In what should be a promising day of NFL action, three divisional rival games take place on Thanksgiving Day 2018. Let’s take a look at some possible NFL Bold Predictions that can happen this Thursday.
The Cowboys Feed ‘Zeke
To many Cowboys’ fans this should not come as a bold prediction. However, head coach Jason Garrett seems to have an aversion to handing running back Ezekiel Elliot the ball. In games where Elliott has 17 or more carries, the Cowboys are 5-2. In the games without those touches they are 0-3. It’s not going to be an easy task due to the Redskins number 6 ranked run defense. However, if the Cowboys give Elliott his touches it opens up a vast array of play action, read option, and other tricks that give quarterback Dak Prescott the time and space he needs to be effective. This is the game, after two consecutive 100-yard rushing games and two wins, that the Cowboys continue to feed ‘Zeke.
The Lions Steal A Win
They say that fortune favors the bold, let’s hope so. This prediction comes from the insane turnaround facing the Bears for the Thanksgiving game. The NFL did them no favors by flexing their schedule to Sunday night and having them play on Thanksgiving. In fact, it’s so unheard of, it hasn’t been done since before the league merger in 1970. They were barely able to hold on to beat the Vikings Sunday night, now they are forced to travel to Detroit to take on another divisional rival. The more tape there is on the Bears, the better teams can prepare. Although the Lions are by no means spectacular, they show up in weird places and get unexpected wins like against the Patriots, Packers, and Panthers.
“Matty Ice” Throws For 500 Yards; Still Loses
The Atlanta Falcons played the Saints very close in the first match up of these two teams this season, losing in over time. The Saints have settled into their roles better and Drew Brees seems to be willing them to win. The Saints have the 27th ranked passing defense while the Falcons have the 2nd ranked passing offense. Ryan has done it before, throwing for 513 yards against the Buccaneers in 2016. I like Atlanta to throw the ball all over the place but for the Saints to still get the win at home.
Mark Sanchez Makes His Return
Colt McCoy is a decent backup quarterback. He almost led the Redskins to a victory when he replaced Alex Smith. However, it seems that there are a number of personnel within the Redskins organization that have a pre-existing relationship with Mark Sanchez from his time with various other organizations. McCoy has been with the team a long time and no doubt knows the offense better than Sanchez, but if the game gets out of hand or McCoy gets dinged up, the Redskins might throw caution to the wind and see what Sanchez can do.
Trubisky’s Sophomore Slump Is Underway – Update (Not Playing)
It’s no secret that the Bears’ defense has been instrumental to the teams’ overall success. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has had great moments this year but has struggled with consistency as-of-late. Against the Vikings he had a season low rating of 61.9, threw for 165 yards and 2 interceptions with only 1 touchdown. Now it has come out that he may have a shoulder injury. Combine that with the previously mentioned quick turnaround and you have a recipe for an underwhelming performance against a divisional rival on the road.
