It’s Thanksgiving once again, signaling the time for two things: turkey and NFL football.
Families gather around the dinner table to share a sumptuous meal while cheering for their favorite team.
Six teams will be in the limelight during these games, but there will be multiple storylines within each matchup.
Here are the most intriguing narratives from the three Thanksgiving games during the 2021 NFL season.
3. Which Slump Will End?
The New Orleans Saints and the Buffalo Bills are in trouble.
The Saints have lost three straight games after defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It seems like the Trevor Siemian experiment isn’t working, and it’s time to try Taysom Hill at quarterback again.
New Orleans will have a hard time against Buffalo if Alvin Kamara misses another game.
From @GMFB: The #Saints are banged up at RB, with Alvin Kamara’s knee sprain and Mark Ingram’s recent knee situation (day-to-day) threatening to limit them on Thursday vs. the #Bills. pic.twitter.com/WVa0FFiKgn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 24, 2021
Their struggles were evident in their last game wherein the Philadelphia Eagles outgained them on the ground, 242-109.
Meanwhile, the Bills lost two of their last three games, and Josh Allen seems broken.
He has thrown five interceptions during that stretch, and he had his lowest passer and quarterback rating in 2021 against the Indianapolis Colts.
It’s puzzling to see him struggle even if all his main targets suited up in those games.
Josh Allen said after Sunday's loss that maybe he needs to start forcing the ball more to Stefon Diggs.
Right when I said that to Diggs today, I got the wink.
The #Bills top WR remains team-first, but also ready to be difference maker.
"I want to be that spark for my team." pic.twitter.com/V42ZKGXybs
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) November 23, 2021
Likewise, their run game regressed as well.
The winning team will get a huge confidence boost as they commence a strong push towards the playoffs.
2. Can The Raiders Shake Off Ruggs’ Absence?
The Las Vegas Raiders haven’t been the same since releasing Henry Ruggs III.
That situation is out of their control, and they must move on.
Unfortunately, they’re still trying to find ways to fill his void.
Darren Waller is becoming a massive piece of their offense, but they’re not getting enough production from their receivers.
Raiders deleted everything 💀 pic.twitter.com/FJDL6a7TpA
— Hawk (@GowanSeason) November 3, 2021
DeSean Jackson is supposed to take Ruggs’ spot, but he’s still largely unproductive.
If their passing game continues to struggle, the Raiders will offer little resistance against the Dallas Cowboys.
Yes, Dallas scored nine points against the Kansas City Chiefs.
But they always find a way to have a strong game after a disappointing performance.
The Raiders are also at a disadvantage because they will be on the road.
1. Will The Lions Finally Win A Game?
As always, the Detroit Lions are a staple of Thanksgiving football, as bad as they are.
But this game might be a special one because it’s their best chance to get into the win column.
They will face the Chicago Bears who are on a five-game losing streak and have coaching issues.
The Lions can take advantage of the Bears’ turmoil to finally get Dan Campbell’s first victory.
The @Lions’ Top 1️⃣0️⃣ Thanksgiving plays ever! 🦃 (via @nflthrowback)
📺: #CHIvsDET— Thanksgiving 12:30pm ET on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/qqNr6zElVw— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2021
Chicago also ranks second-worst in yards per game and fourth-worst in points per game, giving Detroit the edge in those departments.
The Lions must use the momentum from the tie and channel that energy to score a home victory.
Otherwise, their chances of winning a game look bleak.
I’m going to do whatever it takes to serve a tasty turkey for Thanksgiving this year. The last couple I made turned out real dry and tough. I don’t know why I’ve had such a difficult time of it. Wish me luck!