After delivering another 3-1 card this past Sunday, I’m now 9-3 in this column over the last three weeks.
Let’s keep it rolling Thursday with the Thanksgiving triple-header.
BetED.com is offering props for all three games, and I’ve narrowed it down to the most valuable play from each contest.
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
Will either team score three unanswered times: No (+155)
Despite the lofty pointspread, I actually expect this to be a fairly competitive game.
If you’re going to get three consecutive scores out of either team, you’re going to need some consistency on the defensive side of the ball. I’m not sure that we’ll get that from either team.
Both squads are dealing with key defensive injuries.
For the Packers, they’ll be without two of their best defenders in Aaron Kampman and Al Harris. Both suffered season-ending injuries in Sunday’s win over the 49ers. Cullen Jenkins and Charles Woodson are also nursing injuries, but should play.
The Lions secondary has been torn apart by injuries this season, and things could get even worse this week with a pair of safeties, Ko Simpson and Kalvin Pearson, expected to miss. They’ll join a list that already includes Eric King, Marquand Manuel, Daniel Bullocks and Jack Williams.
I can understand this line, as the oddsmakers believe that it will only be a matter of time before the Packers really get rolling offensively. However, based on what I’ve seen from their defense in recent weeks, three unanswered scores will be a serious challenge.
As for the Lions, without Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, they’re going to be hard pressed to string together consecutive scores at any point during this game.
Oakland Raiders vs. Dallas Cowboys
What will the results of the first drive be: Score (TD, FG or Safety) +170
We’re getting excellent value with this play as I’m expecting to see a quick start from both offenses in this one.
Yes, the Raiders offense has been dreadful this season, but there is reason for optimism after they scored 20 points in the final three quarters of a shocking upset win over the Bengals last Sunday.
That win gives Oakland some momentum heading into this one and I won’t be surprised if Bruce Gradkowski has some success early on against what has been an undisciplined Cowboys defense.
Should the Cowboys get the ball first, we’re obviously in even better position to cash this ticket. Dallas was held to just seven points in Sunday’s win over Washington and predictably, that’s all we’ve heard about in the media this week.
The Raiders defense won’t be confused for the Redskins’ any time soon. Oakland has allowed touchdowns on the opening drive in each of its last two road games.
I think we’re going to see a highly motivated Cowboys offense and they’ll almost certainly be out to make an early statement. Keep in mind: this is a team that averages 27 points per game at home.
New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos
Which team will score first: Denver (+130)
The Broncos have taken quite a tumble this month. What was once a storybook 6-0 start to the season has turned into 6-4 and second place in the AFC West.
If Denver is going to stay in the AFC playoff picture, it desperately needs to win Thursday night.
I’m not sure if they’ll win this game, but I do think they’ll get off to a strong start.
Last Sunday, we saw them move the ball all the way down the field on their opening drive before a Chris Simms fumble gave the Chargers the football. This time around the Broncos will have Kyle Orton at the helm from the get-go and I believe that makes a big difference.
Now, obviously we not only need the Broncos to start strong, but to put points on the board before the Giants do.
I don’t think that will be a problem.
The Giants haven’t scored on their opening possession since way back in Week 5 against Oakland. Of course, that was accomplished at a time when they appeared to be one of the league’s elite teams.
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