Lions to give thanks at crunch time - 5 NFL storylines

Michael McQuaid of Pro Football Ireland looks at some of the key storylines ahead of the 13th week of the 2024 NFL season, which gets underway today (5.30pm Irish time) with Thanksgiving games.

Give thanks for Thursday evening games

Irish fans will have the pick of three games on Thursday evening/Friday morning because of Thanksgiving. While these games may have looked more appetising at the start of the season, it will still be interesting to see how they play out.

First up on Thursday evening is the Detroit Lions. They have played on Thanksgiving every year since 1934, when owner George A Richards' looked to attract more fans, and the game has become a staple of the Michigan team ever since. They welcome the Bears to Ford Field on Thursday, with an opportunity to reach 11 wins and potentially clinch a play-off spot. They need to claim a divisional win and hope results go their way, with the most likely path being a San Francisco 49ers loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.

There are two other games included in the Thanksgiving slate - the turkey-loving Dallas Cowboys continue their tradition with a home game against the New York Giants. Quarterback Tommy DeVito is a game time decision for the Giants, with Drew Lock expected to start if needed. The Cowboys pulled off a big win against the Commanders last weekend and while this seems like a lost season, they will want to put on a show on one of the biggest days of the year.

Finally the Miami Dolphins visit Green Bay to face the Packers. Wicklow's Dan Whelan is eyeing a Pro Bowl nomination and he will want to continue his excellent form. The Enniskerry man took time out on Wednesday to meet a number of Packers fans from Ireland and the UK.

The UK & Irish Packers meet