NFL PREVIEW | Today's games

ATLANTA (6-4) at DETROIT (4-6)
Game time: 12:30 p.m.
TV/Radio: (17/62) (8) (53) (WBBW-AM 1240)
Key matchup: Detroit defense vs. referees. Lions were penalized 17 times for 129 yards and nine first downs in last week's loss. Each of Dallas' four scoring drives included failed third down that became first down after Detroit was flagged. Standout cornerback Dre' Bly said he will play after missing four games because of wrist surgery. Linebacker Boss Bailey (ankle) and safety Terrence Holt (back) may also return. Hopefully they'll settle down defense that has to contend with Michael Vick.
Streaks, stats and notes: Atlanta has lost two straight games at home, and hits road for two games (Detroit and Carolina). ... Falcons allowed Bucs to rush for more than 100 yards, fifth team in last six weeks to do so against Atlanta. ... Vick threw for 306 yards last week, just second 300-yard game of his career. ... This is first time Atlanta will face Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. ... Detroit has not announced starting quarterback. Falcons don't know whether Joey Harrington or Jeff Garcia will play. ... Detroit is 33-20-2 on Thanksgiving Day and 1-2 at Ford Field. Tradition began in 1934. ... This game has sold out in each of last 10 seasons (since 1994).
DENVER (8-2) At DALLAS (7-3)
Game time: 4:15 p.m.
TV/Radio: (27) (19) (2) (WBBW-AM 1240)
Key matchup: Denver offense vs. Dallas defense. Denver recorded first shutout in eight seasons last week. Credit the offense. Why? Broncos held ball for more than 42 minutes, which made it much easier for defense. Jake Plummer threw for 225 yards, Mike Anderson ran for 113 yards and three scores. Dallas' success has been product of stingy defense. Having switched to 3-4 scheme with solid rotation up front and upgraded secondary, Cowboys are allowing 16.4 points per game, second fewest in NFC. Their 27 sacks are on pace to be most since Super Bowl teams of the early 1990s. With 11 interceptions, they've almost matched 13 they had each of last two seasons.
Streaks, stats and notes: Denver is 2-6 on Thanksgiving Day, with wins over Dallas in 2001 and Detroit, 31-27, on Nov. 28, 1974. ... Broncos are having their best start since going 10-0 in 1998. ... Denver has two-game lead over Kansas City and San Diego in AFC West. ... Anderson's 782 yards and eight TDs put him on pace for 1,251 yards and 13 TDs, just shy of 1,487 yards and 15 TDs he posted five years ago. ... Dallas has one more win then all of last season. ... Dallas has won three straight games and five of six. ... At 7-3, with those losses by total of 10 points, the Cowboys are tied for first place in NFC East with Giants. ... Cowboys have 23-13-1 record on Thanksgiving Day. ... Cowboys are playing their third game in 11 days.
Associated Press
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