Thursday Games - Gobble Gobble!!! Nov 26, 2008 | More

Week 13 Edition of Audibles ... Thursday Games. Gobble Gobble.

Turkey day has come again to a park or school near you. As grown men lace up the cleats for a chance at living their past glory, the phrases out of shape, out of breath, and out of hamstrings come to mind on this holiday that was designed for over-eaters.

Hopefully after realizing you can't compete at the same level of years past, you'll go on a bike ride instead. I would suggest the same thing for the Detroit Lions who host the Tennessee Titans this week.

Detroit in years past has brought their A- game on turkey day. I think they are a different team on Thanksgiving. This year, however, will be a much different result. I expect the Titans to absolutely throttle the Lions. That being said you should start Kerry Collins, Chris Johnson, LenDale White, Bo Scaife and the Titans Defense. Brandon Jones and Justin Gage have looked good in the last two games and should make solid starts as well.

As for Detroit, I think it will be a long day. Start Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith, and surprisingly the Defense (who showed up with six sacks last week against Tampa Bay.) Daunte Culpepper should be on your pine. Yeah the guy throws a great deep ball but he may only get one TD versus a stellar Titans secondary who are angry because they were embarrassed by the Jets last week. Remember, Jeff Fisher isn't just a ball coach. He was a very good defensive back as well. I think this week he and his ball-hawks like Cortland Finnegan will give Culpepper a real headache this week.

Do you ever wonder what Mike Holmgren is thinking on the sideline as he completes the last games of his final season in Seattle?

I bet it's along the lines of: I hope Jim Mora got a couple of dozen bear claws for halftime. I could use a few bear claws and some chocolate milk to wash it down with. I wonder what the weather is like in San Francisco? I hope they let me have control over the personnel unlike this crappy franchise.

The guy is like a lame duck president. The only question left is how many games can he actually win? I think the over/under is about three. I am going with the under as this week in Dallas will be ugly.

Dallas’ inside pass rush has looked better than I have seen them all season. They finally have some swagger back on defense after looking helpless early on. I like Tony Romo, Roy Williams, Nick Folk, Marion Barber, Jason Witten, and Terrell Owens in that order. Expect that when the game is on the line to see Roy standing in the endzone smiling. This is his week to be showcased.

Seattle has only Bobby Engram, John Carlson, Matt Hasselback and Olindo Mare, in that order. Expect the 'Boys to gain control in the third quarter and not to look back.

Does Anquan Boldin really want to leave Arizona? The answer is yes. He will pack up as soon as they let him take Kurt Warner with him. (which is never.) Warner and Q have really developed into quite a duo. Boldin lacks the elite speed and leaping ability of Larry Fitzgerald but makes up for it with his physical play and awareness. He may be the most aware receiver that the game has ever seen. He knows when Warner is in trouble and finds the open space.

I think this week versus a struggling Philly team, you’ll see the same as you've seen all season. Philly will make it a tight game with an emphasis on Brian Westbrook touching the ball 20 times, but mostly as a receiver. I like as usual Warner, Boldin, Steve Breaston, Fitzgerald, Tim Hightower and Neil Rackers in that order. Breaston is really in the zone as of late.

I am going out on a limb, but I think Donovan McNabb has a big game as well with three TDs. I like McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Kevin Curtis, and TE Brent Celek (who beat out LJ Smith and will start).

The only thing worse than watching Fox give out that stupid Galloping Gobbler trophy is doing the dishes after the feast. So this year pair the Chinese take out with paper plates and don't forget a roll of paper towels. I prefer a lobster bib with pockets to catch the excess rice as I shovel my way to victory this week. Happy Thanksgiving!

Please send all questions, concerns and comments to michaelfsarmento@hotmail.com.