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The NFL’s Thanksgiving tripleheader is set to showcase some exciting games, featuring the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, two NFC Super Bowl contenders, a rising AFC playoff team, and the potential for snowy conditions to add to the drama. And of course, we can't forget about the Cowboys and Giants.
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears (12:30 p.m. ET, CBS)
The first game of the day features the Detroit Lions hosting the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET. Detroit (10-1) currently leads the NFC standings, while the Bears (4-7), led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, are hoping to avoid a third consecutive heartbreaking loss to an NFC North rival.
Detroit’s head coach, Dan Campbell, is looking to end a seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving, which includes three losses to the Bears. Despite this, the Lions enter as double-digit favorites. Detroit’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has been potent at home, with Goff completing 73.1% of his passes for 10 touchdowns and three interceptions at Ford Field this season.
Chicago’s defense has been vulnerable in recent weeks, allowing an average of 294 passing yards over the past two games. The Bears’ offense, under the leadership of Williams, has shown some promise with a 66.3% completion rate and 285.5 passing yards per game. However, Detroit’s advanced offense is expected to dominate, making it difficult for Chicago to keep up.
Pick: Lions 38, Bears 21
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET, Fox)
The second game of the day will see the New York Giants (2-9) face off against the Dallas Cowboys (4-7) at 4:30 p.m. ET. This NFC East matchup pits quarterback Tommy DeVito of the Giants against Dallas’ backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Both teams are struggling, with Giants head coach Brian Daboll and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy under pressure to turn things around.
Dallas has struggled with rushing offense, ranking 31st in the league. However, Rush had an efficient outing in a 34-26 win over Washington, completing 75% of his passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He will likely rely on star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who caught 10 passes for 67 yards in the win. Meanwhile, the Giants are dealing with a host of issues, including the release of Daniel Jones and poor performances on both offense and defense. DeVito struggled in his first start of the season, taking four sacks and relying heavily on short passes.
Given the struggles of both teams, the game could be a low-scoring affair. Rush is expected to make fewer mistakes than DeVito, and Dallas' defense, led by Micah Parsons, should be the difference-maker.
Pick: Cowboys 24, Giants 18
Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers (8 p.m. ET, NBC)
The final game of the day features the Miami Dolphins (5-6) visiting the Green Bay Packers (8-3) at 8 p.m. ET. This game is expected to be a test of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s ability to perform in cold weather, as he has struggled in games with temperatures below 40 degrees, holding a 0-7 record in such conditions.
The Dolphins have been hot lately, with Tagovailoa throwing eight touchdowns and just one interception in his past three games. However, Green Bay’s defense is tough, and the Packers could be missing key players like cornerback Jaire Alexander due to injury. Green Bay will look to establish the running game with Josh Jacobs against a Dolphins defense that has allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing over the past five weeks.
Green Bay’s quarterback Jordan Love has been solid at home, with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season. The weather at Lambeau Field could give the Packers the edge, and despite the Dolphins' recent hot streak, Green Bay is expected to come through in the cold.
Pick: Packers 31, Dolphins 24
NFL Thanksgiving Game Picks Summary:
- Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: Lions 34, Bears 21
- New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: Cowboys 20, Giants 14
- Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers: Packers 31, Dolphins 26
