Playing The Spread, Week 12

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Among the many enjoyable Thanksgiving Day traditions in which I partake is the annual NFL doubleheader of the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. But in an attempt to enhance that tradition by ensuring a game involving a team that doesn't perenially suck, the NFL is adding a nightcap to the Thanksgiving Day lineup. What is notable about the Chiefs-Broncos game, however, is that it will the first regular-season telecast to be shown on the NFL Network. In my opinion, it strikes a dangerous precedent.

Having been a reporter myself, once upon a time, I appreciate the value of a free and independent media. When an entity has such complete control over the dissemination of the news it creates, it smacks of Pravda or Al-Jazeera. Have you ever watched the Masters telecast? Do you wonder why the commentators never bring up Martha Burk and refer to the spectators as patrons? Well, it's because Augusta National basically buys the airtime from CBS, then hires Jim Nantz and crew as its employees for the weekend, right through the awkward Sunday evening love-in with Hootie Johnson at Butler Cabin.

While the NFL is probably more media savvy than the white southern gentlemen who like to dress up in green jackets and pretend girls have cooties, not to mention the fact that Bryant Gumbel's preseason rant dispelled any preconceptions that he'd be the NFL's butt-boy, the potential for propagandistic mouthpiecing will nevertheless remain. He who controls the news creates the news. In my opinion, the NFL needs to avoid all such appearances by keeping its media coverage independent. The public deserves it.

The following picks are for recreational purposes only and should not be the benefit of any actual cash wagers. Last week would have treated you quite well, though.

Last week: 10-5-1
Season to date: 80-73-7
Best bets: 4-7
Eliminator: 9-2 (Streak: W 1)

Dolphins (-3) over Lions
Detroit traditionally wears throwback uniforms on Thanksgiving Day, but this year, they're taking it one step further, suiting up Eric Kramer, who led the Lions to their last postseason victory back in 1991, as a throwback quarterback. Hey, he couldn't be any worse than the guy playing now. WIN

Cowboys (-11) over Bucs
And yet another Thanksgiving Day snoozer is on tap for the late afternoon. Halfway through this game though, I plan on doing my best Terrell Owens impression by overdosing on stuffing. WIN

Chiefs (-1) over Broncos
I can tell you two things about the AFC West: San Diego is the team to beat for the divisional crown, and both wild cards will likely come from this division. WIN

Ravens (-3) over Steelers
This Thanksgiving, Brian Billick is thankful for best friends like Jim Fassel, who you can callously jettison from your coaching staff whenever your team needs a boost. WIN

Browns (+3) over Bengals
Cleveland was one stupid personal foul and a botched catch of a gift Hail Mary tip from completing their second upset in two weeks. Here's thinking they won't make the same mistake twice. Then again, they are the Browns. LOSS

49ers (+5.5) over Rams
After a year and a half, Mike Nolan finally convinced the NFL to let him look like a complete dork by wearing a suit on the sidelines. WIN

Vikings (-6) over Cardinals
Minnesota fans will be thrilled to see their former coach back in the Metrodome, not because they appreciated his leadership of the Vikings but because he's leading the 2-8 Cardinals in for an easy Vikings win. LOSS

Jets (-6) over Texans
The Houston Texans are not playing Jacksonville this week. Therefore, they will lose. It's that simple. WIN

Saints (+3) over Falcons
I've given Michael Vick and the Falcons the benefit of the doubt three too many times this season: 30-14 against Detroit, 17-13 against Cleveland, and 24-10 against Baltimore. My patience has expired. WIN

Panthers (-4) over Redskins
Jason Campbell will be just as good without Clinton Portis as, well, Mark Brunell was without Clinton Portis. LOSS

Bills (+3) over Jaguars
Lee Evans may have been the first player to score two touchdowns the exact length of his uniform number in one quarter since Warren Moon rushed for two goal-line quarterback sneaks. WIN

Chargers (-13) over Raiders
If Randy Moss needs something to cheer him up in order to play better, might I suggest he take a quick peek at his paycheck? LOSS

Giants (-3) over Titans
Two weeks ago, Eli Manning and the Giants were contending with Chicago for the title of best team in the NFC. Now, they're favored by a mere field goal over the measly Titans. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Then again, he is a Manning. LOSS

Bears (+3) over Patriots
Tom Brady has lost three games at home this year. It must be the field. That's why the Pats tore it up and installed an artificial surface, on the likes of which Brady has only lost one game his entire career. LOSS

Colts (-9) over Eagles
Terrell Owens might disagree, but the Eagles need Donovan McNabb if they want a shot at the playoffs. WIN

Seahawks (-9.5) over Packers
Remember when Lambeau Field had the best home-field advantage in the NFL? This season, it's seen the Pack on the wrong end of two shutouts. Guess the tundra hasn't frozen over quite yet. WIN

BEST BET: Ravens (-3) over Steelers WIN
ELIMINATOR: Seattle Seahawks WIN