NFL International

Gobble, Gobble y’all. It’s time for Thanksgiving NFL!

The NFL and Thanksgiving go together like a stuffed bird with no feathers. The tradition dates back to 1920 when the NFL first came into existence. Of course the tradition of Thanksgiving football games is a American college tradition that dates back to the 1880s’, but like all great traditions it was adopted and marketed to the masses.

Detroit was the first team to be tagged with Thanksgiving hosting duties in 1934, and has continued on this symbolic gesture every year. Many AFC teams have complained about them not being able to host any of the games, but where were you in 1934? Huh, punk. Don’t mess with Detroit.

Dallas Cowboys joined the turkey-fold in 1966, 6 years after they were welcomed into the league. There are numerous myths as to why the Cowboys ‘had’ to host Thanksgiving, but it all boils down to ‘there was nothing to watch on TV that day.’ Good enough for Dallas, good enough for me.

I am a huge fan of the Thanksgiving games. As a Canadian, it always felt nice to have 2 turkey eating holidays-even if your Thanksgiving only had NFL football.
My dad use to always take off work every ‘Black Friday’, which was nice as well.
It was only years later I learned he did this because he was incredibly hungover.
Still got quality time with him and McDonald’s!
Boom.

This year is a bitter sweet game, as my Bears play my dad’s Detroit Lions. I wish more than anything that I could watch the game with him, but sadly dementia is a bitch.

I will be watching the games on Thursday ay Belushi’s in Camden, come join us for some fun.

-3 Bears vs Lions +39

Chicago Bears
The Bears won! The Bears won! Mitchell Trubisky continued to struggle, but somehow found his mojo in the 2nd half. He still has the QB vision of someone who was kicked in the head by a goat, but he was able to check the ball down field. It flabbergasts me how many open targets he misses every week. Almost as much as being able to use the word ‘flabbergast’ when talking about Mitch.
As much as he takes the bulk of the blame, a depleted o-line has also not given him much time to get the ball off, or Montgomery the pace to get open.
Montgomery was used more effectively last week, but they still need to get the momentum going and build on a pattern of 1st downs.
The defence continues to play well, despite being let down by Mitch.
They handled the Giants last Sunday easily, & this depleted Lions team will offer far less of a bite.
Driskel is in for an abysmal day.

Lions
Poor, poor Detroit. I am talking about the city, not the team. The Lions are Stafford-less, and it looks like he doesn’t seem to mind as he ‘backs’ his way out of the season. Jeff Driskel couldn’t get picked for a tema in a league full of asthmatic children, so starting for the Lions is a leap. He made some truly crap-tastic passes last week, & was fortunate the Redskin receivers could barely hold onto their balls.
Their running game will rely on Bo Scarborough running into the Bears defense, who will be relentless.
The Lions D will be tasked with not only covering the Bears speedy receivers, as well as trying to block a surging running game.
Luckily, Mitch Trubisky can’t throw that far.

Bills vs -6.5 Cowboys +45

Bills
Buffalo is 8-3, and Dallas is 6-5. If you told most fans that this is how it would go down by week 13 of this season, they wouldn’t believe you. Well, maybe Ryan would.
Josh Allen has been playing incredibly, and they have really squeezed the value out of their stingy defence. Of course, it helps when you have the EASIEST schedule in the NFL this year.
Will they be able to get their running game and wide receivers firing against ‘DemBoyz?
It will be tough, but with the amount of injuries on the Cowboys side, there is a chance the Bills win this, if not just keep it close.

Cowboys
The Cowboys is trippin’ after their loss last week to the Patriots. It was a rather low scoring affair, that had the refs surprisingly side with the Patriots on many calls. What? They can choose sides? They sure can! Amari Cooper looks hobbled and Zeke is struggling to get back into form. They are at home, but with that 4 day loss-hangover following them back.
Dak will be able to put up points, especially with his feet, but look for the Bills to keep this one closer than people think.

-7 Saints vs Falcons +49

Saints
A few weeks ago these two met, and the result was unpredicted. The Falcons smoke-showed the Saints who looked lost as they took a pummelling. Will it be the same this week? No way, Jose. The Saints had a few more injuries then, including Alvin Kamara. These guys are back and healthy. Brees is now on form, and in another dome. A dome where the Falcons lose a lot. They should get use to that.

Falcons
Despite playing putting together a string of wins, the Falcons aren’t fooling anyone. They identify as sucks, suckies, and suckers. They got slapped around by the Bucs last week, as their tough defence was penetrated numerous times without consent by Jameis. The fact that Hooper and Austin will be out this week means Matt Ryan will have hardly anyone to throw to, and even less time. If Marshawn Lattimore returns to the Saints D, we could see even more ugliness. This is the latest of the games, so hopefully the Falcons fans will be wasted.

Where are you watching the games? If you’re in London-join us at our fantastic BetRegal Thanksgiving party at Belushi’s Camden. Sign up ahead of time, or on the day and get a welcome beer! We have plenty of space for all of your NFL viewing needs.

We are also running a DraftKings Thanksgiving contest as well. It is free to join and fun as all get out.

Don’t forget, Friday is ‘Black Friday’, so make sure you don’t drunk shop when you are watching the games!

Good luck, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!