It's the American tradition. Turkey and football go together like peanut butter and jelly. Thursday's NFL schedule is packed with great matches that you will not want to miss. Check out the Thanksgiving 2012 schedule, hopefully you will be able to catch this no matter where you are.
First up on the schedule: Houston Texans vs. Detroit Lions
The appetizer for the evening's football matches will be between the Texans and Lions. Houston has proved they are one of the league's best teams this season. They started the 2012 campaign picking on the weaker teams, now, as the season winds down they will look to close out strong. Don't be fooled by the record, though 4-6, the Lions have the most potent passing game in the NFL. This feeds right into the Texans' weakness which is pass defense.
With a loss on Thursday, the Lions season would surely be over.
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
TV Coverage: CBS
Main Entree: Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys
Now what is a Thanksgiving football night without the Cowboys on schedule. Making this matchup even more intriguing is the fact that the 'Boys will play their NFC East rival Washington Redskins. Dallas is just a game behind the first place New York Giants, meanwhile, the Redskins will look to play spoiler as they too have suddenly entered the NFC East race. They are 4-6 in 2012. The Cowboys are 5-5. If the Redskins win they tie with the Cowboys for second place. If the Cowboys win then they have a great chance of tying for first as they will go to 6-5 and be just a half game behind the Giants as Big Blue gets ready to face the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
The Cowboys have won the last three matches.
Time: 4:15 p.m. ET
TV Coverage: FOX
Dessert: New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
This probably would have been a better matchup had the Jets been on a true hunt for either a wild card spot or a top spot in the AFC East division, but neither is the case. However, you better believe Tom Brady is locked and loaded as he warmed up for the Jets on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts as he and the Pats dropped 59 on them. The Gronk is out, so the Jets might have a chance, but Aaron Hernandez is expected to be back in full gear on Thursday.
The Patriots have won the last three games over the Jets.
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
TV Coverage: NBC
