It isn’t often that these Thanksgiving Day games all carry playoff implications, but this year all three games have direct impact on the playoff picture, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The day starts at noon with the Packers and Lions facing off in a critical NFC North battle. With the Bears leading the division by a single game, both Detroit and Green Bay know they could gain crucial ground with a win today. They also have the knowledge that the Bears are facing off with a vaunted Eagles defense tomorrow, a game the Bears could certainly drop. Because of how congested the NFC playoff picture is, both teams know a win today is crucial for their cause. The Lions at 7-4 are currently on the outside looking in. The 7-3-1 Packers are in the playoffs as of today, but not by much. This will be a great way to start the day.
In the afternoon game, the Cowboys and Chiefs face off in a cross-division battle that also carries serious playoff importance. The Cowboys have found themselves a bit of a groove, and are playing with a newfound momentum after one of their organizations largest comebacks against the Eagles last week. Dak Prescott and George Pickens have been unstoppable, and the Dallas defense is playing better. The Chiefs have also found a groove after beating one of the AFC’s best in the Colts last week. For the first time in a long time, the Chiefs are out of the playoff picture in late November. At 6-5 and sitting at third in the AFC West, the Chiefs know today’s game should be treated as a much win. Dallas is also on the front stoop peering into the playoff party, knowing they will likely by vying for a spot in the Wild Card game. This one kicks at 3:25 PM CT.
In the evening slate, Joe Burrow returns to the Bengals to play a red hot Lamar Jackson led Ravens squad. The Bengals technically still have a chance to make the playoffs, but they will likely have to win out the remainder of their schedule. Burrow returns from a turf toe injury that left him sidelined for a majority of this regular season, many asking if playing Burrow was a wise choice. Cincinnati sits at 3-8 while Baltimore leads the division at 6-5 (Ravens have won their last five games). This game kicks off tonight around 7:20 PM CT.
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