New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are trying to take control of their season when they play their first ever home game on Thanksgiving in the nightcap of the NFL’s annual tripleheader on Thanksgiving as they take on a team that hopes they turned around their season with a much-needed win four days ago on Sunday, the New York Giants.

The Denver Broncos (6-4) were off to a shocking start at 6-0 and were starting to be taken seriously by NFL pundits as a contender, but since that start they have flounder and have been unable to win. After looking like a sure-fire lock to win the AFC West for a second straight year, they have swooned and allowed the San Diego Chargers to move into the lead in the division for a second straight season.

Sunday’s 32-3 home thumping certainly does not bode well for Denver since San Diego is on a five-game winning streak and up a game in the AFC West.

The Broncos were prepared to go to battle with Chris Simms in Sunday’s game, but he did not last long before they brought in an ailing Kyle Orton. Simms went 2 for 4 for 10 yards and fumbled the ball before being yanked for Orton prior to the half.

It would appear Orton, who went 15 for 29 for 171 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, appears to be the starter for Thursday’s game.

The New York Giants (6-4) know all too well about losing streaks. Like the Broncos, the Giants got off to a perfect start through four games, but then promptly lost four straight contests before hitting their bye and coming back with an overtime victory at home over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The victory came as a relief for those wearing the blue as they got their first win in over a month and a half and are looking forward to having three home games in their final five games following this trip to Denver and their road games consist of a manageable flight to Minnesota and quick trip to Washington.

Eli Manning, who struggled with turnovers during the losing streak, bounced back by throwing for 389 yards with three touchdowns and an early interception. His favorite target on the post-Plaxico Burress offense is turning out to be Mario Manningham, who caught six passes for 126 yards.

The Falcons’ noticed this and left tight end Kevin Boss open, who accounted for two of Manning’s three scores on the day.

The Giants’ defense has not been playing up to their standards including allowing a struggling Matt Ryan and Falcons’ offense to score the tying score late in the game to force overtime.

The Giants won the last game in the series, 24-23 in 2005.