Luck-less Colts ripe to fall to Steelers
Three meaningful U.S. holiday matchups throw prognosticators for a loop
The NFL is bragging about how for the first time since 1935, Thanksgiving Day features three games with all six teams at .500 or better.
Considering how mediocre so many teams are this season, Pro Picks isn’t sure how to take that stat.
Regardless, there are two very significant divisional matchups on Thursday at the traditional holiday sites, Dallas and Detroit.
The Colts (5-5) have won two in a row, but the most recent victory was costly, particularly with the Sunday-Thursday time frame for their game with the Steelers. Andrew Luck entered the concussion protocol on Monday.
The backup quarterback for Indianapolis is Scott Tolzien. Not exactly in Luck’s class, you say?
“He understands and knows this offence and if that’s the case, he’ll go out and play winning football,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano says of Tolzien. Sorry, we don’t buy it. Yes, the Steelers (also 5-5), are no powerhouse this season, especially on defence. But they’ve got more than enough against the Luck-less Colts.
BEST BET: STEELERS, 33-13
Minnesota (plus 2½) at Detroit We have to pick an upset, though we’re lukewarm on this one. UPSET SPECIAL: VIKINGS, 20-19
Washington (plus 7) at Dallas Redskins should have won first meeting. They will keep this close, but ... COWBOYS, 24-21
San Diego (plus 1) at Houston Texans got raw deal in Mexico City, make up for it at home. TEXANS, 23-20
Green Bay (plus 3½) at Philadelphia, Monday night No way we can pick this version of the Packers. EAGLES, 30-22
Los Angeles (plus 7) at New Orleans No way we can pick Jared Goff’s Rams. SAINTS, 26-10
Tennessee (pick em) at Chicago Line reflects QB issues in Chicago — among many other issues. TITANS, 21-12
New York Giants (minus 7) at Cleveland Time for the Browns to end that 0-fer? Think not. GIANTS, 27-10
Seattle (minus 5½) at Tampa Bay An intriguing game, despite the disparity in records. SEAHAWKS, 20-17
Carolina (plus 4) at Oakland Panthers will play Raiders tough, but won’t get the win. RAIDERS, 28-27
Kansas City (plus 3) at Denver Winner here is in great shape for playoff spot. BRONCOS, 23-21
New England (minus 8) at New York Jets
Not getting burned by Patriots as Best Bet again. Still ...
PATRIOTS, 30-20
Jacksonville (plus 7½) at Buffalo Almost a must win in Bills’ pursuit of elusive post-season berth. BILLS, 20-16
Cincinnati (plus 2½) at Baltimore Bengals have returned to Bungles status, and are banged-up. RAVENS: 14-13
Arizona (plus 3) at Atlanta Among the many disappointing teams, Cardinals might be biggest flop.
FALCONS, 31-27
San Francisco (plus 7½) at Miami Beginning to believe in gritty Dolphins.
DOLPHINS, 23-10
Last Week: Against spread (11-3). Straight up: (11-3)
Season Totals: Against spread (7478-6). Straight up: (92-66-2)
Best Bet: 5-6 against spread, 7-4 straight up.
Upset special: 5-5-1 against spread, 5-6 straight up