Game Capsules

Miami (-3) at Detroit, Thursday 12:30 p.m.

Comments: Not exactly an intriguing Thanksgiving matchup, with Joey Harrington’s return to Detroit being the main headline. The teams enter going in opposite directions, as the Lions have dropped two straight against weak competition, while the Dolphins have won three straight contests with strong defensive play. Missing both interior linemen and Kevin Jones (ankle, questionable), Detroit also comes in quite depleted. With unproven Arlen Harris taking over at running back, and a little Aveion Cason mixed in, look for Mike Martz to become even more pass-happy than usual. While all those attempts may turn into decent yardage production, Jon Kitna has been unable to translate them into touchdowns recently, having thrown for just two scores over the last three games. His 11/12 TD/INT ratio on the season leaves a lot to be desired. Kitna has also been guilty of holding onto the ball too long, evidenced by him being sacked 10 times during his last three games. With no running game against a fast improving defense, more sacks and turnovers should be expected Thursday…Joey Harrington hasn’t played any better for the Dolphins than he did with Detroit, but he certainly is winning more. Harrington never won three straight games with the Lions, but he already has with the Dolphins in just six starts with his new team. Amid boos in Ford Field, expect Harrington to have a rather successful return against a suspect Lions’ secondary. As for Miami’s ground game, last week saw them produce one of the worst rushing performances in NFL history, gaining just 4 yards on 13 attempts against Minnesota. This week, however, life gets much easier, as an already beatable Detroit run defense will be without Shaun Cody (toe, doubtful) and Shaun Rodgers (knee). Expect a nice bounce back effort from Ronnie Brown (groin, probable) this week. Just like last year, this Miami team is playing at a much higher level during the second half of the season…Randy McMichael (shoulder), Wes Welker (ankle) and Channing Crowder (hip) are all probable to play for the Dolphins, while Keith Traylor’s (knee, probable) return to the lineup will be a nice boost to their run defense…Miami has won the last three matchups between these two teams.

Predictions: The Lions all but abandon the rushing attack, giving Jon Kitna plenty of opportunities to reach 260 passing yards, while also getting picked off twice and tossing TD strikes to Roy Williams and Mike Furrey. Arlen Harris is stymied, failing to even reach 50 rushing yards. Joey Harrington has a solid game in his return to Detroit, throwing for 250 yards and touchdowns to Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. Randy McMichael also chips in 80 receiving yards, while Ronnie Brown gains 120 total yards. He also reaches paydirt, helping Miami win its fourth straight. Dolphins 21-17.

Tampa Bay (+11) at Dallas, Thursday 4:15 p.m.

Comments: While Tampa Bay enters in the middle of a lost season with any playoff hopes shattered, Dallas has far greater goals, as no team has been more impressive once Tony Romo took the reigns. The Buccaneers did get a win last week, however, thanks in large part to an increased workload by Carnell Williams. Even while inexperienced, coach Jon Gruden had previously been relying heavily on rookie Bruce Gradkowski. Last week saw him attempt the fewest amount of passes since taking over the starting quarterback job, which resulted in his best effort yet (8.5 YPA). Williams, meanwhile, gained 122 yards on the ground on a season-high 27 carries, just his second 100-yard effort on the year. It was also just the fifth time all season he was given 20 touches in a game. Don’t expect similar numbers from Gradkowski and Williams Thursday, however, as Dallas’ defense has been playing at an elite level recently…Coming off an emotional win over previously undefeated Indianapolis during a short week could spell a letdown for Dallas, but this is a pretty sizeable mismatch on paper. Look for the Cowboys to attack Tampa Bay’s suspect run defense, as both Julius Jones and Marion Barber are having successful seasons. It’s undeniable that Romo has been a huge upgrade over Drew Bledsoe at this point; Romo’s been sacked nine fewer times (16 to 7) than Bledsoe was in the same amount of playing time. During the second halves of the last two games, Romo has completed a remarkable 20-of-21 passes. While Dallas may have a hard time getting up for this game, it’s Nationally televised on Thanksgiving, and Tampa Bay’s offense might be the worst in the league, making it difficult for them to even hang around…While Dallas reports no significant injuries, Tampa Bay lists Juran Bolden (shin), Shelton Quarles (knee) and Alex Smith (ankle) as questionable on the injury report. Simeon Rice (shoulder) was just placed on injured reserve, ending his season…Tampa Bay has won the last three matchups between these two teams but has dropped its last five road games.

Predictions: Bruce Gradkowski is held in check, managing just 160 yards, while throwing two interceptions and a TD to Joey Galloway. Galloway also adds 80 receiving yards as well. Carnell Williams is also relatively shut down, getting just 60 combined yards. Tony Romo picks apart the Tampa two defense, throwing for 220 yards and TD strikes to Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. Owens also goes for 120 receiving yards on the day. Julius Jones gets 90 yards on the ground, while Marion Barber picks up an additional 50 and a score as well, as Dallas continues to roll. Cowboys 27-13.