There is not much better than watching National Football League games with a full plate of Thanksgiving food in front of you. This year, fans across the United States will once again be able to do so with the NFL providing a three-game slate for the fourth Thursday in November. All three matchups of the day are in-division rivalries that should entertain viewers.
Here is my preview and prediction for each game:
12:30 p.m. ET – Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
To no surprise, the Lions find themselves hosting a game on Thanksgiving as they have done since 1934. However, in contrast to many of these recent games, Detroit is favored in this year’s edition and has been one of the NFL’s most impressive teams thus far. With their Jared Goff-ran offense averaging the second most yards per game (their passing and rushing yards per game both rank in the top five separately, as well), Detroit has been gliding through the regular season, entering this Turkey Day game at 8-2. Their opponent, the Packers, have not found as much success in their first year of the post-Aaron Rodgers era. They come into Thursday’s matchup at 4-6, but it is also worth it to mention they had their best offensive performance of the year in a close win against the Los Angeles Chargers this past Sunday. Still, the Lions seem poised to continue a momentum that has been present since their opening night win against the Kansas City Chiefs. I expect the Lions to handle the Packers and secure their first Thanksgiving win since 2016.
The Detroit Lions are rocking the throwback uniforms tomorrow vs. the Green Bay Packers 👀
📸: @Lions pic.twitter.com/y6pe4FzDvy
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 22, 2023
4:30 p.m. ET – Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
Like the Lions, it is a tradition for the Cowboys to host a Thanksgiving game, and this year they welcome an NFC East foe to AT&T Stadium. The Commanders and Cowboys have each won three of their six regular season matchups since 2020, indicating a potentially enticing game despite it being two different stories for these squads this season. The Commanders have struggled as of recently, losing four of their last five, including two to the New York Giants. Interestingly, Sam Howell leads the NFL in passing yards but also in sacks and interceptions thrown. Washington can produce offensively, but they often struggle in the biggest moments due to their sack and interception problems. The Cowboys, on the other hand, have won four of their last five and are undefeated this season at Jerry World. Dak Prescott ranks second in both completion percentage and QBR, boasting a 19-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His favorite target, CeeDee Lamb, has already surpassed 1,000 yards on the season. The defense has given up the second-fewest yards per game so far and helped the team achieve a +6 turnover ratio. Do not be surprised if the Commanders keep it competitive, but Dallas will ultimately take care of business to move to 8-3 on the year.
The Dallas Cowboys have been favored by 10+ points 3 times already this season:
-11.5 @ ARI ❌ (lost 28-16)
-17.5 vs NYG ✅ (won 49-17)
-10.5 @ CAR ✅ (won 33-10)
They are 13.5 point favorites for tomorrow’s game against the Commanders. Will they cover? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8JBqEIn64S
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) November 22, 2023
8:20 p.m. ET – San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Thanksgiving night will feature a much-anticipated matchup of two teams believed to be heavily involved in the playoff race. The 49ers (7-3) currently hold the tight division lead over the Seahawks (6-4), so their two head-to-head games over the next three weeks, including this Turkey Day one, will be an important teller of who will move into the playoffs with the NFC West crown. There is no doubt that the 12th man will be activated at Lumen Field, a factor that should not be ignored when discussing this game. Injury concerns for Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker III, and D.K. Metcalf are also critical to consider, as missing any of them on Thursday will make it much tougher for Seattle to be productive against San Francisco. After suffering three losses in a row, the 49ers have gotten back on track by winning two straight. Brock Purdy, who has shown since the beginning that he is no Mr. Irrelevant, leads the NFL in a variety of quarterback efficiency categories and has helped his offense rank in the top three of both yards per game and points per game. The defense has not disappointed either; they have held opposing offenses to the least points per game and lead the league in interceptions. While playing in Seattle is no easy task, I believe the 49ers will earn their fourth straight win over the Seahawks, helping them build energy ahead of a must-see game against the Philadelphia Eagles next week.
Click here for our 49ers-Seahawks preview, betting odds, and TV info.
Seahawks WR DK Metcalf speaking to the media – asked what the hardest aspect of playing the 49ers is ahead of their Thanksgiving matchup:
“Well besides Fred and Bosa they don’t have any key guys to focus on…outside of them I can’t name a single person on that defense”
WOW🍿 pic.twitter.com/FM5vRLH6at
— JAY® (@JayLGK) November 22, 2023
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