Thanksgiving means plenty of time for celebration and plenty of time for football. There are three games on the docket for this holiday, but only 2 with a big edge to bet on.
Let’s take a look at those two games in order to find winning picks, as always with the best NFL odds available at top sportsbooks.
Picks Summary
- Bears +10.5 (-110)
- Packers -3 (-110)Â
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
Thursday, November 28, 2024 – 12:30 PM ET at Ford Field
The Detroit Lions come into this game in first place in the NFC. Their most recent game was a 24-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts. This is coming off the heels of a 52-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s safe to say that Detroit comes into this matchup playing some of the most dominating football of the year.
The Chicago Bears are playing better football but they keep coming up short. Against the Green Bay Packers, they were lining up for a game-winning field goal which was blocked and they suffered a loss. Then they hosted the Minnesota Vikings, and took the game to overtime. However, they were not able to come up with a victory.
After a good start, the Bears have regressed, however, they have to be encouraged by the improvement of their rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams has made strides over the past few games. The change in offensive coordinator seems to have helped as it has given Williams an impetus to get rid of the ball quicker. Holding on the ball too long is one of Williams’ biggest flaws, and the new coaching staff has made it a priority in encouraging him to get rid of the ball. This has helped clean up some of the play on the field and made the offense much better.
The defense has played well this year, and in this prime time slot, we can expect a great effort from this team. While the Bears know that they are not championship material this year, they should be excited for one of the biggest games of the year. National TV games are always a great spot to take the underdog because we know they will be going all out.
Backing the Bears
Even though the Lions are great and are the team most likely to make the NFC championship game at this point, we are going to take the points with the Bears here.
We can expect a full effort from the Bears, who will have no reason to leave any of their best plays on the sidelines. There’s nothing to save the best plays for! The Bears will go all out in this national TV game. Give me the Chicago Bears +10.5.
NFL Pick: Bears +10.5 (-110) at Bet365
Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers
Thursday, November 28, 2024 – 08:20 PM ET at Lambeau Field
The Green Bay Packers are coming off an 38-10 easy win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers have won six of the last seven games and are currently 8-3 this year. The Packers play an excellent brand of football and are led by innovative head coach Matt Lafleur. Lafleur has gotten the best out of developing quarterback Jordan Love, and this Packers offense is a force to be reckoned with.
The Packers are also balanced on offense behind the strong rushing attack of RB Josh Jacobs. The Packers can move the ball on the ground and through the air, whatever the game dictates.
A Familiar Cold-Weather Challenge
The Miami Dolphins are coming off an easy win over the New England Patriots where they were able to prevail at home 34-15. The Dolphins are led by electric head coach Mike McDaniel and star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins boast some of the fastest weapons in the league, with WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, and RB De’Von Achane. The Dolphins are one of the fastest teams in the league, and the Packers will need to come up with strong defensive schemes in order to nullify the Dolphins’ elite team speed. The Dolphins have won three games in a row and come into this game playing some of the best football of their season. However, we know one thing about the Miami Dolphins, they have never done well in cold weather.
Heading up to Green Bay will be an issue for the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins went into last year’s playoff on a roll and looked completely inept in the cold against the Kansas City Chiefs.
I expect that game to be a template of what we will see here on Thanksgiving night. Don’t overthink this. Fade the warm weather team on the frozen tundra. Take the Green Bay Packers – 3.
NFL Pick: Packers -3 (-110) at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
