Today’s Games

NEW ENGLAND AT DETROIT

Kickoff: Today, 9:30 a.m.

TV: Channel 2.

The line: New England by 5 1/2.

Quick slant: Given his options, Mornhinweg decides not to cook the turkey.

Plot: It’s going to take everyone some time to figure out just what Detroit Coach Marty Mornhinweg was thinking during overtime Sunday -- and unfortunately for the Lions, four days is all they get. Winning the toss and electing to kick. Accepting a penalty against Chicago when the Bears were facing fourth down and a probable punt. Unable to overcome these self-inflicted setbacks, Detroit lost, 20-17, to extend its road losing streak to 14. On the bright side, the Lions are 3-2 at home and 9-4 on Thanksgiving during the last 13 years. Then again, Mornhinweg’s still their coach. Thanks a lot.

Friday’s headline: “Mercifully, Patriots End It Shortly After First Coin Toss”

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WASHINGTON AT DALLAS

Kickoff: Today, 1 p.m.

TV: Channel 11.

The line: Washington by 1.

Quick slant: The streak ends here.

Plot: Sunday, for the first time in 2002, the Cowboys and the Redskins won on the same day. Dallas defeated Jacksonville, 21-19, after Fred Taylor fumbled at the goal line and the Jaguars missed a 40-yard field-goal try. Washington upset St. Louis, 20-17, by forcing a last-second fumble after the Rams had bypassed a tying chip-shot field-goal attempt. Someone will have a two-game winning streak after today, although the Redskins are bucking some bad history. Washington is 0-9 against Dallas since November 1997 and winless at Texas Stadium since 1995. Old habits are hard to break, but it is possible: Steve Spurrier called 39 rushing plays against the Rams.

Friday’s headline: “Spurrier Can’t Bear to Watch as Redskins Run to Glory”

-- Mike Penner