NFL Schedule 2017: Cowboys, Saints, Chiefs Highlight Best Thanksgiving Weekend Football Games

There isn’t a whole lot to get excited about when looking at the Week 12 NFL schedule. A couple of the week’s best games will be played on Thanksgiving, and only one contest Sunday features two teams with winning records.

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys can improve their standing in the NFC wild-card race with wins Thursday afternoon. The New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams are all pushing for a first-round playoff bye.

Here’s a look at the five best games on the Week 12 schedule:

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

This game will either decide the NFC North winner or create a divisional race that could go down to the wire. Minnesota is tied for the NFL’s second-best record, and a win would give them a commanding three-game lead over Detroit. The Lions can put themselves just one game out of first place in the division. Detroit already won in Minnesota earlier this season, and they’ve got a chance to sneak into the playoffs as a wild-card team if the Vikings continue their hot streak.

Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys

These could be the two most talented teams that end up missing the playoffs in their respective conferences. L.A. could easily have a winning record if it weren’t for some inexplicable late-game mistakes that led to losses. Dallas doesn’t look like the same team without the injured Sean Lee and the suspended Ezekiel Elliott. Both teams are in virtual “must-win” situations Thursday when it comes to their playoff chances.

Carolina Panthers at New York Jets

This game only makes the cut by default, though it does have plenty of playoff implications. Playing in a difficult NFC, Carolina is one game out of first place in the NFC North and just one loss away from being out of the playoffs. New York is only one game out of the final postseason berth in the AFC, and their games are usually close. Six of the Jets’ last seven games have been decided by one score.

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

Buffalo won’t get blown out like they did last week when Nathan Peterman threw five interceptions in the first half. Tyrod Taylor could have a big performance after he was benched for a game while the Bills held one of the AFC’s wild-card spots. Kansas City is in control of the AFC West, despite losing four of their last five games. It's possible that the Bills and Chiefs could meet again in a first-round playoff game.

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams

This is the best game of Week 12. New Orleans is on an eight-game winning streak and vying for the top seed in the NFC. The Rams have been so impressive this season that the Saints are nearly three-point underdogs, despite not having lost since Week 2. L.A. needs a win if they want to remain in the hunt for a first-round bye and stay in control of the NFC West.