When–Thursday, 11:30 a.m. (Chicago time).
Television–WMAQ-TV (Channel 5).
Radio–WMAQ-AM (670).
Rollow`s pick–Jets by 7.
Latest line–Jets by 3.
Significant injuries–Jets: LB Lance Mehl, foot; CB Bobby Jackson, neck;
RB Freeman McNeil, ankle. Lions: G Don Greco, ankle.
Outlook–The Lions traditionally are tough in this Turkey Day classic, although they don`t always gobble up opponents as frequently as it may seem. Their Thanksgiving record is 22-21-2, and five of their victories have come in the last seven years. Coach Darryl Rogers` erratic team will have to be at its Silverdome best to whip the soaring Jets, who are headed for the playoffs with a 9-3 record and are alone atop the AFC East. Detroit (6-6) hasn`t lost at home this season and will try to take advantage of one of pro football`s most notorious home-field advantages. The rival quarterbacks are bruised but are expected to start. Ken O`Brien of the Jets, who is rapidly becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, has ankle and elbow problems. He threw for more than 300 yards against New England last week. Detroit`s Eric Hipple, also probable, has sore ribs.
St. Louis
at
Dallas
When–Thursday, 3 p.m. (Chicago time).
Television–WBBM-TV (Channel 2).
Radio–WMAQ-AM (670).
Rollow`s pick–Cowboys by 17.
Latest line–Cowboys by 13 1/2.
Significant injuries–Cowboys: DE Kevin Brooks, groin; WR Leon Gonzales, toe; RB Robert Lavette, knee. Cardinals: RB Ottis Anderson, calf (out); T Tootie Robbins, hamstring; WR Roy Green, ankle; DE Curtis Greer, knee.
Outlook–The second half of the holiday double-header matches a Dallas club (8-4) that is fighting to protect its first-place tie in the NFC East against a St. Louis team (4-8) that has been an extreme disappointment. The Cardinals upset the Cowboys four weeks ago in Dallas 21-10, and Dallas has ridden a roller coaster ever since. The Cowboys rebounded from their 44-0 humiliation by the Bears with a 34-17 win over Philadelphia Sunday. ”We were a little angry and a little embarrassed,” tight end Doug Cosbie said after catching two of Danny White`s three touchdown passes. Cardinal quarterback Neil Lomax was forced to leave the 34-3 loss to the New York Giants Sunday with elbow and shoulder problems, but is scheduled to start.
