Thanksgiving means two things – turkey and pigskin. Football is woven into our country’s annual holiday to give thanks. And you’ll thank yourself if you take these picks and bet the reverse result. Cause the Reverse Barometer takes no holidays.
Eagles at Cowboys: Both teams are 8-3 and battling for the NFC East with only five games remaining. Two of those five are head-to-heads for Philly and Dallas, and possibly could decide the division. When Philly rolls, they roll, averaging 35.1 in their eight wins, while averaging only 20.3 in losses. Expect a shootout at Jerryworld on Thanksgiving. I don’t like this matchup for the Dallas defense. Eagles 41 Cowboys 34
Seattle at San Francisco: Unlike the last two years, when these two teams split the season series, someone needs to sweep the other to have a shot at winning the NFC West. Both are chasing the Cardinals yet are still considered the teams to beat for the division. Well, one of them is dealt a tough blow on Thursday night, and it will be the 49ers. The Seahawks are primed to make a run and San Fran looks like the pro version of Florida State – just doing enough to win at home. Seahawks 30, 49ers 20
TCU at Texas: The Frogs are the ones having the great season, sitting at 9-1 and ranked fifth in the College Football Playoffs top-25. But the Horns are laying in the weeds, having won their last three games by an average score of 32-12. Texas wins this one. Too bad not many people see it since it is on the Longhorn Network. Texas 27 TCU 24
LSU at Texas A&M: Both teams have had their highs and lows this season. Both are out of the playoff hunt or a sniff at the best division in football’s top spot. But this game may come down to who shows up. LSU’s defense is top-notch, but the Aggies should be able to score enough points to give them a chance. The game will probably won or lost when LSU has the ball. They haven’t been able to score many points this season, yet the Aggies’ D tends to make even the most pedestrian offense look like the 1989 Houston run-and-shoot. A&M finds a way to get it done. Aggies 29 Tigers 16
Florida at Florida State: Is there a team in America that more people hate than Florida State? Good luck finding one. From Jameis Winston’s childish (and criminal) behavior to head coach Jimbo Fisher’s arrogant attitude, everyone is tired of this act. The key to this game is the Florida players, who are very motivated to play hard one more time for Will Muschamp, who is on his way out as head coach. And if you know me, you know I believe in the due theory. Florida State’s charmed life comes to an end (and TCU & Baylor fans rejoice). Florida 27 Florida State 22.
Enjoy your turkey and Happy Thanksgiving!
