NFL Betting Preview: Thanksgiving Day Games
Nothing says Thanksgiving like Detroit Lions football. Every year we all wake up with anticipation as we finally get to see the Lions take center stage and compete in their Super Bowl.
This year the Lions will be looking to end their winless season and then eat some celebratory turkey legs for this wonderful holiday. All joking aside, there is nothing better than watching football with the family on Thanksgiving.
But if you find yourself looking for a rooting interest in today’s games, here is a little betting preview to lay some action down before kick off.
*All odds and betting lines provided by WynnBet
Chicago Bears (3-7) vs. Detroit Lions (0-9-1)
Spread: CHI (-3)
Money Line: CHI (-145) DET (-125)
Over/Under: 41.5 Points
There is no sugar-coating it. On paper this matchup sucks. Two of the worst teams in football, much less the NFC North, squaring off in an exercise of futility. At the same time, this is tradition.
The Bears and Lions have played each other on Thanksgiving 18 times, with the tradition beginning in 1934. These teams have played in two of the last three Thanksgiving games, with the Bears taking each contest back in 2018 and in 2019.
Detroit has lost four-straight Thanksgiving games, marking the second-worst losing streak on Thanksgiving in franchise history. From 2004 through 2012, the Lions lost nine-straight Thanksgiving games.
Since 2001, the Lions are 5-15 playing on Thanksgiving. Could this be the year they finally get back in the win column?
Best Bet:
As bad as the Lions have been this year, the Bears have not been much better. At the end of the day, this is the two worst offenses in the NFC squaring off. Even at 41.5 points, the best bet is to take the under.
Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) vs. Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
Spread: DAL (-7.5)
Money Line: LV (+280) DAL (-340)
Over/Under: 51 Points
The Dallas Cowboys are of course another Thanksgiving day fixture, with this year marking their 54th annual appearance in the game.
In franchise history, the Cowboys are 31-21-1 on Thanksgiving. That record has taken a hit in recent years, as Dallas has lost three of their last four and five of their last seven games on Thanksgiving.
The Cowboys are coming off a terrible loss where their offense could not get anything going against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 19-9. Yet this week they are favored by more than a touchdown. That is because the Raiders are in a free-fall of their own.
Vegas has lost three games in a row and have gotten blown out in each of the last two weeks. The Bengals beat the Raiders by 19 points on Sunday at that game was played at home. We have been surprised by the Raiders before, but it would be a stunner for them to pull off this upset.
Best Bet:
While I don’t love that spread, I do believe in Dallas to get the victory here. Hopefully it is by more than a touchdown. Take the Cowboys to cover.
Buffalo Bills (6-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (5-5)
Spread: BUF (-6.5)
Money Line: BUF (-260) NO (+220)
Over/Under: 45 Points
This matchup would have been a lot sexier a month ago. These two teams are both in the midst of tailspins. The Saints still reeling from the loss of their starting quarterback Jameis Winston and the Bills can’t seem to beat any good teams.
The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor just completely embarrassed the Bills last week, as Taylor rushed for 185 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-15 beatdown in Buffalo. The Saints meanwhile lost their third-straight game, as the Eagles beat them by 11 points.
One interesting stat to ponder before this game. The Saints are 3-0 playing on Thanksgiving in the Sean Payton era. The problem is that Drew Brees is no longer his quarterback.
Best Bet:
The only reason to pick against the Bills this week is because they have burned us all so many times this year. At the end of the day though, they are the better team and should win this one and convincingly. Especially considering the fact that Alvin Kamara is out.
Take the Bills to beat New Orleans and cover the spread.