Ted's Thanksgiving Weekend picks

THIS WEEK’S HALL OF FAMER: Ted Hendricks, Class of 1990
At 6’7”, linebacker Ted Hendricks was a dominating force during his Hall of Fame career from 1969-1983 that included 25 blocked field goals or extra points. He began his career with the Baltimore Colts, moved onto Green Bay, before making his mark with the Raiders. In all, Hendricks was named to eight Pro Bowls, played in four Super Bowls, and was voted to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Today, Ted lives in the Chicago area and is very involved with charity through his Ted Hendricks Foundation that is set up to help youth and seniors. He is also involved in the process of naming the annual Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award that is given to the best college defensive end. The announcement of this year’s winner will be on Dec. 10.

Ted remains a devoted Raiders fan and tries to make as many games as possible. He attended the team’s opener this season and also made it out to the game against the Eagles in Week 6. 

Ted’s “Hall of Fame” picks for Thanksgiving Weekend (Week 12 of the NFL Season)

{GALLERY}Bronzed Bust
Oakland at Dallas. – Of course, I’m picking this game. I’m Silver-and-Black all the way through. A game between the Cowboys and Raiders is always very competitive and that goes back a long, long time. I’m sure it’ll be the same on Thanksgiving Day. The Raiders seem like they have some new life after their big win against Cincinnati last week. They seem to be playing some real tough football. I’m going with my Raiders on Thursday.

Gold Jacket
Green Bay at Detroit – Well, Detroit had a great game against Cleveland last week so the Packers better watch out for them. But, I think the Packers also had a good win last Sunday over the 49ers and they’ll be prepared for anything that the Lions can throw at them. I’ll take Green Bay in this one.

Hall of Fame Ring
Miami at Buffalo – Buffalo is always a tough place to play. But, for a number of years Miami always had the Bills number. I don’t look for much to change this weekend and have to take Miami over Buffalo even with the Dolphins minus Ronnie Brown in the backfield. Miami looked good against Carolina in Week 11 and I think they’ll continue to perform this Sunday.

Now, here are my thoughts on the rest of the schedule going on in the NFL this weekend.

Giants will have a nice holiday win in Denver
Tough to pick between Seattle and St. Lous but I’ll go with the Seahawks
The Eagles will win at home against Washington
I’m taking the Falcons to beat the Bucs
The Colts will keep it going and beat the Texans
Bengals will beat Cleveland
Another toss-up game but I’ll go with the Jets over the Panthers
I like San Diego over Kansas City
Jacksonville over San Francisco
The Vikings at home over Chicago
Cardinals will get by Tennessee
I’ll go with the Steelers to beat Baltimore
And, New Orleans will win on Monday night over New England to go to 11-0.