Three Must-See Games: Week 12
Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated days of the football calendar, and it’s set to deliver this Thursday. After a long day of eating, drinking and juggling probing questions from intrusive family members, it’s time for some football. Turkey Day features two stellar divisional clashes sure to shape the playoff standings, while Sunday night features it’s own brand of classic AFC West hatred.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
The job the Lions have done to pull themselves back into this division is nothing short of remarkable. Ten games in, it’s still difficult to put a label on what kind of team Detroit is beyond one simple word: determined. Each of the Lions’ six wins have come with the team trailing at some point, and by some margin, in the fourth quarter, with the spirited play of Matthew Stafford leading the way. With the Packers dwindling and the Bears in full dumpster fire mode, a season sweep of the Vikes could prove unbeatable for the fast-climbing Lions.
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
In any other division, the Redskins might be considered a dangerous team destined for the postseason. In the stacked NFC East, Washington faces an uphill battle to even make the playoffs behind the dominant Cowboys and persistent Giants. The 9-1 ‘Boys logged their first win of the season against the ‘Skins; a victory that spawned a franchise-record streak of consecutive wins. Washington’s tie could throw some danger to the division race, but it may have to turn its attention solely to the wild card with a loss on Thursday.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Meanwhile, the AFC West has its own chase for the crown among three conference powerhouses. With the Raiders back home after an…eventful…trip to Mexico, the Chiefs and Broncos will wage war on Sunday Night Football. With the Broncos at home coming off a bye week, and the Chiefs leaving much to be desired with a loss against Tampa Bay, this one doesn’t feel close. But the West is a volatile place, and KC won’t let its closest shot at a first-round bye slip away without a fight. Oakland hasn’t locked this down quite yet.
