NFL Week 12 Predictions: Bold Predictions for Thanksgiving Games

By (Featured Columnist) on November 22, 2011

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Thanksgiving is one of the most exciting days of the NFL seasons, as it boasts some of the best teams in action, while marking the beginning of the stretch run of the regular season.

This year, the NFL has some of the best games in decades.

At 12:30 PM ET, divisional rivals clash in a meeting that could decide playoff seeding. The undefeated Packers meet the revived Lions at Ford Field.

At 4:15 ET, the suddenly hot Miami Dolphins meet a Cowboys squad in the middle of a heated divisional race.

At 8:20 PM ET, two of the best teams in football meet, as the playoff-bound 49ers meet the hard-hitting Ravens

These games should be thoroughly entertaining and competitive, and will be key to deciding postseason contenders late in the year. 

Aaron Rodgers Throws for Five Touchdowns

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Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers is playing on another planet right now. The defending Super Bowl MVP has led the Packers to a terrific 10-0 start, and is a lock for NFL MVP. 

The California product is on pace to break every single record in the book, as he has already thrown 3,168 yards, with a completion percentage of 72.3. Rodgers has thrown an incredible 31 touchdown passes through 10 games, and is on pace to shatter Tom Brady's record of 50 touchdown passes set in 2007.

Against an opportunistic Detroit secondary, the 27-year-old will have a field day. This is because of his lack of mistakes and terrific avoidance of pass rushers. He will connect with his numerous offensive weapons on multiple occasions, and will prove why he is the most dangerous passer in the league today.

FINAL STATS: 28/37, 303 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

Lions and Packers Combine for over 80 Points

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Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Green Bay and Detroit will light up Ford Field and fantasy football scoreboards on Thursday afternoon, as two of the NFL's most prolific offenses meet with a pair of the league's worst defenses.

Aaron Rodgers will have a monster day, and Green Bay's dynamic receiving corps will beat the Lions defensive backs on numerous occasions. 

Matthew Stafford and company will air it out to keep up with the Packers offense, and will find success against the second-worst pass defense in the NFL. 

The running games of both teams will be solemnly used by both teams until the fourth quarter, as the clock winds down and the defenses wear out. 

Green Bay Wins Easily

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Elsa/Getty Images

The Packers and Lions will form one of the most entertaining games of the Thanksgiving slate. However, Detroit just dosen't boast the talent to dispose of the undefeated Packers.

Matthew Stafford will make key mistakes, and the Packers pass rush will be ferocious when given a lead. Expect at least three turnovers from the Lions quarterback.

Motown's vaunted pass rush may get to Rodgers early, but once the star quarterback gets in a groove, he will be unstoppable for the Lions's defensive unit.

Packers win 45-27

The Dolphins Compete Through the Entire Game

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Marc Serota/Getty Images

After a horrific start to the season, the Dolphins have played superb football the last couple of weeks. 

Miami has won it's last two games behind terrific play from quarterback Matt Moore, dynamic running back Reggie Bush, and an improved defense.

The Cowboys are known to play tight affairs, and are often criticized for their lack of domination over poor opponents.

Although Miami will be outclassed by a talented Dallas squad, the opportunistic team will manage to be competitive until the end. 

Tony Romo Will Have Another Solid Game

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Rob Carr/Getty Images

Despite facing a tremendous amount of criticism for his mistakes in the clutch and poor decisions, Tony Romo has been playing some terrific football as of late.

The Pro Bowl quarterback has thrown for eight touchdowns and zero interceptions over the last three weeks, while leading the Cowboys to three crucial wins.

On Turkey Day, Romo will have another solid game. With multiple receiving threats across the field, the Eastern Illinois product will spread the ball around successfully.

The Dolphins have a stiff rushing defense, but rank a lowly 25th in passing yards allowed. Expect Romo to exploit a weak Miami secondary on his way to a fourth consecutive multiple touchdown performance.

FINAL STATS: 23/36, 257 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception

Cowboys Win Fourth Straight

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Layne Murdoch/Getty Images

The Cowboys and Dolphins will play a tightly contested matchup on Thursday, but crucial mistakes by Miami quarterback Matt Moore will be the difference.

Facing constant pressure against a terrific Cowboys pass rush, the former backup will make silly decisions and shift momentum toward Dallas.

Tony Romo and company will have some bumps in the road, but will again manage to squeeze out their fourth consecutive win.

Cowboys win 24-20

The 49ers and Ravens Combine for Less Than 35 Points

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Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

In the first matchup between two head coaches who are brothers, the 49ers and Ravens will lay hurt on the opposing offenses.

San Francisco and Baltimore possess two of the most feared defensive units in football, as both rank in the top five in rushing yards allowed.

The defenses will force many turnovers by mistake-prone quarterbacks, and will manage a constant pass rush behind star defensive players. 

In the end, a hard-hitting and intense battle will result in points being a luxury in Baltimore, as the two teams will combine for less than 35 points. 

Torrey Smith Will Break Free Multiple Times

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Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith is turning into one of the most exciting players in football.

The Maryland product has ridiculous speed, and can outrun any defender on the field. Smith often breaks free from coverage, and has turned into one of the league's most dangerous deep ball threats.

The 49ers biggest weakness is a weak secondary that can be beaten by speedy wide receivers. San Francisco ranks just 23rd in the league against the pass, so Smith should beat his coverage multiple times.

Joe Flacco often misses deep due to a lack of accuracy, but when he and Torrey Smith connect, six points are often put on the board. 

John Edges Jim in Brother Rivalry

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Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The 49ers and Ravens intense matchup will be the most closely fought of the Thanksgiving contests. 

The two teams will trade blows throughout the game, but a big play by explosive wide receiver Torrey Smith will be the difference.

In a game where points are at premium, the connection between Flacco and Smith will be a game-changer. 

San Francisco will fight to the end and show that they are serious Super Bowl contenders, but the elite Ravens squad prove that it is "Super Bowl or Bust" this year in Baltimore.

Ravens win 17-13

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