There were three games on Thanksgiving. Two including the traditional Thanksgiving teams, the Lions and the Cowboys. The other featured the Saints visiting the Falcons.
As it turned out, the road team won in each game. The Bears remain relevant - albeit barely - in the NFC playoff picture. The Bills solidified their playoff status by beating Dallas in Big D. And the Saints outright clinched a playoff berth, and at least one home game once they get there, by winning the NFC South division with their win in Atlanta.
Let's take a closer look at the games that were yesterday:
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Detroit Lions (3-7-1)
Chicago 24, Detroit 20
Ah, yes, the Lions continued their proud tradition of losing in their big Thanksgiving game. This time, it was to the Bears, and after they had taken a sizable lead, enjoying a 17-7 lead at one point in the second quarter. But the Bears managed to get a field goal to close to within 17-10 by halftime. Then, Chicago looked recharged in the second half, scoring a touchdown in the third quarter to tie it. The Lions were able to get a field goal in the fourth quarter, putting pressure on Chicago. But the Bears responded with a touchdown to take the lead very late. And this time, with the pressure squarely on Detroit’s shoulders, the Lions failed to answer, preserving the win for Da Bears, and keeping them relevant in the NFC playoffs at 6-6. They are still far behind, with the Packers and Vikings tied atop the division at 8-3, and the Seahawks at 9-2 also comfortably ahead of Chicago, and actually still chasing the 10-1 49ers for the NFC West. So, it still does not look good for Chicago making it to the playoffs again this season, but at least they are fighting to try and make it still, to their credit. As for the Lions, they now drop to 3-8-1, and have clinched yet another all too familiar losing season once again.
My pick: Accurate
Buffalo Bills (8-3)
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Dallas Cowboys (6-5)
Buffalo 26, Dallas 15
The Bills look like they are for real this season, don’t they? In a tough road game at Dallas on Thanksgiving Day, before a national television audience, the Bills dominated the Cowboys in a game that mostly was not as close as the score would indicate. The final score was 26-15, which looks fairly convincing. But in fact, Buffalo was completely dominating until Dallas managed to score very late to make the game look more respectable, and give them kind of a chance at a miracle comeback. But there would be no miracle on this day. The Cowboys actually did better in some key statistics, which normally should have helped their cause more. They produced 426 yards on offense, to just 356 for Buffalo. They also earned 10 more first downs than the BIlls did. But the 'Boys also committed two turnovers, while Buffalo had none, and the Bills held onto the ball for a bit longer. Mostly, the Bills took better advantage of their opportunities. The end result does nothing to dissuade doubters about Dallas, as this team has yet to beat anyone with a winning record yet.
My pick: Inaccurate
New Orleans Saints (9-2)
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Atlanta Falcons (3-8)
New Orleans 26, Atlanta 18
New Orleans 26, Atlanta 18 – This was a very sloppy game at times, particularly late in the second half. The Falcons were desperately trying to get back into the game, but they turned the ball over on three straight drives. Talk about shooting themselves in the foot. Yet the Saints reciprocated, allowing the Falcons to have two straight onside kick recoveries to keep the Falcons in this thing. It seemed like both teams were insisting on giving the other team every opportunity to win the game. But in the end, Atlanta ran out of time and opportunities. Matt Ryan had a solid game statistically, completing 35 of 50 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. But he also threw two INT's, and was was sacked nine times. Also, while the Falcons actually seemed to have distinct advantages statistically that usually help a team win a game, outgaining New Orleans with 348 to 279 total yards on offense, holding onto the ball for more than ten minutes longer than the Saints, and almost doubling them with 27 first downs, to just 14 for New Orleans, it were the three turnovers to none for New Orleans that might have been the most telling statistic. The Saints defense bent, but did not break, and they avenge their loss from just a few weeks ago, winning in Atlanta to clinch their third straight NFC South title, the first team to not only clinch a playoff berth already this season, but to win a division title outright, with more than a month left of regular season play. Impressive!
My pick: Accurate
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