Arizona Cardinals meet St Louis Rams in week 12
Published November 25, 2012 | 
Which team will win the football game between Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams
In another close game that some of the sportsbooks are not giving up any points this week is the matchup between the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams. Taking a look at the odds at lunch time, (only a few hours before the game) the spread at Bet Online is zero points but William Hill has the line at the Cardinals as 1.5 point favorites. Let’s take a quick look at this and whether Arizona can make the spread.
These two are in 3rd and 4th places in the NFC West and both have seen their playoff hopes disappear in recent weeks. Nothing either of them do can change that. The record at St. Louis is 3 wins 6 losses and 1 tie with the record at Arizona is 4 and 6.
Just because they have no hope for any game play after the end of regular season doesn’t mean they aren’t ready to play or to win. I actually think it might be somewhat of an interesting game. I don’t think either one of them wants to walk out of the stadium and not say they didn’t give it their best.
Neither team will want to be known as the team that couldn’t win against their worst rivals in the conference this late in the season. But only one of them can come out of this game as the winner and I think it will be the Cardinals.
Yes Arizona will be playing a rookie quarterback in his first NFL start, but with Kevin Kolb injured and John Skelton on the bench Ryan Lindley might just actually surprise a number of people. As a rookie he may be prone to making mistakes that young passers do, but he has to get experience at some point and this is the perfect game for him to do so.
I think the biggest hurdle that the Cardinals face will be protecting Lindley and giving him the time to find his receivers. They have almost no running game so they will have to depend on him making the completions.
Their defenses are actually pretty closely matched and I think this game will depend a lot on how well either defense does. The Rams will be looking to pick off Lindley but they may find that will be more difficult than originally planned.
While the Rams have possession of the football, they will have to contend with Daryl Washington as well as a number of other defenders and I look for Washington to have a big game today.
I think this game will be decided by the defense, and the amount of mistakes made by either quarterback. Who will throw the least amount of interceptions, which will make fewer mistakes, and how well the defenses can read their opponents.
I am actually picking the Cardinals to win this game by 2 points and I admit that it is quite a stretch.
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Will NY Giants meet the point spread against Green Bay Packers week 12
Published November 24, 2012 | Will New York Giants make the point spread against the Green Bay Packers in week 12?
I will go on record as stating that no matter the outcome of this football game Sunday night, it will be a good one. It has all the makings of an excitement and thrills of a good game before it even starts.
In fact as of Saturday night the odds on this game at the sports betting shops we watch, such as Bet Online and William Hill have the Giants favored to win by 2 and a half to 3 points. (Bet Online 2.5 and Will Hill 3)
Each of these teams is leading their divisions with the Packers at 7 wins and 3 losses and the Giants at 6 and 4. Each of them has a quarterback that time and again has been able to make the plays and get their teams down the field and make those 1st downs when they really needed it.
I have stated many times in my articles here at Football Betting World how much I really enjoy watching great quarterbacks at work, and I think that both of these guys fit that category really well. Both Eli Manning of the Giants and Aaron Rodgers of the Packers can be very explosive and they both do a decent job of working under pressure and both can run no huddle offenses when the chips are down.
But since we have to decide which football team we want to bet on, we need to take a closer look at what we think will happen to help us determine if we want to take the Giants or if we want to bet on Green Bay and take the points.
Personally I am leaning toward the Packers so let me give a few of the reason why. First I think Green Bay is going to win this game. I will be honest, it is a little bit of an emotional pick, but it is fueled by some logic as well.
Make no mistake though, Eli Manning is a great quarterback with an awful lot of talent and he has some really good receivers to go to. Although they are not the only players Manning can throw to, the two biggest weapons he has with his air attack are wide receiver Victor Cruz and tight end Martellus Bennett. Now he has others also, but Green Bay will certainly have to keep an eye on those two to reduce the threat in the secondary.
I might have also added Domenik Hixon to that list but he is out with an ankle injury and will not be playing this week. Obviously we wish him the best and a speedy recovery, but the fact that he is out this week is one less choice of receivers that Manning can look for down field.
It is true that NY has a good offensive line and they protect Manning pretty well, but do not forget about Green Bay’s outside line backers Erik Walden and Nick Perry. Normally I would add Clay Matthews to that list but he is likely out of this game due to a ham string injury. In fact Matthews has 9 sacks this season and 10 assists making the lack of him being on the field a loss that will be felt.
I haven’t even mentioned the Packers’ defensive ends or tackles such as Ryan Pickett and Mike Neal as well as a number of others. Their line has done a decent job on the inside
Plus, the Giants are coming off their bye week. Now some will say that means they had more time to rest, but the other side of that thinking is that it may take them a little longer to get their momentum going too. This first couple of possessions by New York will certainly be the indicator on that.
On the offensive side of the ball is where the Packers will likely shine on Sunday night though. Aaron Rodgers is a seasoned veteran quarterback that has won a number of football games with his agility and fast thinking on his feet.
He has shown time and again that when he is having a good day, he can drive the team down field and has coordinated a number of successful drives even when fans as well as opposing teams had thought they had the game won. He just needs to have a good game.
He is currently hitting his receivers with the completions at just over 67%. That is pretty darn good. And he has a fair amount of guys he can go to with those throws such as Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones and more.
Like I said above, this is going to be a great game and is likely one of the better games of the weekend. Both teams want the win badly since they want to hold on to their lead in their divisions. I think the point spread is partially affected by the fact that the Giants beat the Packers last year and squashed their superbowl hopes.
Providing the line can protect Rodgers well, and providing that the loss of Matthews is not too great on their defense, I do think that the Green Bay Packers can and will be victorious over the New York Giants in the week 12 game Sunday night.
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Can the Atlanta Falcons make the point spread against Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Published November 24, 2012 | Will Atlanta Falcons make the point spread against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 12?
This week for our Offsides series, Frank Benjamin and I had decided to do our picks article on the NFC South division leaders the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These football teams meet on Sunday afternoon November 25, 2012 at 1:00 PM. The game is at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Looking at what the line is at the online sports books late Friday night I see that Bet Online and Sportsbetting each have this game at no points. Checking at William Hill, the point spread is at 1 point with the Falcons as the favorite.
Atlanta is currently in the lead in the division at 9 wins and 1 loss. They are also the conference leaders. Tampa is at 6 and 4 and in second place the division.
Atlanta already has their spot in the playoffs and Tampa is not out of it just yet either. In fact depending on the outcome of their next few games they are in a position to possibly end up in the division playoff game. This is certainly incentive on the part of the Buccaneers for wanting to win and Atlanta would like to preserve their winning record although a loss on Sunday would not hurt their playoff spot.
Let’s look at the game and some of the possibilities of what could happen. Looking at the Falcons we see a team that has quite a few wins under their belt for the season. Their offense is current ranked 8th in the league but that ranking doesn’t come from their running game, it is due to their air attack.
The Falcons are ranked 4th for passing and that is because of quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers like Roddy White, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas. And let’s not forget that he can go to his tight end Tony Gonzalez or running back Jacquizz Rodgers as well as a handful of others that have gotten free of their defenders and made the catch and sometimes the big play when needed.
This will be the most difficult thing for the Tampa defense to defend against. This means that corners like Danny Gorrer, E.J. Biggers and others will see a good bit of action. Corner back Leonard Johnson is probable for the game Sunday and with Eric Wright out he will be needed so hopefully he is fully recovered. I also look for Michael Bennett to pull his weight and help out both on the line as well as the backfield.
The entire Tampa defense will have to be on alert since the Falcons can really be deadly in the secondary and although they may blitz some; his offensive line has protected him well this year and he is known for having a fast release and getting the ball to his intended receivers.
On the offensive side of the ball the Buccaneers have been holding their own respectively. They have won their last 4 games and I am sure they are determined to score well against Atlanta this week. The Bucs are ranked 11th in offense and 9th on the ground in the league.
Quarterback Josh Freeman is completing a little less than 60% of his pass attempts overall but when it comes to the short pass, up to 10 yards he is at 64%. Although I am sure he will throw the ball some, I think Tampa will also need to access their running game a fair amount.
We will likely see a good bit of play from running backs Doug Martin, LeGarrette Blount and D.J. Ware. Martin is having a good year and in fact he just hit the 1000 yard mark and I see no reason for him not to do well on Sunday.
Will Atlanta make the spread or will Tampa beat the odds?
If the Tampa offense is able to mix it up well and get some effective passing along with their running game which has been getting them yards against their opponents then I do believe that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do have what it takes to beat the Atlanta Falcons.
I make no secret of the fact that I often like to pick what many will call an underdog, but picking Tampa this week is a little more than that. Tampa is really on a roll, they are hungry for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and if they can play like they have in the last few games I think they will hand Atlanta their second loss of the year.
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Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday as well as time constraints and family committments, Frank Benjamin at OddsOnBetting will not be providing the opposing viewpoint in this weeks Offsides picks. Be sure to visit us again next week for opposing articles when we cover another game.
New England Patriots vs NY Jets 2nd Half week 12
Published November 22, 2012 | NY Jets start the second half down by 32 points against the New England Patriots, can the Jets come back?
No surprise but the Jets can not do a l,ot with their first drive of the half and they punt. True to form the Patriots are moving down field well. A quarterback sneak gives them a first down justr after mid field.
On the next play during a run by Julian Edelman the Jets are able to force a fumble and recover the football. This could be a play that helps energize the NY bench a bit although they honestly need more than a little energizing, they need to run 5 solid scoring drives and force not less than 4 more turnovers.
Another play fumbled by NY but luckily for the Jets they recover and retain possession of the ball. Then a pass play into the end zone that is ruled incomplete looked to be a possible reception so the Jets challenge the play.
A penalty against the Patriots while backed up into their own end zone and it takes the score to 5 Jets to 35 Patriots. The Jets are successful on their drive for the 6 points and with the extra point it takes the score to 12 to 35.
Even though they are down by 23 points the Jets defense have had a number of series where they make some really good plays and cover up the receivers well and stop the run, they have not been able to string enough of those defensive plays together and the Patriots certainly has an offense that is having a superior game tonight against the Jets.
As the quarter ends the score is still 35 to 12 with the Patriots in the lead and control of the ball.
Tom Brady and company drive their way down field and get a first down on the 4. They get the touchdown and take the score to 42 to 12 and have a solid 30 point lead with 12 minutes left in the game.
Another series that goes nowhere for the Jets and then another series and touchdown by the Patriots. The score is now at 49 to 12 with New England with the lead. The Jets score and take the score to 19 New York to 49 New England.
The final score New England Patriots 49 to New York Jets 19.
NY Jets vs New England Patriots 1st Half week 12
Published November 22, 2012 | Can the favorite New England Patriots win against the New York Jets Thanksgiving Day 2012?
The Patriots are the first with the ball and after a sack on 1st down they are unable to convert so they go 3 and out and punt the football. A quick out by the Jets and the Patriots get the ball back.
A much better drive by the Patriots on this possession and they have a first down and are inside NY territory quick. New England unable to convert on 3rd down in the red zone and tries a field goal which is not made so they turn the ball over without the points.
A nice run by Shonn Greene and the Jets get a first down at mid field.Another first down with a pass to Jeff Cumberland and the Jets are within field goal range and pushing forward. On a 2nd and 7 they are stopped short but a holding call on defense gives the Jets a first down inside the 30.
A nice drive shaping up for the Jets but a pass by quarterback Mark Sanchez is picked off by Steve Gregory and New England gets the interception and takes over at their own 16 yard line.
As the first quarter winds down the game is still without a score and the Patriots have the ball at the 3 yard line and it is 3rd and goal. Quarterback Tom Brady for the Patriots with lots of time hits Wes Welker and they get the touchdown and the first score of the game. New England 7 to NY Jets 0.
The Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and and he is moving NY comfortably down field similar to the last drive that ended in an interception. Since they did not get the first down the Jets go for it on fourth and 1, but are stopped at about the line of scrimmage, but then suddenly the football pops out and it is recovered by New England. The Patriots will take over on the turnover and start the drive from their own 17.
Then a pass play to Shane Vereen and he runs it into the end zone for the 6. The Patriots extend their lead to 14 to 0 against the Jets.
Before you know it on another drive the Jets once again appear to be doing ok but a fumble recovered by Julian Edelman is run back for a touchdown and the Patriots now have a 4 touchdown lead with the score at 28 to 0 against the Jets.
And for the 5th time tonight the Patriots get in to the end zone and the score is at 35 to 0 with 3 minutes left in the first half. And may I remind you that they have score all 35 points in the second quarter.
Finally able to score the Jets take the field goal with 7 seconds left in the first half so they go to the locker room at half time with a score of 3 Jets to 35 Patriots.
Washington Redskins vs Dallas Cowboys 2nd Half week 12
Published November 22, 2012 | Can the favorite Dallas Cowboys come back from a 25 point deficit in the 2nd half against the Washington Redskins Thanksgiving Day 2012?
The Cowboys have the first possession of the second half and must not have unsuccessful drives. Their first play which is a pass to Cole Beasley for a first down are the kinds of plays they must continue to have. A big pass play by Felix Jones and he turns it into a good gain and Dallas has the ball on the 10 yard line.
A penalty backs them up 5, then with an unsuccessful play and suddenly it’s 3rd and 15 which they do not convert so they must go for the field goal. They have no choice but to take the 3 points since they just can’t risk any drive not ending in points for them. The score moves to 6 Dallas to 28 Washington.
A big sack by Jason Hatcher on 1st down and Washington is backed up to the 5 yard line. On 3rd down Griffin makes a complete pass to Josh Morgan and gets the first down. Dallas risks losing the time out and challenges the play on the spot since it was right on the line. The ruling on the field was a 1st down and it is overturned since it was actually short of the 1st down and the Redskins must punt the ball.
Dallas gets the ball back on the 33 yard line down by 22 points in the third quarter. After what looks to be shaping up as a decent drive, the first time today that Romo is sacked comes on 3rd down so Dallas has to punt and Washington gets the ball back with a 22 point lead.
Dallas is able to shut down the Washington drive so they will get another opportunity with a little more than 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Another interception thrown by Romo, this time picked off by London Fletcher and the Redskins get the ball back on the 49.
Dallas shuts down this drive quickly and will have a chance at the football again. They take over on the 15 and on the first play a short pass to Dez Bryant and he breaks a tackle and takes it 85 yards in for a touchdown. This makes it a 15 point game with the score at 13 to 28 with Washington in the lead.
With just over a minute to go in the third quarter Dallas is tasked with shutting down the Redskin drive or forcing a turnover if they want to get back into this game.
Griffin, one of the best in the league at faking out the defensive line wondering where the ball is, keeps it and runs for 13 yards and the first down.
The first play of the 4th quarter is another first down and Washington is at mid field. On 3rd and inches Griffin makes a pass to Paul Niles and Washington gets another touchdown. This takes the score to 35 Washington to 13 Dallas.
A couple of good plays by Dallas and they find themselves inside the Redskin 30. They can not settle for a field goal on this drive and must come up with a touchdown. A short pass to Jones and his second effort gives him credit for a 10 yard touchdown.
Dallas decides to go for the two point conversion. With no one able to get open Romo dives for it and gets accross the line and makes the points. This makes the score Dallas 21 to Washington 35 a two touchdown game. The Cowboys have not won the game but they certainly are proving that they have no intention of walking away without a fight.
A really big play by Dallas and Charlie Peprah intercepts the ball and runs it back and gets inside the Redskin 20 for a really big turnover and the kind of thing they really needed in an attempt to turn the game back in their favor.
Another pass to Dez Bryant in the end zone is complete and Dallas is clearly back in this game. There is just over 8 minutes left and the Dallas Cowboys made this the most exciting Thanksgiving Day football that I can remember in the last few years. The score is now 28 Dallas to 35 Washington a single score game.
With just under 3 minutes left in the football game the Redskins take a 48 yard field goal and extends their lead to 10 points. The score moves to 38 Washington to 28 Dallas. Dalas has only 1 time out left.
A field goal with 18 seconds left and Dallas is down by 7 with a score of 31 Dallas to 38 Washington. They obviously will do an on side kick. The ball is picked up by DeAngelo Hall for the Redskins and he slides in to the 1 yard line so Washington will take a knee and win the game on the next down.
The final score of the game is 38 Washington Redskins 38 to Dallas Cowboys 31.
Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins 1st Half week 12
Published November 22, 2012 | First Half with the Washington Redskins against the Dallas Cowboys in week 12
A 3 and out for the Redskins and the Cowboys will take the field with good field position. Dallas, first to get a first down with a pass by Tony Romo. After a few quick throws by Romo the Cowboys are in the red zone and are in scoring position on their first drive. Dallas takes the field goal and the early lead with the score at 3 to 0.
The Redskins get the first down on this drive, and then another short pass gets another 1st getting Washington to mid field. The next play is a sack giving the Redskins a loss and then suddeenly they find themselves in a 3rd down and long which they do not convert and they must punt the ball again.
Dallas gets the ball back on their own 13 yard line with a 3 point lead. Looking like they might not get the first on a 3rd and eight they get the first down and keep the drive alive. Dallas punts the ball and instead of taking a knee or letting it go in the end zone, Washington tries to bring it out and Dallas is there to make the stop on the 7 yard line.
A good read by quarterback Robert Griffin III and he runs it out and gets the first down. This is somethat Griffin does extemely well and in fact something that I predicted he would do a number of times in this game here in my picks article from last night.
A deep pass to wide receiver Aldrick Robinson and the Redskins are first to get the 6 points on the board and take the lead for the first time in the game. The score is now at Washington 7 to Dallas 3.
Dallas having a good drive makes a first down at mid field but a play on the Redskin defense by corner back Josh Wilson and he forces a fumble and the Redskins get the ball back and take over in Dallas territory.
Washington is turning in a great drive on this possession. They are mixing it up real well between play action passes and rushing plays and have been effective on both counts. A pass interference call in the end zone places the ball on the 1 yard line and the next play they take it in for the points. This extends the Redskin lead with a score of 14 Washington to 3 Dallas.
Washington stops Dallas on their next drive so they get the ball back again. Washington seems to be keeping their momentum up and another pass by Griffin to Pierre Garcon that he runs in for a for a touchdown. There is a penalty on the play but it is against the defense so it will be assessed on the kick. Washington moves the lead to 18 points with a score of 21 Redskins to 3 for the Cowboys.
At the two minute warning Dallas has the ball but is facing an 18 point deficit. With only 1 timeout left Dallas must try and get in for 6 points and then Romo throws an interception picked off by DeAngelo Hall and the Redskins have 30 seconds with 3 time outs left in the half and are in Dallas territory.
Great time management and manuevering of the ball by Griffin and the Redskins get the ball to the 6 yard line with 10 seconds left in the half. They get the touchdown with a pass to Santana Moss and they take the lead to 28 Washington to 3 Dallas at the half.
Overtime in week 12 Detroit Lions against Houston Texans
Published November 22, 2012 | Houston Texans in overtime 2nd time in a week this time against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day week 12
In overtime Detroit wins the coin toss and opts to recieve. Ironically this is Houstn’s second game that went to overtime in less than 7 days. The game they had last week with Jacksonville also went to OT.
A big play by Houston defense and they manage to force a fumble, the first one of the whole game, and the Texans recover the ball and will take over on their own 35. That could end up being the play that won the game.
The Texans get within field goal range with a first down but the Lions make a few good stops from behind the line of scrimmage and back them up slightly. Houston makes a 51 yard field goal attempt but the kick is not good so Detroit will get the ball back with decent field position with just over 9 minutes left in overtime.
Detroit gets the first down on the 45 yard line. Then on a 3rd and 10 the pass is incomplete but bounces into the air and the Texans recover the ball. This play is reviewed automatically and the play is ruled incomplete since it hit the ground.
Detroit must punt since they are not within field goal range. The ball is downed on the nine yard line so Houston takes over deep in their own territory.
Talk about irony, Chris Houston cornerback for the Lions, forces a turnover and comes up with the ball for Detroit giving them another shot at putting up the OT points. A nice pass to tight end Tony Scheffler and they get a first down at their own 28 yard line.
A 47 yard field goal attempt hits the post and is no good. Houston will get the ball back with just over 4 minutes left on the 37 yard line.
Houston gets the field goal and wins in overtime against the Detroit Lions. The final score of the football game Houston Texans 34 to Detroit Lions 31.
Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans 2nd Half week 12
Published November 22, 2012 | Second Half in the Houston Texans against the Detroit Lions week 12 football game
Houston’s first possession of the second half is a 3 and out so the Lions defense is continuing to do their job well. The Lions do not get in for six on their next drive but they do get within kicking distance and take the field goal. They now have a 10 point lead and the score is 24 Detroit to 14 Houston.
Houston runs the ball in for an 81 yard touchdown in the most controversial play of the game. The run by running back Justin Forsett was actually down by contact but since there was not a whistle that stopped the play he got up and ran it in. The rules, since there was a flag, did not allow the play to be reviewed so the credit is given to the Texans for the 81 yards and the points. With the extra point the score is Houston 21 to Detroit 24.
The Lions do not do much with the following drive and they must pint the ball back to Houston. Detroit will have to be careful not to allow the setback of what they may feel was bad call in the 3rd quarter that led to the Texan touchdown to affect them adversely. They must get back on track and continue to play like they did in the first half.
Houston can not get deep into Lion territory and must take a field goal. With this score, they manage to tie the game again and the score is at 24 to 24 with just over 2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
Detroit seems to be getting their momentum back and they drive down field and get in for the 6 points again. This takes the score to 31 Detroit to 24 Houston. Detroit stops them with a 3 and out and Houston must kick again.
The Detroit Lions certainly have been impressive against the Texans. The defense has been doing a very good job and the offense has surprised me with how well they have found the holes in between the tackles up front and gotten the extra yards when they needed it. They have gone to the outside a few times as well, but have had a few big plays right down the center similar to the previouslast drive that got them the points.
No first down for the Texans again and they go 3 and out and must punt. Catching for Detroit is Stefan Logan and even though he calls a fair catch he is hit by a Hoston defender and draws the 15 yard penaty. The Lions will start their next drive with good filed position and the football is on the 50 yard line.
A sack on 3rd down and the Lions must punt the ball. They were close to field goal range but just not quite enough so they punt which ends up being a great kick and Houston gets the ball back on their own 3 yard line.
Detroit keeps them to short yardage for 2 plays but they do convert on 3rd and 8 and get the first down. Then 2 more first downs in succession and they into Lion territory. The Lions break up the next third down attempt and the Texans are forced to go for it on 4th down and they manage to convert the first down. This puts them at a minimum in field goal range.
Houston appears to be turning in one of their best drives of the game under heavy pressure by the Lion defense and they get the first down inside the 10. At the two minute warning the Texans have a first down on the 1 yard line.
On a first and goal from the 1, Arian Foster pops in for the score. With the extra point the score is now tied and the clock sits at 1 minute 55 seconds. Regardless of the outcome of the next 2 minutes, Detroit and Houston have certainly been providing a thrilling football game.
Detroit manages to get a first down inside of Houston territory and are just about making it into field goal range. They are unable to convert the 3rd down and must punt the ball with 39 seconds left in the game so this game will go to overtime.
Houston Texans vs Detroit Lions 1st Half week 12
Published November 22, 2012 | First Half with the Houston Texans against the Detroit Lions in week 12
Detroit is the first to score and take the lead early in the game.
Houston gets the ball and they go 3 and out on their first possession. They punt the ball back to the Lions giving them the opportunity to extend the lead on this Thanksgiving Day football game.
The Texans defense steps up and shuts down the drive so they punt for the first time and are given the opportunity to even the score. A penalty flag on the punt for unsportsmanlike conduct backs Houston up 15 yards. Houston goes 3 and out again and Houston must punt. This makes 2 drives in a row for the Texans where they fail to get a first down on either one.
A 3 and out for the Lions and they punt the ball for the second time. During the punt, as the ball is coming down it appears to touch a Houston player and Detroit recovers the ball. This play is challenged but the play is not overturned and Houston has the ball on their own 45 yard line.
The Lions defense has been doing their job really well so far in this game and they stop the Texans short of the 1st down on a 3rd and eight and they must punt again. A fair catch on the 10 yard line and the Lions have another shot at it before the end of the 1st period. There is 3 minutes in the 1st quarter.
A nice first down on a 3rd and 10 with a pass to tight end Brandon Pettigrew. The drive ends up falling apart for the Lions and they punt the ball at the beginning of the 2nd quarter.
Houston is able to get into the end zone with a run by Arian Foster and they are finally able to put points on the board. The score is now tied at 7 to 7.
Before you know it the Lions are inside the red zone and the Texans are under pressure to shut down this drive and try and force the Lions to take a field goal, but they do not and a pass on 3rd and goal to Mike Thomas gets them the 6 points. With the extra point the Lions take the lead again for the second time of the game. The score is Detroit 14 to Houston 7.
Detroit gets into the end zone with a short pass to Owen Daniels. They get the extra point and the score is tied again at 14 each. With the 2 minute warning for the half approaching, the Lions have one more shot at taking a lead to the locker room at half time.
Detroit gets the football back and will start their drive on the 41 yard line. They run one play a short pass to Ryan Broyles and he takes it into the red zone. This brings up the two minute warning. A pass to Calvin Johnson and the Lions have the lead for the third time in this holiday football game. The score is 21 Lions to 14 Texans.
Since they did not use much time off the clock the Texans will have just under a minute and a half in the first half when they get the ball back. They have all 3 times outs and 1 minute 49.
The Lions defense seems to be reading the offensive line of Houston well, and they are getting there and making the stop and breaking up the plays well. Houston does convert the 3rd and gets a first down. The Lions break up the next play and knock the football out of quarterback Matt Schaub’s hands but foortunately for the Texans they recover the ball. They then let the clock run out and it brings up half time with the score still at 21 Detroit to Houston 14.
