Thanksgiving Best Bets Week 12
Turkey Day means many things. But, for us - betting on the National Football League is going to be at the front of the list. A tripleheader of games, and a Black Friday game! Here are our Week 12 Betting Picks; all four the national primetime games. Here we go:
Detroit Lions -7.5 over Green Bay Packers
The last time these two teams played, the Detroit Lions crushed the Packers by running the ball down their throats. The Lions are at home, and know they got a little lucky last week beating the Bears. That game may have been a bit of a look ahead. Fortunately for them, they are still running away with the division. Jordan Love has been better as of late, but this seems like this game is a little too much for him to handle. Detroit will be sending defenders at him from all over the field. The Lions win with the run game and defense, while Jared Goff moves the ball at will. Take the Lions at home.
Dallas Cowboys -10.5 over Washington Commanders
The second game on Thanksgiving Day. The Commanders lost for the second time this season to the New York Giants. The Giants are one of, if not, the worst teams in the league. Washington has a problem protecting the quarterback, and also defending any one. That is a terrible problem against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas will cause turnovers, and score at will. Look for this to be an ugly game that could see the end of Ron Rivera as the head coach. Dallas wins this game big at home on Thanksgiving.
San Francisco 49ers -6.5 over Seattle Seahawks
This is a massive game, and more so for Seattle. This is the first of two meetings between the two top teams in the NFC West. WIth the Seattle Seahawks at home, and a game behind the 49ers, if they do not win this one, their chances to win the division are very very little. The problem is - the 49ers are playing great football, and Seattle is banged up. Likely no Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III. How are the Seahawks going to keep up? The 49ers are going to score 30, almost no problem. The 49ers win this game and essentially slam the door on the NFC West.
Miami Dolphins -9.5 over New York Jets
The NFL scheduler makers are probably kicking themselves for putting so many eggs in the Aaron Rodgers basket. Without Rodgers, the Jets are nearly unwatchable, yet, here we are. Now, they get the best offensive team in the league at their place. Tim Boyle is going to be the quarterback for the Jets. This is an absolute mess on Black Friday. The Miami Dolphins should win this game with no problems. The Jets are going to miss the playoffs, so they may as well let Rodgers sit and rest for 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers +4.5 over Baltimore Ravens
This is the last gasp for the Los Angeles Chargers. Honestly, it may be the last gasp for Brandon Staley as the head coach of the Chargers. Los Angeles absolutely had a chance to compete in the AFC West, but they keep stepping on their own toes. They have the talent, but cannot get the wins they need. While they are going to be ready to play this game on Sunday Night Football, look for much of the same here. We are actually not picking the Chargers to win this game, as Baltimore comes on the road and wins. Look for a 23-21 type win for the Ravens, which means the Chargers cover the spread.
Minnesota Vikings -3.5 over Chicago Bears
The Vikings are coming off a tough loss on Sunday Night Football to Denver. Now, the Vikings need to get back on track. Fortunately for them, they are in the NFC, where they are still in a good spot for the postseason. Minnesota may be getting Justin Jefferson back, which would be a massive lift for Joshua Dobbs and the offense. Look for Minnesota to get the ball moving, and put a stop to Justin Fields running all over the field for the Bears. The Vikings win the first meeting between these two teams by a touchdown on Monday Night Football.
Others to Consider:
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Pittsburgh Steelers -1 over Cincinnati Bengals - No Burrow is a big problem.
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Buffalo Bills +3.5 over Philadelphia Eagles - Let down for Philadelphia.
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Las Vegas Raiders +10 over Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs just do not have the weapons on offense they once had.
Enjoy the games! Best of luck with all your National Football League betting! Happy Thanksgiving and see you all next week!
Derek Hudson
Derek is a long time sports bettor who grew up in Providence, RI. Derek is data driven and believes the key to betting the sportsbooks is finding an edge in analytics. Derek is happily married and has two young boys. Derek will bet on anything if you let him.
