NFL THANKSGIVING CAPSULES
TIME: 9:30 a.m. LINE: Packers by 11
TV: Fox (5) RADIO: KWWN-AM (1100)
• FACTS: The Lions rallied from 24-3 down last week behind QB Matthew Stafford (doubtful, shoulder) to beat Cleveland, 38-37. When Green Bay was in town last year, Detroit also overcame a 21-point deficit to lead but lost, 48-25. ... Holiday tradition: Detroit has dropped its past five Turkey Day games by an average of 23 points. ... The last time the Lions threw lumbering QB Daunte Culpepper to the Packers resulted in a 26-0 Green Bay victory five weeks ago. Detroit mustered 147 yards, the seventh-worst total by anyone this year. WR Calvin Johnson (questionable, knee/hand) didn't play then, either.
• ANALYSIS: Lions coach Jim Schwartz bemoaned the fact Cleveland had too much time to make plays even when Detroit blitzed. If the Lions can't fluster Aaron Rodgers, the league's fourth-rated passer, fans will be donning their bag heads in the third quarter.
• FORECAST: Packers 41, Lions 16
TIME: 1:15 p.m. LINE: Cowboys by 131/2
TV: CBS (8) RADIO: KWWN-AM (1100)
WEATHER: Mid-60s, no chance of rain
• FACTS: Counting this game, QB Tony Romo and the Cowboys have been at least an 11-point favorite against the past four turkeys to visit on Thanksgiving. Dallas covered the first three easily. ... New Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski improved to 4-9 as a starter in his career with last week's victory against Cincinnati. ... Cowboys TE Jason Witten (foot sprain) is expected to be a game-time decision. ... If Oakland gains its second victory in a row, it will match the team's longest winning streak in the past seven years.
• ANALYSIS: The Raiders' upset victory last week masks the fact they were gouged for 177 rushing yards by a team using its backup RB. Thus, Dallas no doubt will attempt to punish Oakland on the ground. After all, the Raiders have given up 215-plus rushing yards three times this year, tied for the league high.
• FORECAST: Cowboys 31, Raiders 10
TIME: 5:20 p.m. LINE: Giants by 61/2
TV: NFL (317) RADIO: KWWN-AM (1100)
WEATHER: High 50s, no chance of rain
• FACTS: The Giants were bristling about having to travel 1,800 miles for this Thursday game on mega-short rest. In history, teams flying 1,800-plus miles in this scenario are 5-4 against the line, including messy losses last Thanksgiving by Seattle (vs. Dallas) and Arizona (vs. Philadelphia). ... This game looked like must-see TV six weeks ago when both teams were 5-0. ... Denver's Elvis Dumervil has a league-best 12 sacks but only two during the team's four-game slide. ... The Giants, with the league's second-ranked defense (282.2 yards a game), have yielded an average of 371 during their 1-4 slump.
• ANALYSIS: Both teams have bandaged playmakers. New York RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (out, ankle) and Brandon Jacobs (probable, knee) have taken turns not producing. For Denver, all hopes ride on QB Kyle Orton (probable, ankle). Based on his courageous relief effort Sunday, he'll be out there and will provide a spark.
• FORECAST: Broncos 23, Giants 20
BOB CHRIST/SPECIAL TO THE LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
