As families gather around the dinner table this Thanksgiving, many will also be huddled around the TV to catch the day’s NFL action. This year’s holiday slate features three intriguing matchups: Bears vs Lions, Giants vs Cowboys, and Dolphins vs Packers. Let’s preview each game, make our picks, and analyze the keys to victory.
Bears (4-7) at Lions (10-1)
The 10-1 Lions host the 4-7 Bears in the first game of the day. Detroit is heavily favored, but this NFC North rivalry always seems to produce close contests. For the Bears, the focus will be on getting the ball to star receiver DJ Moore, who has thrived on short passes since a midseason offensive coordinator change.
The Lions counter with a high-octane offense that has scored 40+ points in three straight home games. If Detroit avoids the distractions of playing on Thanksgiving and continues their dominant offensive pace, they should prevail. Our pick: Lions 30, Bears 17.
Keys to the Game
- Can the Bears’ offensive line protect QB Tommy DeVito?
- Will Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs shoulder the load with starter David Montgomery dinged up?
- Which defense will force more turnovers?
Giants (2-9) at Cowboys (4-7)
The 4-7 Cowboys host their NFC East rival Giants in the afternoon game. New York has lost 6 straight and is turning to third-string QB Tommy DeVito to right the ship. That will be a tall order against a fierce Dallas pass rush led by Micah Parsons.
For Dallas, getting a rare home win is crucial to salvaging their disappointing season. The Cowboys are winless at AT&T Stadium this year, a shocking stat for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. We think they get off the schneid in a low-scoring battle. Our pick: Cowboys 19, Giants 16.
Keys to the Game
- Which inexperienced QB (DeVito or Dallas’ Cooper Rush) will make fewer mistakes?
- Can the Giants muster any semblance of a rushing attack?
- Will the Cowboys finally give their home fans something to cheer about?
Dolphins (5-6) at Packers (8-3)
The nightcap features the 5-6 Dolphins visiting the 8-3 Packers. Miami has struggled in cold weather under coach Mike McDaniel, a troubling trend as they head to frigid Green Bay. But the Fins also boast the NFL’s most efficient offense since Week 8, scoring on a league-high 56.3% of their drives in that span.
Green Bay seems to be hitting their stride after solving their early season red zone woes. The Pack was a perfect 5-for-5 scoring TDs inside the 20 last week. At home, with Aaron Rodgers finding his groove, we’ll take the Packers to win a shootout. Our pick: Packers 34, Dolphins 28.
Keys to the Game
- Will cold weather again ice the Dolphins’ explosive offense?
- Can Packers RB Josh Jacobs keep his momentum going against a stout Miami run D?
- Which team will win the turnover battle?
No matter the outcomes, Thanksgiving and the NFL remain an iconic duo. So enjoy the food, family, and football this holiday – and hopefully our picks help you win some bragging rights at the dinner table!
