Frey's NFL Picks of the Week: Thanksgiving Edition

It has been a tough couple of weeks for civilization and on this Thanksgiving holiday, it is important that we take time to reflect upon life and express meaningful gratitude for those things we hold dear or, perhaps, ascribe less value than we should.

In that spirit, here are the top 7 under-appreciated things related to the NFL for which I am personally grateful..


#7:  The fact that Adrian Peterson is not our babysitter.

#6:  Firework safety.  Yep.  I guess people actually do get their fingers blown off.  I had filed that particular warning away in the BS file along with "You'll shoot your eye out" , "Coffee stunts your growth", and "Don't drink mouthwash."  

#5:  That "Thanksgiving Dinner" has become synonymous with "Wanna come over and watch Detroit get their ass kicked?"

#4:  Ryan Fitzpatrick's splendid beard. 

How can anyone not root for this guy?

#3:  With a gimpy ankle and lingering foot ailment, Ben Rothlesberger has a harder time chasing coeds into pub restrooms.

#2:  Jerry Jones:  Reminding people across the globe why they hated the Cowboys growing up.  Someone has to be the new Al Davis right?  

#1:  While religion and politics do indeed make excellent table talk at any gathering, a well-timed "how about them Browns?" can provide a much-needed blast of levity to tense situations.

St. Louis Rams @ Cincinnati Bengals (-7 ½)

The Bengals, losers of 2 straight, played great last week in a road loss to an excellent Arizona team.

The Rams lost to a crappy Ravens team who lost 62% of their players to injury before the game concluded.

Baltimore's team trainers in the locker room after the game last week.

Cincinnati is at home, they need the win, and they are pissed.

This game has 24-13 written all over it.

San Diego Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-4)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first time that the Jags have been favored in a game since 1996?

Family photo taken just prior to the last game in which Jacksonville was favored by more than 3.

Well there is a good reason for it.  San Diego is decimated by injuries, has largely quit trying, and (you guessed it) Phillip Rivers is a butthole.

I like Jacksonville here.  

Wow.  That is the first time in my life that I have ever typed those words.....

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos (+5 ½)

1) Tom Brady is 2-5 in games played in Denver.

2) The Patriot offense is riddled with injury and had trouble protecting the quarterback last week.

3) Denver has a sick pass-rush, making the above situation even more troubling for the Pats.

4) Osweiler can throw the ball more than 15 yards without needing to twist about like a contortionist.

Peyton Manning prepares to throw a 5 yard out.

5) New England is coming off a short week and has had less time to find ways to cheat without getting caught.

I am expecting a low-scoring defensive struggle and I think that Denver covers this spread.

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs (-3 ½)

The Chiefs' defense has looked like the 85' Bears the past 2 weeks while the Bills have looked like....well...the Bills.

With Tyrod Taylor hurt, they will look even more like the Bills.

A point-spread this low, for a game in Arrowhead, with these 2 teams, defies logic.

It can only mean:

Week 8 Record:  1-3

Season Record: 27-16-1

Trap Game Record: 5-6