The concept of football being synonymous with Thanksgiving goes back decades. However, some years it’s more of an idealized notion that is undercut by grim reality. Let’s be honest: some years’ Thanksgiving games have been pretty putrid.

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Such a situation couldn’t be further from the case this year, however, and that’s something we all can be thankful for. All three games boast competitive match-ups that should keep every pigskin fan -- from your little cousin to your great-aunt – entertained Thursday night.

Here’s our breakdown of the games.

Detroit vs. Chicago

Detroit fans (and the rest the nation’s television viewers, too) have suffered through some pretty lousy Thanksgiving games in year’s past. However, this isn’t your drunk uncle’s Lions. Matthew Stafford and company will be looking to avenge last week’s beatdown from the Patriots and keep their foothold in the race for the NFC North crown. Stafford goes for 3 TDs, while Chicago’s Jay Cutler goes for three picks.


Prediction: Lions 28, Bears 17


Dallas vs. Philadelphia

It’s crazy that the cream of the NFC East crop haven’t met this year before the 13th week of the season, but here we are. Dallas is coming off an physically taxing, emotional, late night win vs. the Giants, so I think the short week and lack of recuperation time benefits Philly. Mark Sanchez will make his mistakes, but by and large he’s settled into Chip Kelly’s offense. Philly just has too many weapons. They will control time of possession and force Dallas into playing catch-up all afternoon.
Prediction: Eagles 41, Cowboys 31

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Seahawks vs. 49ers

The evening’s final face-off features another divisional rivalry game, between two hard-nosed, killer-instinct squads that plum don’t like each other. The past couple of seasons, the Niners and the Seahawks would beat up on each other, but remain confident knowing each was all-but-guaranteed a playoff spot. That is not the case this year, with the Arizona Cardinals emerging from a dark horse to the outright favorite to clinch the NFC West. That means there’s almost certainly only one spot for these teams. In other words, this could be a Loser Leaves Town duel. The newly-built Levi’s Stadium will be rocking, and I expect San Francisco’s defense to get to Russell Wilson early and often. Colin Kaepernick makes two or three key plays with his legs, and San Fran emerges victorious on a last second field goal.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Seahawks 14