Michael Ventre

THURS., NOV. 24
Atlanta at Detroit: The Falcons, who have lost their last two at home, now travel to face the Lions on Turkey Day. Stuffing these birds might just make the Lions’ season.

Denver at Dallas: It’s nice to have a battle of division leaders on Thanksgiving. Usually most of America is taking post-dinner naps, so a meaningful game makes a tasty dessert.

SUN, NOV. 27
Baltimore at Cincinnati: When the Ravens scored a second-quarter TD last week in an upset of Pittsburgh, it ended a string of 12 straight quarters without a touchdown. Can the Bengals’ defense handle this offensive juggernaut?

St. Louis at Houston: The Rams may not have starting QB Marc Bulger, who was injured on a sack last week in a loss to Arizona. That limits the number of plays Mike Martz won’t be allowed to call in.

Carolina at Buffalo: The Panthers scored only three points last week in a loss to the Bears, they’re on the road again, and the Bills are 4-1 at home. Travel is tough around the holidays.

San Francisco at Tennessee: The Titans are in free fall, having lost five straight. If they lose at home to the lowly Niners, they should think about changing back to the Houston Oilers and re-hiring Bum Phillips and Earl Campbell.

New England at Kansas City: Last week the Patriots won consecutive games for the first time this season when they beat the Saints. Some dynasties are better looking than others.

Chicago at Tampa Bay: The Bears and Bucs have been ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in the NFL in yardage allowed. The guys on the sidelines who hold the chains? Their legs may fall asleep.

San Diego at Washington: The ‘Skins had won five straight home games before falling to the Raiders last week. LaDainian Tomlinson should make D.C. even more dysfunctional.

Cleveland at Minnesota: The Browns are coming into their own after blanking the Dolphins last week, 22-0. But they’re only 1-4 on the road, and the Dawg Pound isn’t allowed inside the Metrodome.

Miami at Oakland: The Raiders reached the magical 100 plateau in penalties last week while winning in Washington. In front of their own fans, however, they could be well on their way to 200.

Jacksonville at Arizona: Each of the Jaguars’ last seven road games have been decided by six points or fewer. They must leave half of their offensive unit at home to save money.

Slide show   The Week in Sports Pictures A sky-high dive, a Formula One fire, a catcher catches one on the head and more. more photos

N.Y. Giants at Seattle: Forget the quarterbacks. This will be a battle between running backs Shaun Alexander of Seattle and Tiki Barber of N.Y. Pity the grounds crew afterward.

Green Bay at Philadelphia: Brett Favre comes to Philadelphia, offering fans the perfect opportunity to decide whether T.O. was right about having him at QB over Donovan McNabb.

New Orleans at NY Jets: The Saints had to relocate because of Hurricane Katrina. Since Chad Pennington went out, Jets fans are trying to get their team to relocate to the end zone occasionally.

MON, NOV. 28

Pittsburgh at Indianapolis: This ordinarily would be a huge game. But if Tommy Maddox continues to play QB for the Steelers, the Colts may forfeit a quarter, just to be fair.