Happy Thanksgiving!

This man loves food and
football more than anyone.

Oh, yes, it is Thanksgiving Day. Time to celebrate some great things many of us take for granted in America: football and an abundance of food. I don't think we have to worry about a shortage of food come 2011, but there's a very real possibility of a lockout next year due to the collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

Luckily, negotiations are still in order, and some progress is being made, even if it's not coming as fast as we may like. There's about 3 months left until the current CBA expires, so we may be heading for scary territory soon.

There's a lot of negotiating left, with an 18 game schedule, a rookie pay scale, roster expansion, practice squad rosters, preseason workout rules being the main topics of discussion. That's a lot at stake for both sides. So far, it looks as though the biggest proposed change, the 18 game schedule, will be happening.

However, we have three games lined up today to be thankful for. The Patriots play the Lions in Detroit, the Saints play the Cowboys in Dallas, and the Bengals play the Jets in New York Jersey. None of these matchups are particularly interesting on paper, but we could be in line for an upset or two today.

The Lions may be 2-8, but they have hung in there against very good teams. The Lions have lost to the Eagles, Packers, Giants, and Jets by an average margin of loss of only 4 points. Plus, they're playing at home, which is a must for Detroit to have any chance nowadays (NFL record 25 consecutive road losses... three seasons plus!)

Of course, the Cowboys will try to continue their resurgence against the Saints. People can make excuses for the Cowboys first two wins under Jason Garrett. "The Giants were the first game. New coaches usually win the first game plus the Giants were beginning their second half collapse." "Oh, their second win was only the Lions." People will have a hard time finding excuses for the Cowboys if Garrett leads them to victory over the Saints.

What can I say about the Bengals that hasn't already been said? This isn't the same team that swept the AFC North last year. A lot of people are pointing fingers at Terrell Owens and Ochocinco, but I can't possibly see how. It's not their fault the Bills were able to run up 35 points in the second half last week. I'd like to see two players more passionate about winning than these guys. Don't talk about their skill, either. They're ballers.

Pointless speculation is pointless. Redundant statements are redundant. Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and here's hoping for football to be around next year, so we don't have to watch soccer or some other crap. For now, be thankful for football!