subject: NFL game previews: Thanksgiving Day [print this page] NFL game previews: Thanksgiving Day NFL game previews: Thanksgiving Day
NFL Thanksgiving Day previews
Sheridan's line: Patriots by 6
Sagarin difference: Patriots by 7.34
Last meeting: The Patriots won, 28-21, at home in 2006.
Streaking: The Lions have lost their past six Thanksgiving Day games by an average of 22.2 points.
Down and distance: The strength of the Lions is by far and away the upfield rush created by their front four. But for the big men up front to have an opportunity to lay a hand on QB Tom Brady, Detroit must first play stout defense on first and second downs. The Patriots complement their mediocre ground game with a plethora of underneath passes and runs after the catch. And rookie TEs Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski are becoming a load to handle in the red zone, where to buy NFL Jerseys? maybe ujersy is a good choice.
Kill 'em with kindness: Lions coach Jim Schwartz praised the physical play of young Patriots CBs Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington, but that won't stop Detroit from attacking downfield from the outset. The Lions average 3.5 yards per carry and RB Jahvid Best (toe) will be limited even if he plays. Backup Maurice Morris, who is an excellent blocker, will see a heavy workload and can help complement the ground game as a receiver out of the backfield.
Need to know: Patriots coach Bill Belichick's 171 career victories are tied with Joe Gibbs for 11th-most all-time. ... Lions QB Shaun Hill has a 93.1 passer rating with five touchdowns and two interceptions at home.
New Orleans Saints (7-3) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
Thursday, 4:15 ET, Fox, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver
Sheridan's line: Saints by 3, Recommend directory: Dallas Cowboys Jerseys
Sagarin difference: Saints by 3.88
Last meeting: The Cowboys won, 24-17, at New Orleans last season.
Streaking: Dallas has a four-game winning streak on Thanksgiving Day while holding opponents to an average of 7.3 points.
Championship form: The Saints' offense is rounding into form and could get RB Reggie Bush back for the first time since Week 2. QB Drew Brees will target safeties Alan Ball and Gerald Sensabaugh, who have been vulnerable in support over the top. With RB Chris Ivory providing a physical presence to the ground game and TE Jimmy Graham emerging in the passing game, the Saints have a pair of rookies the Cowboys must account for in addition to all of Brees' veteran weapons.
One hand helps the other: The Cowboys' offense has been more balanced under interim coach Jason Garrett. The ground game still isn't producing big numbers, but the commitment to it has helped QB Jon Kitna, who has six touchdowns against one interception the past two weeks. Look for him to target CB Jabari Greer, who was beaten for multiple plays over the top last week. New Orleans generally has featured an improved defense this season, but Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck did pass for 366 yards last Sunday.
Need to know: Cowboys rookie CB Bryan McCann has two touchdowns in two weeks, equaling his four-year total at SMU. ... Brees has set the franchise record with 1,862 completions in four-plus seasons.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) at N.Y. Jets (8-2)
Thursday, 8:20 ET, NFL Network, Bob Papa, Matt Millen, Joe Theismann, Alex Flanagan
Sheridan's line: Jets by 8, Recommend directory: Cincinnati Bengals Jerseys
Sagarin difference: Jets by 8.30
Last meeting: The Jets have won eight of the past nine meetings, including a 24-14 victory at Cincinnati in the wild card round of the playoffs last season.
Streaking: Bengals QB Carson Palmer has thrown multiple touchdown passes in seven consecutive games.
Rookie roll call: RB Cedric Benson finally busted free against Buffalo's league-worst run defense, but the Bengals can't count on a repeat performance against the Jets. Palmer, who is dealing with a foot injury and has 13 interceptions to go with his 18 touchdown passes, will be forced into short drops and quick decisions. With WRs Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco matched up against strong cover corners, rookies WR Jordan Shipley and TE Jermaine Gresham must read the Jets' defense well and be consistent options for Palmer.
Free to attack: The Jets' offense has been doing what it has to, with QB Mark Sanchez leading three consecutive game-winning drives. He doesn't have to worry about much pressure from the Bengals' meager pass rush and Cincinnati's injury-depleted secondary is wearing down late in games. RBs Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson should be able to soften a defense allowing 4.4 yards per carry and open single coverage for Sanchez to attack off play-action. The Bengals must get solid play from new starting FS Reggie Nelson.
