NFL Prognostications, Thanksgiving edition

Games this Week

Giants (6-4) vs. Broncos (6-4)
Two teams that started 5-0 and 6-0 but since are 1-8. Road game is no scare to the GMen, who win more often away from Giants Stadium. The fact that the Giants' best back this year, Ahmad Bradshaw is out which makes me nervous, especially since the Broncos have been so susceptible to the run. Orton is hurting, coming against a defense that has two sacks in four straight games is not good news for them. If the Giants can score red-zone touchdowns they will win this high-scoring affair. Giants by 7

Packers (6-4) vs. Lions (2-8)
I really want to take the Lions in an upset special but it takes a pass rush to beat the Packers. Green Bay will score a million points. Without Stafford and possibly Calvin Johnson, Detroit won't be able to keep up. Packers by 15

Raiders (3-7) vs. Cowboys (7-3)
The Cowboys haven't scored a point in the first three quarters two weeks in a row and only had one touchdown the game before that. The Raiders had a big game in Brad Gradkowski's starting debut. However, Cowboys' backs will run all over the Raiders. Cowboys will score on the first drive and Raiders will be dead early as Dallas wins their 4th Thanksgiving blowout in a row. Cowbys by 20

Later games:
-Bucs (1-9) vs. Falcons (5-5): Falcons need to win and the Bucs are awful. Falcons by 16

-Dolphins (5-5) vs. Bills (3-7): I'm on the Chad Henne bandwagon. Dolphins by 15

-Browns (1-9) vs. Bengals (7-3): Bengals got their wake up call. Bengals by 25

-Colts (10-0) vs. Texans (5-5): Coach Kubiak is not strong enough to rally his team in a short week coming off a bitter loss to beat the 10-0 Colts, no matter how much I think Indy is due. Colts by 6

-Redskins (3-7) vs. Eagles (6-4): I don't think the Redskins will win another game all year. Eagles by 8

-Seahawks (3-7) vs. Rams (1-9): Steven Jackson will have a big game and the Rams will keep it close, but if Seattle throws it well, they win. I think they will. Seahawks by 4

-Panthers (4-6) vs. Jets (4-6): Carolina will stick with their ground game. Panthers by 10

-Cardinals (7-3) vs. Titans (4-6): The magic continues, especially if Kurt Warner is too hurt or gets too hurt to play. Titans by 3

-Chiefs (3-7) vs. Chargers (6-4): SD on upset alert, but I won't pick against them in this matchup. Chargers by 8

-Jaguars (6-4) vs. 49ers (4-6): Jags don't travel well, and I look for San Fran to contain MJD. 49ers by 4

-Bears (4-6) vs. Vikings (9-1): Vikings have so many more weapons and are a much better football team. Vikings by 15

-Steelers (6-4) vs. Ravens (5-5): The Ravens aren't very good but I don't think the Steelers are either. Big Ben is two sacks away from the bench. If Ray Rice has a big game and Flacco doesn't blow it, the Ravens can pull it off at home. Ravens by 3

-Patriots (7-3) vs. Saints (10-0): I think the Patriots are the better team. Whoever gets to 10 points first wins this game, and I think it will be the visitors. Patriots by 7

Therefore, after this weekend the playoff picture will look like the following
AFC
Colts 11-0
Patriots 8-3
Bengals 8-3
Chargers 8-3
*Steelers, Jaguars, Ravens, Broncos all 6-5

NFC
Saints 10-1
Vikings 10-1
Cowboys 8-3
Cardinals 7-4
*Giants, Eagles, Packers all 7-4