Thanksgiving Day NFL Schedule 2014: TV Info, Live Stream and Predictions

Thanksgiving may turn out to be one of the most pivotal days of football for the NFC playoff race. Not only do we get to watch some compelling gridiron action while we're stuffing ourselves with turkey, but we get three different divisional contests featuring six playoff contenders.

The Chicago Bears will be looking to begin a late-season push against a Detroit Lions team looking to rebound from a tough loss. The Philadelphia Eagles will attempt to fend off the Dallas Cowboys in a fight for the NFC East's top spot. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers will renew their bitter rivalry, capping off the day perfectly.

It doesn't get much better than that.

As we anxiously await all the forthcoming edge-of-your-seat action, here's a look at the full Thanksgiving Day viewing information, followed by a preview and prediction for all three contests.

Time (ET)	Matchup	Channel	Live Stream
12:30 p.m.	Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions	CBS	CBSSports.com
4:30 p.m.	Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys	Fox	Fox Sports Go
8:30 p.m.	Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers	NBC	NBC Live Extra

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

The Bears ended a three-game skid with back-to-back wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings; however, they have a tall task ahead to get back to .500 on the year. Playing the Lions in Detroit is no easy task, as the team is 4-1 at home this season.

Chicago will need a stellar game from quarterback Jay Cutler. While running back Matt Forte has been key to the team's offensive success, the Lions rank first in the league against the run. Cutting down on turnovers will be crucial for the Bears here.

Cutler already knows what he's in for this week, via the Bears' official Twitter account:

Detroit has one of the league's best defenses, but improvement on the offensive side of the ball is needed. The Lions haven't scored a touchdown in their last two games, and quarterback Matthew Stafford needs to get his chemistry with wide receiver Calvin Johnson back in a hurry. The duo have only hooked up nine times for a total of 117 yards over their last two games.

If Cutler's turnover woes continue, Detroit's offensive inefficiency may not matter due to starting with a short field. That's a likely scenario this week considering the quarterback has totaled 20 giveaways so far this season.

Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 13

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

The Eagles and Cowboys share an 8-3 record; however, Philadelphia comes into Week 13 in first place in the NFC East on a tiebreaker. Playing in Dallas is no easy feat, but the Eagles are in need of a win Thursday due to a difficult remaining season schedule.

With Tony Romo at the helm, the Cowboys continue to put up some gaudy numbers on the offensive side of the ball. The quarterback has been as efficient as ever, tossing eight touchdowns in his last three games without throwing a single interception. He's complemented very nicely by NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray out of the backfield.

Don't look now, but Romo has also been very clutch this season, according to NFL on ESPN:

Philadelphia is no offensive slouch, either. LeSean McCoy finally began to find his form in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, rushing for 130 yards and a score. However, quarterback play could be the difference-maker here, as Mark Sanchez hasn't been overly consistent, turning the ball over five times in his last two games.

If Sanchez can't cut down on costly giveaways, Dallas' offense will be able to take control of the game in a hurry. Based on the quarterback's history, that's a likely scenario.

Prediction: Cowboys 34, Eagles 26

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers

One of the NFL's most bitter rivalries is restored Thursday, as the Seahawks travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers. Both of these teams own 7-4 records and are deeply entrenched in the hunt for the NFC West crown and, if all else fails, a wild-card berth.

The 49ers haven't been overly impressive at home this season, earning a 3-2 record and winning by no more than a five-point margin. Much of that inconsistency can be placed on the lack of a running game and questionable decisions made by quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Luckily, this team's defense has played well enough to keep it in games.

As for the Seahawks, Russell Wilson has been very efficient this season. He's completing 63.6 percent of his passes, throwing 14 touchdowns and five interceptions; however, what makes him even more dangerous is his legs. He's not afraid to run, racking up 644 rushing yards and four scores while averaging 7.7 yards per carry this season.

San Francisco's defensive coordinator Vic Fangio compared Wilson to an NFL legend, via ESPN's Paul Gutierrez:

Wilson has been under some consistent pressure throughout the season, and we should expect a very good 49ers pass rush to give him trouble. However, he's also proved to be the more dynamic quarterback this year, and he gives his team a better chance to overcome a tough defense in a close game.

Prediction: Seahawks 23, 49ers 18