Jake Klausner
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NFL on Thanksgiving 2021
Thanksgiving Preview Special
This Thursday is extra special as we all get to stuff ourselves with turkey, stuffing, and all sorts of greatness. To top it all off, we get to sit in front of the couch and watch football all day. So, sit back, relax, enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with friends and family, and watch some glorious football.
Chicago Bears (3-7) vs. Detroit Lions (0-9-1)
Thursday 12:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX Line: CHI -3.0
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
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No, you're not dreaming. You have to watch these two teams play each other on Thanksgiving. This game has the potential of setting the record for the most people taking naps while watching the game. Anyway, the Chicago Bears come into this game without Justin Fields. The rookie QB injured his ribs in last week's loss so that Andy Dalton will be the starting QB on Thursday. The more important news surrounding the Bears is that this game could potentially be Matt Nagy's last game as a Bear; however, these are just speculations.
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Is this finally the week where the Lions get their first win? All signs are pointing towards that possibility. However, I'm not entirely sure what QB Jared Goff's status is coming into this game. Goff (oblique) was inactive for last week's game, and Tim Boyle started in his place. Dan Campbell said he is leaning towards the possibility of Goff starting for Thursday's game.
PREDICTION:
I can't say I'm looking forward to watching this game, but I'm confident in the Lions this week. I believe that this game against the Bears is their most winnable out of all their upcoming games. I like the Lions to take advantage of Andy Dalton, and they get their first win at home.
Pick: DET +3.0
Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) vs. Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
Thursday 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS Line: DAL -7.5
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
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The Cowboys come into this game with the number one scoring offense in the NFL, although they are coming off a rough game against the Chiefs. To make matters harder, QB Dak Prescott will be without his top two targets: CeeDee Lamb (concussion) and Amari Cooper (COVID). Although Cooper is asymptomatic, he will still need a negative COVID test to suit up.
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The Raider may seem like they have the edge, but I feel they've already played their best football this season. Without the presence of Henry Ruggs, QB Derek Carr doesn't have his deep threat. Rich Bisaccia had his guys playing well enough, but the competition has gotten a lot tougher down the stretch. Overall, this Raiders team is starting to look dead. However, I do think they will play some inspiring football.
PREDICTION:
I think the Raiders will play with a lot of heart and determination, but in the end, the Cowboys are the better team. I like Dallas big in this one.
Pick: DAL -7.5
Buffalo Bills (6-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (5-5)
Thursday 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Line: BUF -6.5
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
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This game is crucial for both teams, with both teams sitting on the brink of elimination.
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Starting with Buffalo, they are coming off a terrible loss to the Colts, and they are coming off a four-game stretch in which they went 2-2; One of those losses was to the Jaguars. Coming into this game, the Bills currently have the last wildcard spot in the AFC and have fallen to second place in the AFC East. Josh Allen, one of the frontrunners for MVP, hasn't been playing like he usually does through the four-game stretch. For the Bills to win on Thursday, Allen has to play better football, and they have to figure out how to get the run game involved.
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Like the Bills, the Saints currently hold the final wildcard spot in the NFC, but they have lost their last three games. To make matters grimmer, RB Alvin Kamara, who has missed the previous two games due to an ankle injury, is expected to miss his third-straight game. Mark Ingram, Kamara's backup, also showed up on the injury report this week. They are already without a couple of key contributors to the o-line.
PREDICTION:
I have a strong feeling about the Buffalo Bills this week. I think that Josh Allen is determined to have a bounce-back week. The Bills are currently in the must-win territory, which makes them very dangerous. I like the Bills to pull away in this one.
Pick: BUF -6.5
Jake Klausner covers all things sports for ThePyrrhic.com. Keep your eyes peeled for NFL Analysis, World Series Recaps, and more from Jake.
Follow him on Twitter @jake_klausner
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