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Thanksgiving Day NFL Football: Previews and Predictions

Originally posted on Draft Countdown | By Miranda Wilhelm | Last updated Nov 28, 2024 10:59 AM ET

Somehow we are nearly through the best month of football and nearing the trio of games airing on Thanksgiving. I want to preview what the three matchups could look like and who I foresee getting the Turkey Day dubs.

Thanksgiving Day NFL Football: Previews and Predictions

Bears at Lions – 12:30EST on CBS

Despite this one being an NFCN divisional contest and normally thrilling, this could be a total thumping on behalf of Detroit who are playing lights out. The Bears are struggling to put together a complete game and get consistent production on offense. Albeit, they seem to be improving slowly. Just weeks removed from firing OC Shane Waldron, interim OC Thomas Brown is attempting to put rookie sensation Caleb Williams in positions to succeed.

The Lions, led by quarterback Jared Goff, have only lost one game and are making it look easy. This is all without their star pass-rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit is dominating in all three phases of the game and I expect nothing less on a national stage on Thanksgiving.

Prediction: Lions 42 Bears 14

Giants at Cowboys – 4:30EST on FOX

In years past, Giants at Cowboys on Thanksgiving day would be a marquee contest; however, this season has not been kind to either team and, more importantly, to either fanbase. Both squads sit within the top 11 draft positions in 2025: New York at 2 and Dallas at 11. Each franchise is a comedy of errors in 2024.

Daniel Jones was just cut from the Giants despite his blockbuster deal signed in 2023 and they’ve trotted out Tommy DeVito over Drew Lock for now (?). Not to mention, two-star players they let go in the offseason are living their best lives in their new homes: Safety Xavier McKinney (Green Bay) and RB Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia).

In Dallas, QB Dak Prescott is out for the remainder of the season due to a torn hamstring. Fun fact: Dak has had more head coaches than playoff wins since his time in Silver and Blue. Dark days. To try and decipher the outcome of this barnburner, I’ll do my best.

Prediction: Cowboys 21 Giants 7

Dolphins at Packers – 8:20EST on NBC

Capping off the holiday slate will feature the resurging Dolphins visiting the frozen tundra. The Packers have won the last six of seven and the Dolphins have won three straight since the return of Tua Tagovailoa. As it stands now, the Packers would be in the 6^th playoff spot in the NFC while the Phins sit just on the outside looking in at spot number 8 in the AFC race.

Tua is undoubtedly playing great football alongside his speedy weapons. However, how will this team hold up in a frigid Lambeau? With a high of 33 and a low of 19, this surely benefits the home team who is also putting on a clinic on the ground. Led by Josh Jacobs, we’re seeing additional supplements from both Chris Brooks and Emanual Wilson. With Jordan Love coming off of an interception-free showing against the Niners, it seems their offense is coming together quite nicely.

Prediction: Packers 30 Dolphins 21

This article first appeared on Draft Countdown and was syndicated with permission.

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