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What each NFL team should be grateful for this Thanksgiving

What each NFL team should be grateful for this Thanksgiving

As the wonderful distraction that is Thanksgiving Day NFL draws near, it is prime time to think on what we should be thankful for from our NFL teams of allegiance. Whether it be a new stadium, a resurgent veteran or a chance to (finally) start fresh in the new year, there is always something to give thanks for about your team.

So pull up and chair and take a look at what every team around the game should be thankful for this year. We promise there will be more than enough to stuff a turkey, stocking or at least a failed fantasy football roster with.

 
1 of 32

Arizona Cardinals: AARP opportunities

Arizona Cardinals: AARP opportunities
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Although Carson Palmer couldn’t hold it together for the duration of the year and followed David Johnson to the land of the early season injury departures, the efforts of Larry Fitzgerald and Adrian Peterson have kept the club together. The 34-year-old Fitzgerald recently moved into fifth place all time in receiving yards and is also counted among the NFL top 10 in catches and receiving yards. Meanwhile, Peterson, 32, has twice gone for over 130 yards in five games in the desert.

 
2 of 32

Atlanta Falcons: New beginnings

Atlanta Falcons: New beginnings
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the most beautiful new venue in all of sports. It has made things easier to endure during a Super Bowl hangover season for the defending NFC champions, as Julio Jones and Matt Ryan's rhythm section has not been able to produce the same tunes as it did with the departed Kyle Shanahan as its executive producer.

 
3 of 32

Baltimore Ravens: Good fortune and a dominant D

Baltimore Ravens: Good fortune and a dominant D
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY Sports

It doesn’t feel like the Ravens should be pulling into Thanksgiving week the way they have, sitting at 5-5 and currently inhabiting a playoff spot in the AFC. It is an impressive feat considering they have twice lost back-to-back games and Joe Flacco has been doing his best to water down their best efforts behind center. But the Ravens have authored three shutouts after Week 11’s 23-0 win and could hang their hats on how far the defensive unit can carry them.

 
4 of 32

Buffalo Bills: The die hards

Buffalo Bills: The die hards
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The tailgates in Buffalo have become mid-'90s WWE-worthy. The broken table highlights have been more notable than the team's passing game so far. It’s a good thing, too, as the Bills have been in need of such support with the annual midseason dive looking to be in full bloom following one of the worst QB debuts in NFL history courtesy of Nathan Peterman’s five interceptions in half a game.

 
5 of 32

Carolina Panthers: A defensive state of mind

Carolina Panthers: A defensive state of mind
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

In a year when the offense has not had a regular identity outside of Cam Newton improvising on the run, much of the responsibility for keeping the Panthers in the chase has been hoisted onto a defense that has carried the weight. Luke Kuechly has rebounded from a scary concussion-shortened 2016 to be the maestro of the attack and has the Panthers positioned at the heart of the fight to return to the playoffs.

 
6 of 32

Chicago Bears: Big impact from a little package

Chicago Bears: Big impact from a little package
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

After spending $15 million on a free agent quarterback, Mike Glennon, whom they replaced after just a month with another QB they used the second overall pick on in the season, it reasons to believe that the Bears' offense would have a "Help Wanted" sign up on a weekly basis. However, help surprisingly has come in the form of a 5-6 fourth-round draft pick in Tarik Cohen, who leads the team in receptions, rushing yards per attempt, and handles punt and kick returns. 

 
7 of 32

Cincinnati Bengals: A lock-down secondary

Cincinnati Bengals: A lock-down secondary
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Hitched to the wagon of Andy Dalton and an offensive line that sometimes seems imaginary, a stout defense is often all that can be counted on in Cincy. Often, that defense has delivered, especially against opposing receivers. Dre Kirkpatrick, William Jackson III, Shawn Williams, George Iloka and Adam Jones have been hounds against some of the league’s best receivers thus far.

 
8 of 32

Cleveland Browns: It's over halfway done

Cleveland Browns: It's over halfway done
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It is that part of the year for a select few unfortunate fans where watching Saturday football takes precedence over the sufferings of Sunday. The Browns have inhabited this zone since well before the season started, so let’s look at this from the bright side: There’s about to be a lot of really good college football to window shop for that top pick next June coming up soon.

 
9 of 32

Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith

Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Lets make this as simple as possible: In two games without Tyron Smith, Dak Prescott has been sacked 12 times in eight quarters and has not thrown a touchdown. The Cowboys have now dropped two straight games at a critical time in the airtight NFC standings, with an NFC East title a distant memory. All-Pro tackles don’t grow on trees, and his loss is far more substantial than removal of Ezekiel Elliott from the picture. While his absence is clearly nothing to celebrate, his presence on the roster is something to be beyond thankful for.

 
10 of 32

Denver Broncos: Finally circling off the scene of the crime

Denver Broncos: Finally circling off the scene of the crime
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Although it has been nearly 20 years since he last suited up, at this point it should be assumed that John Elway is the best quarterback currently associated with the Broncos. Between Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler, the team barely has a functioning brain on offense. It appears to say a lot about Paxton Lynch that the club is doing everything in its power to keep the 2016 first-round pick off the field still. At the very least, the Broncos know that the quarterback position is the root of what ails them — and why they regularly forget the address for the end zone.

 
11 of 32

Detroit Lions: Another underrated MVP-like effort from Matthew Stafford

Detroit Lions: Another underrated MVP-like effort from Matthew Stafford
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

It could be argued that no player means more to his team than Stafford does in Detroit. It could also be said that no player is having a more meaningful year than Stafford is as well. In Lions' victories — of which they just finished their third straight — Stafford has a QB rating of 113.9. While it could easily be argued, the problem is that not enough are paying attention to just how directly pivotal Stafford is every time he laces up his cleats and instead focusing on the absence of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.

 
12 of 32

Green Bay Packers: Losing (and hopefully regaining) their way

Green Bay Packers: Losing (and hopefully regaining) their way
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Not that they needed a reminder or anything, but life is a lot easier with a world-class, once-in-a-generation quarterback. When Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone a month ago, the Packers were 4-1. Since, the club has gone 1-4 and was shut out for the first time since 2006. But with Rodgers finally taking snaps again in practice, a return this year seems feasible, which is even more reason to be patiently optimistic.

 
13 of 32

Houston Texans: The 11 teams that passed on Deshaun Watson

Houston Texans: The 11 teams that passed on Deshaun Watson
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

He entered the league as part heralded college star, part slightly overlooked underdog who slid some on draft day. Watson wasted no time in proving any and all detractors wrong, setting a host of rookie touchdown records in his injury-abbreviated rookie season. What the modest, undeniably unshakable signal caller did was establish himself as one of the unquestionable superstars in the making in the game. While his rookie season was cut short, Watson showed the signs of a man who could take the Texans to new heights in short order upon his return.

 
14 of 32

Indianapolis Colts: Jacoby Brissett's turn as a tackling dummy

Indianapolis Colts: Jacoby Brissett's turn as a tackling dummy
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Opportunity comes in many directions and can come at you fast — much like mostly unobstructed defensive lineman. Brissett got to step out of the shadow of Tom Brady as a bookmark starter for the Colts, who have had to make due without Andrew Luck for the year. While the opportunity is nice, the conditions often have not been as enticing, as Brissett has been sacked a league-high 35 times in 10 games and had a date with concussion protocol along the way. The last seven weeks of the season could excruciating for him.

 
15 of 32

Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette

Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Look, put all of the suspensions and issues regarding team pictures aside: Fournette’s arrival in Jacksonville has been a godsend. It's not just because he’s one of the most athletic runners his size to arrive in the game since Adrian Peterson, nor is it the 75-yard runs or the six touchdowns in his first eight games. The most important thing about Fournette’s onset is that it gets the ball out of the hands of Blake Bortles more than ever, and that is an undeniably important outcome.

 
16 of 32

Kansas City Chiefs: Touchdown celebrations being back in vogue

Kansas City Chiefs: Touchdown celebrations being back in vogue
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Truthfully speaking, we should all be thankful for this one. The lift on the dark ages of celebration bans in the No Fun League has allowed for an unprecedented renaissance of coordinated TD parties. One of the best on the year came after a Travis Kelce score on Nov. 5 and Tyreek Hill and Demarcus Robinson joined Kelce for a three-man hop-off via a potato sack race.

 
17 of 32

Los Angeles Chargers: A classic effort from Philip Rivers

Los Angeles Chargers: A classic effort from Philip Rivers
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

While many of his contemporaries have begun to show some signs of tarnish, Rivers has put on a virtuoso performance in holding together the Chargers. He has thrown only one interception in the team's wins and has been at his best in games settled by seven or fewer points, completing 62 percent of his passes with a 96.3 QB rating.

 
18 of 32

Los Angeles Rams: Saint Sean McVay

Los Angeles Rams: Saint Sean McVay
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Resurrecting the Rams is no joke. It was one of the most elusive accomplishments in all of sports for the well over the past decade. However, in just under a year, the 31-year-old new shot caller in L.A. has not only done that — he has transformed them into the top offense in the NFL. Forget about debating Coach of the Year for McVay; the Vatican needs to be notified, as sainthood could be in the cards for the miracle he's worked in L.A.

 
19 of 32

Miami Dolphins: Jarvis making life with Jay easier

Miami Dolphins: Jarvis making life with Jay easier
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Life with Jay Cutler under center has rarely been simple at any point in his career. In his stint since ending his retirement, things have often been even more confounding than ever. That’s where Landry comes into play. He's been a safety blanket for Cutler. Landry is third the NFL in catches, and while he's only averaging 8.5 yards per catch, he's been there for Cutler when he's needed. Regardless of how long or short the pass is, at least it's staying with the Fins as opposed to the other team, which has happened far too often with Cutler under center.

 
20 of 32

Minnesota Vikings: Case Keenum, game manager extrodinaire

Minnesota Vikings: Case Keenum, game manager extrodinaire
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

There very well may be a curse around the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback room. With Sam Bradford out of action again and Teddy Bridgewater putting the final touches on his miraculous comeback from a career-threatening injury, the job of quarterbacking the Vikes fell into the unheralded hands of Case Keenum. After spending a career as a bookmark behind center, Keenum has been more than up for the task, completing 65 percent of his passes and throwing 11 touchdowns. It has been an admirable performance in keeping the NFC North leaders churning along.

 
21 of 32

New England Patriots: Tom Brady being Tom Brady

New England Patriots: Tom Brady being Tom Brady
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

While this certainly does not need any validation, what Brady is pulling off as a 40-year-old may be his greatest trick yet. Carrying the load for an offense that has been at times saddled with bad offensive line play, the loss of Julian Edelman and a defense that at times has been unable to carry its share of the weight, the Pats have remained relentless under the unflappable guise of the GOAT, who is leading the NFL in passing yards and has 22 touchdowns to only two picks.

 
22 of 32

New Orleans Saints: Letting the good times roll, literally

New Orleans Saints: Letting the good times roll, literally
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

For over a decade, New Orleans has been home to one of the most impressive aerial displays in NFL history, as Drew Brees has passed for over 39 miles in his career. However, a more rough and rugged form of football has helped r evive the Saints, who will sit down at the Thanksgiving table as winners of eight straight and atop the NFC South. Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara have become the most dangerous duo of runners in the game, combining to average 5.6 yards per carry and 11 rushing touchdowns on the year.

 
23 of 32

New York Giants: A guaranteed reset

New York Giants: A guaranteed reset
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Amid a hoard of crushing injuries, an underwhelming defense and a quickly regressing Eli Manning, the Giants are stumbling through their worst season in over three decades. If there is a bright side to it, it is that there will certainly be an overhaul that’s awaiting on the other side of week 17. Moving on from Ben McAdoo is a virtual certainty, but could it be the end of days for Manning as well? What exactly will the Giants do with a potential top three pick? There are far more questions than answers that come with every week.

 
24 of 32

New York Jets: Being refreshingly not terrible

New York Jets: Being refreshingly not terrible
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the year, there was some talk about the Jets being a one- or two-win type of team — maybe even an 0-16 squad. However, behind inspired play from some unlikely sources, like Josh McCown, Robby Anderson, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and a maturing defense, the Jets aren’t outright awful and can be entertaining at times. Sometimes, that’s the best you can ask for.

 
25 of 32

Oakland Raiders: Bringing back the Beast

Oakland Raiders: Bringing back the Beast
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Marshawn Lynch is back, and that means so many things at once. It's as much about trucking entire defenses as it is about going up in the stands to watch a game with the fans after being ejected from that same game himself. There is nobody who more embodies his home city than Beast Mode does for Oakland. While Marshawn’s return has not always been the most productive one, he has brought undeniable joy and enthusiasm back to the game. Football is simply a better place when he doing what only he can do, and that’s be unapologetically himself.

 
26 of 32

Philadelphia Eagles: An Earth-moving offensive line

Philadelphia Eagles: An Earth-moving offensive line
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Wentz has been tremendous in his second season and could be on his way to taking home an MVP award for his troubles, but much credit must be paid to a downright filthy offensive line. It has been a massive difference maker while Wentz employs Doug Pederson’s unpredictable read-based attack. Even after losing All-Pro Jason Peters, the Eagles' front of Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Stefen Wisniewski and Isaac Seumalo have paved the way for a big lead in the NFC for Philly.

 
27 of 32

Pittsburgh Steelers: Tthe healing presence of Antonio Brown

Pittsburgh Steelers: Tthe healing presence of Antonio Brown
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It is clear to many (including himself) that Ben Roethlisberger is not the guy he used to be. The passes are not quite as on point, and the zip behind them isn't what it once was. Lucky enough, Antonio Brown is still the best — and most targeted — wide receiver on Earth and has helped make Big Ben's decline a more graceful affair. After a 10-catch, 144-yard showing in Week 11 that included three trips to the end zone, Brown is firmly on pace for his fifth straight year of at least 110 catches and 1,200 yards.

 
28 of 32

San Francisco 49ers: Taking care of the future early

San Francisco 49ers: Taking care of the future early
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers had plenty of concerns entering the year, and their winless streak to start the season saw them ironically get called the “0 and Niners” before finally getting in the win column. While that victory helped ease the urgency of the year, the biggest move came with the acquisition of everybody’s favorite backup QB, Jimmy Garoppolo. The Niners kept an eye to the future by shipping a second-round pick to Foxboro for him, giving first-year head coach Kyle Shanahan yet another talent to mold for the future much like he did for the reigning MVP Matt Ryan in Atlanta.

 
29 of 32

Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Graham, touchdown magnet

Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Graham, touchdown magnet
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The holiday season has not brought good tidings for the Seahawks this year, as the injury cloud has taken a disproportionate toll on their ranks. As a result, they’ve had to lean heavy on their survivors, such as Graham, who has again become a target for TDs like few others. For a team with little to no running game and Russell Wilson often running for his life, Graham is a again a godsend in the end zone.

 
30 of 32

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A motivational comedy of errors

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A motivational comedy of errors
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

In a year for Jameis Winston that’s been rough on field and could be getting even rougher off of it, we can all give thanks for the brief comic relief of his oddly motivational "eat the W" pregame speech in New Orleans on Nov 5. Sure, the Bucs took a 30-10 shellacking on the chin afterward, but that’s a moment that should successfully navigate the ever-so-rare line between comedy and haunting us in our dreams.

 
31 of 32

Tennessee Titans: The scheduling gods

Tennessee Titans: The scheduling gods
Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Good favor can be the greatest ally of all, and the Titans certainly know the light that a great schedule can shine on a season. After falling to a 2-3 start, Tennessee ripped off four straight wins to jump back into the wide-open AFC postseason scene. With the Colts, the Deshaun Watson-less Texans, 49ers, and a pair of home contests with the Rams and Jaguars ahead in the two weeks of the season, things are looking pretty, pretty, pretty good for Tennessee down the stretch. On behalf of the city of Nashville, thank you scheduling deities.

 
32 of 32

Washington Redskins: Having a quarterback worth your love

Washington Redskins: Having a quarterback worth your love
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

You know, there is something about Kirk Cousins that just seems to make him prone to disrespect. Even his own team seems apprehensive about a long-term relationship. However, Cousins continues to put up very commitment-worthy performances, posting five 300-yard games on the year and essentially living without a running back in the process. In this season of giving, why not give Kirk a chance? You know, a real one?

Matt Whitener is St. Louis-based writer, radio host and 12-6 curveball enthusiast. He has been covering Major League Baseball since 2010, and dabbles in WWE, NBA and other odd jobs as well. Follow Matt on Twitter at @CheapSeatFan.

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