I'm not sure what to make of Thanksgiving games that aren't horrible. On the one hand it's great because you will already be spending significant time on the couch in and out of food and wine induced naps so might as well have something worthwhile to watch. But on the other hand you'll be in and out of naps and family interactions all day, dividing your attention. 

Another downside is that all of my anticipation for Thursday is already locked up in the realm of food stuffs, leaving me little room to get excited for or even really think about football games. I mean, yeah, sure, football is good, but it's not Thanksgiving dinner good so it automatically is taking a back seat no matter how good the games. Really the only thing I remember about any Thanksgiving Day games ever is John Madden's turducken and eight legged turkeys.

Ultimately, I don't really know if I never pay much attention to Thanksgiving Day games because of the setting and surroundings or because of the crappy games. I guess this year will test that theory.

Last Week: 6-6-2
Season: 74-78-8
Lock of the Week: 3-7-1

Home team in CAPS

Packers (-6.5) over LIONS
The only games the Packers have not covered the spread this season are games in which they were favored by at least 10 points. The Lions are solid and will be pumped up for this game, but they haven't really beaten any good team this season.

COWBOYS (-7) over Dolphins
As much as the Cowboys love to blow games that they are home favorites in, I don't see it happening here. Miami is 'hot' but they are destined to revert to their losing ways soon enough and a short week road trip seems like that time.

49ers (+3) over RAVENS
I can't go against the 49ers because they are 9-0-1 against the spread this season, BUT if the Ravens' season is any indication they'll play really well in this game. Anytime they play a good team they come to play, with their only losses coming to teams ranging from horrible to mediocre. Since the 49ers are good, logic dictates the Ravens should win but if they do it won't be by much. I would not be surprised with a push here.

Sunday Games:

RAMS (-3) over Cardinals
Now this is the type of game I'm used to seeing on Thanksgiving. It's really hard to imagine either of these teams winning a football game. The Cardinals are probably the better team, but I can't see them winning two games against anyone in a single season and they already won the first contest. If you live in a market where you get this game my suggestion is to see how many Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches you can eat during the course of this game. Fair warning though, the combination of four pounds of food in your stomach and watching this game may cause for some midday vomiting.

JETS (-8.5) over Bills
Hey remember those first seven games Bills fans? Those were fun. I know, I've heard the rumors that seasons are 16 games long too, but you can just ignore that and tell everyone you know the Bills finished 5-2.

BENGALS (-7) over Browns
The Bengals were far more impressive in losing last week than the Browns were in winning and if they want to make the playoffs they need this game in a big way. I predict the best performance we've seen out of the Bengals all season.

Texans (-3) over JAGUARS
So many jokes have been made about Matt Leinart and so much attention has been paid to his off field exploits that I don't think I can remember how he actually plays the game of football. I'm going to assume poorly, but the Texans have enough weapons that it shouldn't really matter.

Panthers (-3.5) over COLTS
Lock of the Week
The Colts are utterly hopeless. I think even in the parallel world where Peyton Manning isn't injured they'd still be out of the playoff picture. In this universe they've scored a total of 27 points over their last four games; meanwhile the Panthers scored 35 in their last one game.

TITANS (-3) over Buccaneers
The Bucs can't be as bad as they've been playing the last several weeks. But that does not mean they will play any better.

Vikings (+9.5) over FALCONS
It's hard to pick a team to cover the spread that you don't think has any chance of winning the game outright, but that's what I'm doing. Falcons aren't keen on blowouts.

RAIDERS (-4.5) over Bears
For as much as people rip on Jay Cutler, including Bears fans, everyone sure freaked out when he went down. Maybe by the time this game is played they'll have Kyle Orton on their roster, but if he has to actually play in the game it won't be good for Chicago. Just ask Palmer and the Raiders how playing a QB with less than a week of practice goes.

SEAHAWKS (-4) over Redskins
So my plan of making my lock of the week the Redskins losing each week didn't last long before it failed. This does not mean that I have any level of confidence in the Redskins ability to win football games. I simply forgot that in Redskins-Cowboys games anything is possible, now that they are back to playing a non-divisional rival they are certain to lose.

EAGLES (+3) over Patriots
Massive confusion hits Philadelphia. People start believing in the team again after two big wins, but then they fall to someone awful to end all hope of playoffs.

Broncos (+6.5) over CHARGERS
Tim Tebow is my favorite quarterback that I don't really like. What I mean by that is I'm not a Tebow fan, didn't like him in college, and don't think he's particularly good, but for some reason I love watching him win. Something about him winning his games while being unable to hit targets that are eight yards away is mystifying. Plus it's great to hear everyone rewrite the Tim Tebow narrative every week.

Steelers (-10.5) over CHIEFS
Tyler Palko - as good as advertised. Sure, the Steelers aren't very good on the road, but Palko somehow managed to make even the Patriots defense look good. If the Steelers can't get interceptions in this game they won't get them ever and thus won't go anywhere in the playoffs

SAINTS (-7) over Giants
The Saints remain awesome at home and I have to stick to my guns about the Giants not making the playoffs. A big loss here should get them to start questioning their coach and their defense, then the wheels fall off.