Packers at Lions 10:30 a.m., KDVR-31
The skinny: This game has the potential for old- school ruggedness because it matches longtime division rivals in a playoff race. The Lions always seem to be dancing on the edge of mayhem, especially on defense. The Packers have won 10 of their last 11 games against the Lions and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is well on his way to winning the league’s MVP award. The Packers have scored at least 30 points seven times this season and topped 40 points four times.
The difference will be: If the Lions are the first team this season to contain Rodgers, who has completed at least 20 passes to six receivers and thrown a touchdown pass to eight receivers. Rodgers hurts defenses that blitz him and picks apart defenses that don’t. Remarkably, he has a passer rating of at least 110 in 18 of his last 21 starts.
The call: Packers 31-23
Dolphins at Cowboys2:15 p.m., KCNC-4
The skinny: Miami has won three in a row. The Dolphins’ Matt Moore has thrown three touchdown passes in two of those games and completed at least 69 percent of his passes in all three. Miami is 12-5 in November games in the Tony Sparano era. Dallas outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware has 20 sacks in his last 13 games. This is the Cowboys’ 44th game on Thanksgiving; they are 4-1 in their last five.
The difference will be: Which Tony Romo shows up for the Cowboys, who are in the hunt for the NFC East title. Romo has six games this season with a passer rating of at least 101 and two games with a passer rating below 71. He has thrown eight touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his last three games, victories over Seattle, Buffalo and Washington.
The call: Cowboys 27-17
49ers at Ravens 6:20 p.m., NFL
The skinny: What’s better than a televised family feud on Thanksgiving? Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49ers and his brother John coaches the Ravens. Their teams try to punish opponents on both sides of the ball. Folks keep waiting for the 49ers’ bubble to burst, but they keep winning. They lead the NFL in turnover margin at plus-17. Each team’s leading receiver isn’t a wideout — running back Ray Rice for the Ravens and tight end Vernon Davis for the 49ers.
The difference will be: If 49ers quarterback Alex Smith can maintain his composure as the games get bigger down the stretch. San Francisco’s run-oriented playbook has helped Smith resurrect his career. The former No. 1 overall pick from Utah has won 10 of his last 11 starts.
The call: Ravens 14-13
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
