By J.P. Urban & Cameron Williams
Thanksgiving Day football is a tradition, and while the days of the Detroit Lions hosting a turkey day loss are behind us, there’s still plenty of gridiron action to sink your teeth into this year. With three NFL games on tap, the holiday will be full of excitement, upsets, and some good ol’ fashioned rivalries. Here’s a look at the matchups:
Appetizer: Lions vs. Bears (12:30 PM ET)
The first game of the day kicks off at 12:30 with a classic NFC North showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. In years past, it seemed like Detroit was a guaranteed loser on Thanksgiving. But this year, things are different.
“Gone are the days of the Lions’ Thanksgiving tradition of taking an L,” said Cameron. “This team is the real deal. They’re sitting pretty at 10-1, with a one-game lead over the Eagles. If you’re a Birds fan, you might want to root for the Bears to pull off the upset.”
But JP is sticking with the Lions. “An upset would be a tasty way to start the day, but Detroit is too tough this season. Look for Jared Goff and Jameer Gibbs to share a turkey leg after the game,” he said. “Lions win, 30-14.”
Final Pick: JP – Lions 30, Bears 14 | Cameron – Bears 24, Lions 23
Main Course: Cowboys vs. Giants (4:30 PM ET)
The main event of the day features the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants. However, this one doesn’t seem like it will be much of a treat for fans.
“This game is like the unappetizing side dish you didn’t ask for,” Cameron quipped. “Bad teams, bad quarterbacks. I’m not even making a pick on this one.”
But JP has a strong opinion: “Around here, we never root for the Cowboys,” he said. “Watching the Giants stuff Dallas would make Thanksgiving even better. Give me the G-Men, 20-17.”
Final Pick: JP – Giants 20, Cowboys 17 | Cameron – No Pick
Dessert: Dolphins vs. Packers (8:20 PM ET)
After dinner, the NFL serves up a late-night dessert with a matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. This one promises to be a little more entertaining than the previous game — especially if you’re still awake after indulging in all that Thanksgiving food.
“Miami might be one of the best teams in the league, but the Dolphins don’t like the cold,” JP said. “And Lambeau in November? It’s gonna be freezing. I’m taking the Packers to win, 24-20.”
Cameron agrees. “The Packers know how to handle the cold, and the Dolphins might be running on fumes after all that turkey. Give me Green Bay, 27-21.”
Final Pick: JP – Packers 24, Dolphins 20 | Cameron – Packers 27, Dolphins 21
No matter who you’re rooting for, these Thanksgiving Day games are sure to offer a little something for every football fan. From a potential Lions upset to the hope of the Cowboys losing to a cold-weather clash in Green Bay, it’s a full plate of pigskin action.
Enjoy the games, and may your team bring you plenty of football joy — and maybe even a few turkey legs!