Thanksgiving Football Predictions

It's Thanksgiving. That means football. Yes, it means football first. I know there's a holiday and all, but it's all about the pigskin. Without any delay, my football picks-

• Easton vs. Phillipsburg- If you read no further, that's fine, because this is what matters today. It's game #109 in the historic high school rivalry that has went on over a century and been featured on ESPN. Since 1915, the game has been played on Thanksgiving, pitting two of the most historic programs in their states. Phillipsburg is #1 in wins in New Jersey history. Easton is #2 in Pennsylvania, and in the top ten in the nation. This year Easton is 8-4, but coming off of a brutal playoff loss to Parkland. Phillipsburg is 9-1 and will play against New Jersey's #1 team, Middletown South next week. On paper, the Liners are favored to win their second straight, and I've pretty much thought they would since last weekend. I'm having a bit of second thoughts though. The favorites are never really favored in this game, and many years the team that is done in playoffs comes out and plays a better game in this one. If this game was played last week, i'd have picked Phillipsburg by two scores. Today? Easton 24-14
• Philadelphia Eagles vs. Detroit Lions- The Eagles have to win this game. At 4-6, things could get ugly if they do not win this game. If they win, they go to 1/2 game back in the division. On the other side, the 3-7 Lions have won three straight, and are playing good football right now. The Eagles are not. On a short week, playing poorly, I don't like the match-up much. Yes, the Eagles won last Thanksgiving. They've stunk ever since. The Eagles may need this one, but I doubt they get it. Detroit 24-20
• Northampton vs. Catasauqua- This is the most under-appreciated rivalry in the Lehigh Valley. In just a few short years, they will be at 100 games too. They don't get the ESPN games and local media coverage, but these two schools have built a neat little rivalry. In recent years, at least since 2008, Northampton hasn't been so good in the Lehigh Valley/Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Catty plays in the smaller school Colonial League, and they have their good and bad years there. Almost every year, the bigger Northampton is still favored. This year, both schools had a tough season, and have a shot to redeem themselves tomorrow. Northampton is always the favorite in this one, unless Catty is great. Catty is not great. Northampton 24-7
• Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys- Are the Panthers really this good? Yes. You don't go 10-0 in the NFL and not be that good. They are the real deal. Are they going to go 16-0? Not likely. Is a short week normally bad for Tony Romo at this age? Yes, but he had two months off before last Sunday. This game is in Dallas, and last Thanksgiving they were humiliated. They have to win this game to stay in playoff contention really. Dallas 28-24
• Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears- This is an old, historic rivalry game that belongs on Thanksgiving night.While this year the Packers are a lot better than their neighbors from the south, you never know when these teams play. The truth though is that Green Bay is retiring Brett Favre's number,  they're a better team, and they have something to play for. Gotta take the Pack. Green Bay 31-10