Houston Texans at Detroit Lions

After avoiding an upset loss to Jacksonville, the Texans have  a road game against the inconsistent Lions (4-5). Last week Matt Schaub was superb, throwing for over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Fellow teammate Andre Johnson grabbed 14 balls for 273 yards and a game-winning touchdown in overtime. The Texans have been about the most consistent team in the NFL. With only one loss to Green Bay, the Texans hope their win streak continues. Look for Arian Foster to take much of the load against the Lions, since the Lions have the 10^th ranked pass defense in the league. Meanwhile, the Lions have an aerial show of their own. Calvin Johnson is determined to defy the Madden Curse, and so far, it looks like he has succeeded. He has over 100 yards receiving in each of his last three games. This game should be a great game to watch during Thanksgiving while the Turkey is being served.

Texans: 34

Lions: 21

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Both of these teams desperately need a win on Thanksgiving. Both the Redskins and Cowboys won last week. The Redskins were impressive in beating the Eagles, while the Cowboys were less stellar in coming back from behind to beat the Browns in OT.  Hoping to get Demarco Murray back, the Cowboys will try to stick to the run and pound game. RGIII and the Redskins are on track to make a late-season playoff push. Redskin’s running back Alfred Morris needs to play well in order to help the Redskins have a chance of beating the Cowboys. I like the Redskins in this close matchup.

Redskins: 41

Cowboys:14

New England Patriots at New York Jets

After lighting up the scoreboard against the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots hope to do the same against the 2^nd place AFC east Jets. But after losing Rob Gronkowski, a critical offensive player, the Patriots need players like Julian Edelman to step up. The Jets, meanwhile have struggled offensively and defensively. Needless to say, this one will be a gift for Tom Brady and Co.

Patriots: 28

Jets: 3

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming off a close win against Arizona, the Falcons will need more than luck to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Matt Ryan needs to play better, after throwing for 5 interceptions and no touchdowns last week. The Buccaneers are red hot and with Doug Martin, the Bucs should penetrate the Falcons D-line. Josh Freeman should look to pass to the tall and athletic Vincent Jackson early and often. I like the Falcons, as hopefully Matt Ryan will bounce back and play well.

Oakland Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals

This is a must-win game for the Raiders if they want to stay alive in the playoff hunt. The offense has been scoring, with Carson Palmer and Denarius Moore leading the way. But the Raiders’ defense has been awful. They are ranked in the bottom ten in pass defense. But that’s good news for Andy Dalton and AJ Green. Arguably the best receiver in the NFL, AJ Green has had a touchdown reception in each of his last eight games. Look for AJ Green to have a great game.

Bengals: 24

Raiders: 21

San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints

After a big win over the Chicago Bears with Colin Kapernick at the helm, the 9ers hope to continue their hot streak against the New Orleans Saints. But it won’t come easy, as the Saints have the NFLs best aerial attack. With Drew Brees at the helm, the 9ers defense will have plenty to worry about. Not only is Drew Brees a concern, but also wide receivers Lance Moore, Marques Colston, and tight end Jimmy Graham. The running game has also improved significantly for the Saints. Mark Ingram and Chris Ivory have both been running effectively. I think, in the end the Saints will pull the W and inch closer into the playoff race.

Saints:17

9ers:14

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

This matchup is a huge divisional game for both teams. The Vikings have been playing well, boasting a 6-4 record. Getting star receiver Percy Harvin back would be instrumental in beating the Chicago Bears and their rigid defense. Adrian Peterson should get most of the load for the Vikings, as he is coming off one of the best comeback years in NFL history. Peterson has rushed for 100+ yards in each of his last 6 games, which is impressive. On the other side, the Bears hope to get veteran QB Jay Cutler back in. If Jason Campbell starts, the chance of a Bears victory declines significantly. Matt Forte should see a large number of carries against a pedestrian defense. I think the Vikings will edge the Bears if Jay Cutler is unable to play due to his concussion.

Vikings: 32

Bears:28

Green Bay Packers at New York Giants

Wow, what a huge game for both high-powered offenses. The Packers are going into this game with huge momentum, riding a four game win streak. All the Giants have is upset on their minds. The Packers have the best offense in the league and I believe that it will be impossible for the Giants to stop it. Giants QB Eli Manning has been playing like a 3^rd -string quarterback. The Giants lackluster offense just hasn’t been producing enough points to give the defense a chance to make a stop. I think the Packers will take this game in a blowout.

Packers:28

Giants:0

Other scores for the week:

Bills: 13

Colts:10

Seahawks:32

Dolphins:10

Steelers: 10

Browns: 13

Broncos: 28

Chiefs:12

Ravens: 45

Chargers: 42

Rams:26

Cardinals: 23

Panthers: 13

Eagles: 3