Lions try to close gap against Vikings
DETROIT — In many ways, the Thanksgiving games mark the beginning of the NFL’s stretch drive.
For the Detroit Lions, this may be the final chance to stay in the race for a division title.
The Lions (6-4) host the Minnesota Vikings today in a game that should drastically alter the NFC North race.
If Minnesota wins, the Vikings would have a three-game lead atop the division, but if Detroit prevails, the Lions would be within one game and would have a head-tohead tiebreaker over Minnesota. Plus, Detroit has a favorable schedule after this week.
“November football and December football — everything turns up a notch. And right around Thanksgiving, it really turns up,” Detroit receiver Golden Tate said. “It’s no secret that the Vikings are playing tremendous football right now. They’re making it happen.”
Minnesota (8-2) has won six games in a row since a 14-7 loss to Detroit on Oct. 1.
Last season, Minnesota started 5-0 before plummeting to an 8-8 finish.
Chargers, Rivers make Thanksgiving debut
ARLINGTON, Texas — Philip Rivers looks forward to his Thanksgiving debut in his 14th season.
The six-time Pro Bowl quarterback is also pretty fired up about how important today’s visit to the Dallas Cowboys is for his Los Angeles Chargers.
“Outside of playoff games, I don’t know that there’s any bigger stage and game than Thanksgiving,” Rivers said. “It’s certainly a big-time game, more so because of what’s riding on it for our team. Throw in the fact that it’s Thanksgiving, even better.”
Los Angeles (4-6) started 0-4 while AFC West rival Kansas City won its first five. Now the Chargers are within two games of the division-leading Chiefs.
The Cowboys (5-5) have lost both games without suspended star running back Ezekiel Elliott, with still four games remaining on the six-game ban over alleged domestic violence. The defending NFC East champs are already all but eliminated in the division race, facing a tough road to a wild-card spot.
Redskins, Giants looking for respect
LANDOVER, Md. — With their losing records and their shaky defenses and their injury-depleted rosters, the Washington Redskins and New York Giants are not exactly ready for prime time, let alone for a national audience tuning in tonight.
The teams are a combined 6-14, including 0-5 in the NFC East. Dynamic players such as New York wideout Odell Beckham Jr. and Washington running back Chris Thompson are done for the season.