Washington Redskins v Baltimore Ravens
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins drops back in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images)
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Thanksgiving to provide great theater

Matt Verderame News NFL

Most years, the Thanksgiving Day slate of National Football League games are terrible. Why? Because most seasons, the Detroit Lions are something out of a horror movie.

In 2016, the trio of games that the NFL is giving us should be fantastic. The first game is the Minnesota Vikings visiting the Lions at Ford Field. After that, the Dallas Cowboys play host the Washington Redskins. Finally, the nightcap sees two of the most entertaining 5-5 teams you’ll ever see in the Indianapolis Colts against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Detroit and Minnesota are tied for the NFC North lead at 6-4. The Lions are technically in the lead after beating the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium a few weeks ago. Now, Minnesota is trying to get back at Detroit on national television. Whoever wins will be in phenomenal shape going into the December stretch. Should the Lions be able to hold serve at home, they will be up a game and have the tiebreaker, forcing the Vikings to outplay them something fierce over the final five weeks.

Over in the NFC East clash, the Cowboys are looking for their 10th consecutive win. While most either love or hate America’s Team, most will admit that this group has a certain charm to it. The Cowboys are usually older and full of brash stars. This group is the exact opposite, boasting a pair of terrific rookies in quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott already has over 1,100 rushing yards, setting the franchise’s rushing mark for a rookie.

Washington will have a chance to inch closer in the East race. The Redskins lost to the Cowboys in Week 2 at FedEx Field, but much like the Vikings, have a chance for some high-profile revenge on the road. If Kirk Cousins can hit Jordan Reed, DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Co. down the field with Barry Church and Mo Claiborne out, Washington will have a real chance.

Finally, the Colts and the Steelers are both desperate for wins. Indianapolis and Pittsburgh were each able to win on Sunday afternoon, beating the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, respectively. Whoever wins will continue to fight in the wild card space, while the loser will have to win their division.

This game will come down to whether Andrew Luck or Ben Roethlisberger can outplay the other one. Both are capable of throwing for more than 400 yards against its upcoming opponent. If nothing else, it should be a full-blown aerial show with the winner likely having the ball last.

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