Yes, I’m taking the day off to spend time with our family here in Minnesota, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be taking peeks at the games today.  Unlike in years past, the NFL doesn’t seem to be serving up any turkeys for Thanksgiving.  Thanks to a resurgent Detroit Lions team, we have a trio of exciting matchups today.

Last week I went 3-3 and took my season record to 42-24.  Can I avoid serving a turkey or two myself? Let’s see:

• Packers at Lions (12:30, Fox) — For the last several years, the Lions’ traditional Thanksgiving Day berth has been a joke.  This year they’re 7-3 and vying for a wildcard berth in the NFC.  Unfortunately, that’s because they share a division with the undefeated Packers.  Green Bay has had a couple of scares, including last week, so they’re not invincible … just undefeated.  The Lions will give the Pack a tough game and give football fans a great show, but expect Green Bay to prevail, 37-31.
• Dolphins at Cowboys (4:15, CBS) — Miami has looked mostly inept until they suddenly put it all together three weeks ago, winning their third game of the season last week against Buffalo.  Now they have to do it all over again in Big D against the inconsistent Cowboys.  Dallas is 4-1 at home, while the Dolphins are 1-4 on the road, and they’re also 25th in the league against the pass.  Cowboys should handle Miami, but it won’t be  easy, 28-24.
• 49ers at Ravens (8:15, NFL Network) — The Ravens are unbeaten at home.  The 49ers are unbeaten on the road.  Normally, I’d pick the home team in that kind of matchup, but the Ravens have looked vulnerable even in some of their wins.  I’m going to go with San Francisco in a mild upset against the Ravens, 24-17.

Once again, have a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends!