The NFL is set for two games in its traditional Thanksgiving programming, with the Detroit Lions taking on the Houston Texans, and the Dallas Cowboys clashing with NFC East rivals Washington Football Team.
The Baltimore Ravens were also set to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, but the game was rescheduled for Sunday after seven players for the away side tested positive for COVID-19.
Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans
With both teams trailing in their respective divisions, this match-up could be a case of trying to
The Texans will enter the NRG Stadium with a aura of confidence, having beaten the New England Patriots last week at the Gillette Stadium thanks to a strong performance from quarterback Deshaun Watson.
To say the team have had a turbulent season so far would be an understatement, with a poor 3-7 record to show for their efforts, after an 0-4 start that lead to the dismissal of former head coach Bill O’Brien.
O’Brien was replaced by assistant head coach Romeo Crennel on an interim basis, who has helped steer the team to an improved 3-3 record since taking over.
Last week’s win may prove to have been a source of encouragement for the home side, particularly over an organisation as intimidating as the Patriots.
Deshaun Watson has proven to be a shining light in a poor season, and will need to continue to put in these cataclysmic performances if the side are to even attempt to salvage the year.
Watson’s rushing game could be crucial, as his receivers have not exactly been reliable so far this season.
Talisman JJ Watt meanwhile has been less influential in defence than the fans are used to, which has proven to be damaging for the Texans and has undeniably impacted their form.
Watt will need to step it up in this game and bring the aggression that he has become renowned for to counter the Lions strong rushing game.
The Detroit Lions meanwhile have had a somewhat more productive season, exhibiting a 4-6 record for the season.
Despite quickly becoming one of the more experienced quarterbacks the NFL has to offer, Matthew Stafford has posted solid numbers this year, but the side has had very little to offer in terms of receiving, which was particularly costly last week where the team did not get a point on the board.
The lacklustre loss to the Carolina Panthers was a result of poor options on offence could really hamper them tonight, so receiving options such as Marvin Jones Jr., TJ Hockenson and Danny Amendola will need to step up their game.
The side are yet to register a win over any of their NFC North rivals, but have notable triumphs over the Arizona Cardinals and the Atlanta Falcons to take positivity from.
Another positive for the side has been the smooth transition made by last year’s third pick Jeff Okudah from college football to the NFL, and he looks set to be a franchise player for the team going forward.
He could prove to be pivotal in getting a win for the Lions at cornerback, as he has the talent and ability to mute the Texans receiving options, which have looked shaky at times.
The Lions imposing rushing game may have been hampered before kick off, with running back D’Andre Swift being ruled out of the game this afternoon due to a concussion.
Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Football Team
The late window kick-off sees the Dallas Cowboys collide with NFC East counterparts Washington Football Team, in a clash between two teams that have suffered from very similar issues so far this year.
The Cowboys will be hoping to ride the momentum from a surprise away win over the Minnesota Vikings last week, thanks to three touchdown passes from back-up quarterback Andy Dalton.
The Texas side’s season has been defined by the loss of Dak Prescott, who was posting unprecedentedly high numbers, until an ankle injury ended his season.
While the team have an offence that sits amongst the very best in the NFL, it has been their defence that has proven to be costly.
Last year’s first round pick CeeDee Lamb has been posting impressive numbers for a rookie season, only trailing Justin Jefferson and Tee Higgins on the season.
After scoring the type of touchdown that makes you take a deep breath last week, the 21-year-old will be hoping to continue the so far productive relationship with Dalton.
To get a win over Washington, the Cowboy’s will need to utilise their rushing game through both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, and capitalise on their opponent’s inconsistent defensive line.
Despite having a defence that many label as the worst in the league, the Cowboy’s put in a good shift last week, limiting both Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook to grind out the win.
A similar performance on defence to last week should cause enough trouble to the offence and help them on their way to a win.
Similarly to the Cowboys, Washington have been plagued with quarterback injury issues, being relegated to their third choice passer in Alex Smith.
Smith’s comeback from a tibia and fibula fracture has been stirring for fans to see, and it was awe-inspiring to see the team finally pick up a victory after a month winless.
While the catalyst for Washington’s win over the Bengals last week may have been Joe Burrow’s season ending injury, the team created a comfortable distance in terms of points, with particularly impressive game’s from Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin.
The 2020 Draft’s second pick, Chase Young has acclimatised to the pressures of the NFL with ease, posting consistent numbers since his debut in September, and posting a crucial performance last week.
To secure a second win over the Cowboys this season, Washington will need to capitalise on their opponents poor rushing defence, which will require a good shift from the earlier mentioned Gibson, who’s been a consistent positive for the side since September.
The offensive line will need to strengthen in order to repeat last week’s heroics, with Smith still finding his feet after such a long period on the side lines.
Fans are set for a treat this evening, as spectating teams with very little to lose often end up being the most entertaining.
