NFL Photos | NFL Photography Gallery | NFL.com
Photo Essay Week 12: Curse, Coincidence or Superstition
Many sports fans are inclined to believe that team losses can be traced back to a curse or superstition. So who said or did something to ruin their team's chance at a win in Week 12? Let's take a look.

The Detroit Lions lost their ninth consecutive game on Thanksgiving Day at the hands of the Houston Texans. To make matters worse, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz challenged a questionable Texans touchdown before the official review, which caused the play to not be reviewed at all. Ouch.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan boldly predicted a win over Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving Day. RGIII, however, had different plans as he threw for 311 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 38-31 win. Perhaps Ryan should just reach for the left-over turkey instead of guaranteeing more wins.

The New York Jets appeared as if in a Turkey-induced coma as Tom Brady and the Patriots steam-rolled them on Thanksgiving. Not even Tim Tebow could work some magic and attempt to save the Jets, as he was out with a two broken ribs.

Late in the third quarter the Miami Dolphins surprised the Seattle Seahawks with a new secret weapon - their sprinkler system. Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill later led a game-winning fourth quarter drive in which the sprinklers surprisingly didn't make an appearance.

Two Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders shaved their heads to support Chuck Pagano and raise funds for leukemia research as the Colts beat the Bills 20-13. But since most of the Colts already shaved their heads, whose hair will be on the chopping block next week when they face the Detroit Lions?

New York Jets super-fan Fireman Ed announced his retirement as the Jets most high-profile fan today. Perhaps plain old Ed can help rally the Jets back from their disappointing 4-7 start to the season.