by Gavin Wyatt

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: October 21, 2009

With the arrival of the crisp fall air, it is time to start planning what we can be thankful for this 2009 Thanksgiving. It is sadly not the rebound of our economy. It is however, a sanity saving NFL triple header! The NFL schedule pushes towards November 26th, 2009, and not to disappoint us, they served up a triple header that will be at the very least, entertaining. Besides the obvious gluttony and relaxation, it is the football that pushes Thanksgiving over the top, making it the clearly, the best day of the year. Grab the turkey, the mashed potatoes, and the gravy (leave the cranberry behind) because it is football time! Here are the match-ups.

The day will start with the staple, the Detroit Lions against the Green Bay Packers in Detroit. This game will probably not have any division or playoff implications, but both teams are mediocre so it will at least be entertaining and evenly matched. If you are going to focus purley on eating during one game, this woul d be the one you choose. This game is the football appetizer and the tripleheader gets better.

Next up, the Oakland Raiders fly out to take on the Dallas Cowboys in a battle of head strong owners. The Dallas Cowboys are a Thanksgiving favorite, and it could possibly be a decent game, if you love defensive games. Dallas' offense has been anemic the last few weeks with Romo sinking lower and lower on the quarterback rankings. Just as sickly is the Raider Offense with JaMarcus Russell running the show. This will be an ugly game, but after Detroit, you might be ready to enjoy a punting, defensive effort.

Last, the NFL game of the day starts at 8:20pm E / 5:20pm P. The New York Giants go to take on the surprising Denver Broncos. This game did not look good on the schedule at the beginning of the season with Denver projected to be one of the worst teams in their division. The New York Giants, still holding high expectations, are right on track and are one of the premium teams in the League. Eli Manning has gotten them off to a great start, guiding them to a perfect 5-0. Just to add to the drama, this game is going to be played on a freezing Denver night on November 26th. It will be an icy battle for best record in the NFL.

Here is the football lineup:

*THU NOV, 26 - G.B. @ DET - FORD FIELD - 12:30 PM EASTERN - NETWORK FOX

*THU NOV, 26 - OAK @ DAL - COWBOYS STADIUM - 4:15 PM EASTERN - NETWORK CBS

*THU NOV, 26 - NYG @ DEN - INVESCO FIELD - 8:20 PM EASTERN - NETWORK FOX

There will also be one of the largest college football rivalry games taking place between the #3 Texas Longhorns and Texas A & M Aggies. This battle has been named the "Lone Star Showdown". It will be the last regular season game of the year. If Texas isn't derailed by the Aggies, it could possibly be the last opponent standing before them and the Big 12 championship and possibly the National Championship Game. This battle has been one sided since 2000 with Texas standing at 7-2 in their last nine games against the Aggies. The last twoTexas A&M wins was a 12-7 victory in 2006, and a 38-30 win in 2007.

*THU NOV, 26 - #3 TEXAS @ TEXAS A&M - MEMORIAL STADIUM- 8:00 PM EASTERN - NETWORK ESPN

So kick up the feet, and try to keep one eye open! There is a full helping, heaping load of football coming your way on November 26th, 2009. Happy Thanksgiving.

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