The Bump and Run - Week 12

November is coming to an end and turkey day is upon us.  You can consult this article when you storm out of your mother-in-law’s apartment because that old bag doesn’t respect your career in puppetry.  Despite her inability to understand your art, once you are out in the cold (or the warm, you never know these days) you’ll need a warm bar to catch some NFL action in.  If you are not a fan of gimmicks you can check out these establishments that are perfect for revelry on Thanksgiving night.  So without further ado, here is your late November guide to the key NFL match ups.

New York Giants @ Denver Broncos (Thursday, November 26^th – 8:20 pm) –

If you have Time Warner, it means you don’t have the NFL Network, so you’ll have to venture out to watch this game.  The Giants just eked one out over the Falcons in OT.  The Broncos got trampled by the Chargers.  Both need to pick up their games in a big way if they want to stay afloat in the playoff race.

Take a shot – Whenever they parallel the Giants and Broncos “falls from grace”.

Where to watch – Blondie’s – Open Thanksgiving starting in the evening, but you don’t want to watch the Raiders and Lions play anyway. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens (Sunday, November 29^th – 8:20 pm) –

There are a few solid Sunday games in daylight, but they are dwarfed in comparison to the Sunday and Monday night match ups.  The Steelers have a bad habit of losing to terrible teams as they did last week, but as long as Big Ben is 100% for this one, it could be a slobber-knocker.  That’s right, a slobber-knocker.

Take a shot – Whenever a team goes 3 and out.  With these two defensive powerhouses you may need to take a cab home.

Where to watch – Wharf – This Raven’s mainstay boasts good food and a better than average atmosphere in Grand Centralopolis.

New England Patriots @ New Orleans Saints (Monday, November 30^th – 8:30 pm) –

I despise pre-mature football talk.  I equate it to people who said Drew Brees is on par to throw 96 touchdown passes after week 1.  Against the Lions.  If Brees and the boys can stop Tom Brady however, I will have almost no doubts about the validity of the Saints in the big one.  It’s no secret that the key to the game is defense.  The Saints haven’t really faced an offense as potent as the Pats, so containment is the key.  Welker and Moss can make you pay all night.

Take a shot – Two words.  Lead change.  Then buckle up.

Where to watch – Bar None – Delightfully divey, this bar has the best prices in town and will be at critical mass for this game.