The American tradition of combining giving thanks, eating absurd amounts of food and the NFL is perhaps one of the best there is. Thanks to NFL wisdom, we now have three Thanksgiving games. They go all day. As always, the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions host games, but the nightcap on NFL Network is the probably the equivalent to pumpkin pie of the day. Head coaches and brothers Jim and John Harbaugh face off as the San Francisco 49es travel to play the Baltimore Ravens.
As for the game outcomes, we make our "expert" picks against the spread. Using the Yahoo Pick'em point spread, we take a stab at making our picks.
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (+6.0): Vegas must think that the Packers are due to have that first loss or slip up. At the same time, Detroit is going to be fired up for the game. We tend to think that the bright lights of being the only game on will be further motivation to show up and put a beatdown on the young up-and-comers. Pick: Packers, -6.0.
Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys (-7.0): Despite a string of double-digit wins, Vegas is not willing to give the Cowboys that much of a chance against the Dolphins, who have won three straight. But the 'Boys are on a three-game winning streak of their own and at home. Pick: Cowboys, -7.0.
San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5): It is the Harbaugh Bowl. The 9-1 Niners have to travel across the country to the East Coast on a short week. The Ravens will be the best defense they have faced. With Torrey Smith and his speed, Joe Flacco will be able to make throws down the field. Baltimore's stout defense will also hamper Frank Gore and the running game, which is the basis of the San Fran offense. Being forced to throw, Alex Smith may have his first bad game of the season. Pick: Ravens, -3.5.