"NFL Thanksgiving: A Time For Family, Food & Football"

It's one of the biggest family holidays just before Christmas, as people 
gather to enjoy time away from work, school, the hustle and bustle of 
daily life. An extended holiday break to start or finish shopping for gifts 
either online or standing hours in checkouts. Before all of this occurs, 
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection; while sitting around your dining 
room or kitchen table feasting.

The aroma of baked, deep fried, smoked turkey permeates throughout. 
All the side dishes and desserts wait for their turn to be dipped or sliced. 
Children watching the "Macy's Thanksgiving Parade" to keep them 
occupied. Seeing all the toy trailers while changing their Christmas wish 
lists. Grandparents overlooking everyone and inputting how much salt is 
needed for potatoes. Once the food is ready to serve, we have a few 
words in reflection. A special blessing is spoken over the food and we sit 
to eat.

As Thanksgiving brings plenty of food, the NFL gifted us three 
phenomenal games. A classic NFC North showdown in Detroit to start 
our holiday. The game everyone watches regardless if you're a fan of 
"America's Team" and another AFC North punch out game to end our 
holiday. Let's preview our slate of games for your 2025 Thanksgiving 
football menu.
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions (1PM Eastern time/Fox Sports) 
One of the oldest Thanksgiving games in football, Detroit hosts their
division rival Green Bay. The Lions are looking to avenge a week one
loss and bite kneecaps in gaining ground. It's usually both teams
wearing throwback jerseys and fans going wild in the Motor City. As
Green Bay looks for the series sweep, they'll need quarterback Jordan

Love to play flawless and eliminate costly turnovers. With a stout
defensive front, the Packers must score at will.

For Detroit, it's simple: run the ball and score every possession. I still
question the Lions play calling duties under head coach Dan Campbell
because it takes away their identity. With a chance to bite Green Bay's
knees and leap into second place, this present a golden opportunity. A
bend but don't break defense must attack the outside receivers and stop
the run game. If Detroit roars early, Green Bay will be waving the white
flag in moral defeat.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Dallas Cowboys: (4:30 Eastern Time/CBS)
The primetime game of Thanksgiving as everyone gathers around to
watch Dallas host their annual game and Salvation Army Red Kettle
Kickoff Drive. It breaks rankings every single year no matter the results.
Kansas City spearheaded and kept their season alive with a comeback
win over Indianapolis. Riding with some momentum, the Chiefs look to
spoil Dallas' fans and keep pace in the AFC. I'm sure this game will be
highly entertaining with a dramatic finish.

My beloved Dallas Cowboys, a rough two weeks or so since the tragic
passing of Marshawn Kneeland. Coming off a comeback win over
Philadelphia, the morale is very high. A revamped defense, potent
offense and home crowd, the Cowboys need this win regardless. Every
possession matters and zero room for error. Wide receiver George
Pickens aka "NFL Youngboy" has been sensational. A deep ball threat
and culture changer this team needed. I'm concerned about my
defense's ability to stop Mahomes. Can't allow big chunk plays
downfield and untimely penalties. Overall, this game will be everyone's
round of third plates and sweet treats deluxe.

Cincinatti Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens: (8:20 PM/NBC)

Thanksgiving night concludes with a brutal AFC North matchup of two
teams on different paths. In the past, we've gotten this game with both
fighting for divisional ground; but this time around, the biggest question
could be answered by Tuesday or Wednesday.
The Bengals were a AFC preseason favorite to make it to January; but
all that was derailed with quarterback Joe Burrow's turf toe injury earlier
in the season. Enter veteran quarterback and former Raven Joe Flacco;
having a stretch of good games with losses. Even with wide receivers
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati can only go so far.
A defense which is ranked last in points allowed, yards and every
statistical category in pro football. Can the Bengals make it competitive
and keep it close? Of course but defensively it's unwatchable for all
tense and purposes. The biggest question: will Joe Burrow play
Thursday night as he's been officially questionable? If he does play, how
much rust and lack of reps will hinder him? With a record of 3-8, can he
pull off six wins down the stretch and put Cincinnati in the wild card
hunt?

A revival is happening in Baltimore; as the Ravens have won five
straight games since starting 1-5. Closing a marginal gap on division
rival Pittsburgh, Baltimore finds itself staring into the shadow realms of
postseason hopes. Adversity has built this team's confidence and
overcoming what pundits thought was impossible. Offense has started
to look stronger; as the third worst defense looks like a top tier unit who
can cover and tackle; while creating takeaways.
For the Ravens it's simple: control the line of scrimmage against Cincy's
defensive front. Big plays downfield and let Lamar utilize his legs. This
will be a game of who can score enough points and win. IF and I mean
IF Burrow plays, don't be surprised if this game comes down to which
QB leads a game winning drive. Either way, the AFC North clash will be
without chaos.

From all of us here at The Gryd, Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy time
with family, food and plenty of football!