It is often said that it is within the framework of Thanksgiving American that we separate the serious contenders from the small players, in the NFL. The four matches presented on Thursday and Friday will clearly allow us to see more clearly the picture of the playoffs.
• Also read: NFL Summary of the Day: No, the Chiefs are not dead!
• Also read: A seven-touchdown game for Quebec prodigy David Gabriel Georges
As always, the feast will begin with the Lions, who have hosted a game at the great American holiday since Old Testament times. Despite their 7-4 record, they wouldn’t be in the big leagues if the playoffs started today. A victory against the Packers (7-3-1) would change the situation and make them heat up their division rivals.
The Chiefs (6-5) revived hope on Sunday and will not have easy prey in Dallas. The Cowboys (5-5-1) have won their last two games and their defense seems to be coming together. The team that loses will find itself in serious trouble.
In the evening, it will be the big return of Joe Burrow for the Bengals (3-8), who are on the respirator, but technically, still alive. The Ravens (6-5), with five straight victories, regained control of their division.
And what about the astonishing Bears (8-3), who, against all expectations, are at the top of their division ahead of the seemingly more powerful Packers and Lions? It won’t be easy in Philadelphia against the Eagles (8-3), in a top shock for Black Friday.
The Packers-Lions classic
Getty Images via AFP
In his last three games, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been wild with 582 yards and six touchdowns. This is absurd!
The fact remains that the Packers are one of nine teams that do not give up 100 rushing yards per game. Their offense continues to struggle, but the defense is on fire.
The Lions have faced three top-10 defenses this season in points allowed, including the Packers, and each time they have lost face. Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary will make life difficult for Jared Goff, a good quarterback, but who derails when the pressure is high on him.
If the Lions lose a third division game this season, their path to the playoffs will become very complicated.
Explosive Chiefs and Cowboys
Getty Images via AFP
The Chiefs and Cowboys won their respective games on Sunday by making comebacks. Which of the two teams will sail on this momentum?
The Cowboys are 3-1-1 at home and the Chiefs are 1-4 on the road.
Since acquiring star tackle Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, the Cowboys are no longer a sieve against the ground game, but the Chiefs’ ground game isn’t the focal point of their offense anyway.
The Cowboys cornerbacks will have a tough time against the Chiefs receivers, unless of course Williams terrorizes Mahomes. Andy Reid will concoct a game plan to help Mahomes get off the mark quickly.
Ravens and Bengals in survival mode
Photo AFP
The return of quarterback Joe Burrow can only energize the Bengals, but a small downside is necessary. Receiver Tee Higgins will be sidelined.
The Ravens’ offense is worried and quarterback Lamar Jackson, hampered by various injuries, is not using his legs to run as when he usually dominates.
The defense is playing well, but hasn’t faced a strong challenge like Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in recent weeks.
The Bears, a mirage?
Getty Images via AFP
The Bears are not losing again, but doubts remain due to the poor quality of their opposition so far. They only beat one team with a winning record, the Steelers, and that team was forced to play with their second quarterback.
The Bears’ final six games, starting with this matchup against the Eagles, will involve opponents with at least seven wins. We will finally know what they are really worth and if they do well, it will be to their credit.
The Eagles, once again, seem to be plagued by internal conflicts on offense. When it’s not receiver AJ Brown who is sulking, there are rumors of frustrations with quarterback Jalen Hurts.
These distractions quickly make us forget that the Eagles’ defense can win and that such a good lineup of offensive players cannot sleep for long.
MY PREDICTIONS FOR THURSDAY:
Packers 23 Lions 20
Chiefs 34 Cowboys 30
Ravens 27 Bengals 24
MY PREDICTION FOR FRIDAY:
Bears 16 Eagles 23
In collaboration with our partners
