Buffalo Bills (-435) at Detroit Lions (+340) – Thursday, 12:30 PM EST
Week 12 kicks off with the (7-3) Bills visiting the (4-6) Lions in Detroit for some Thanksgiving Thursday football. Buffalo has lost two out of their last three games. However, they look to have gotten back on track after a win against Cleveland. They moved the ball with ease on the ground in that game, which was good because Josh Allen started slow. However, he got up to speed by the end of the game. Considering the Lions have one of the worst defenses in the league, Thursday’s game is a perfect way to keep momentum rolling.
One thing to keep an eye on is the injury to Josh Allen’s elbow, and his UCL injury. He’s had an injury designation ever since he hurt it against the Jets in week 9. However, he hasn’t missed any games.
Buffalo will have no problem running the ball or throwing in this one. Considering Allen’s elbow issue, they might be keener to keep the ball on the ground. If the Bills are finding success with Devin Singletary and James Cook on the ground, they’ll stick with what’s working. On the receiving side of things, Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis shouldn’t have any issues with the Lions secondary. The only way they’re not involved in the passing game is if the Bills go up big early.
Buffalo Bills Notable Injuries: LB Tremaine Edwards (O), DE Greg Rousseau (O), DE AJ Espensa (D)
Detroit is a 9.5-point underdog and it’s no surprise considering how bad their defense has been this season. They give up the most points per game and are ranked in the bottom 3rd in both passing and rushing yards allowed. The only spotlight on defense is Aiden Hutchinson, who has made a strong case for defensive Rookie of the Year.
After a hot start, quarterback Jared Goff has been mediocre, and the Lions offense will face an uphill battle. Their recipe for winning games has been to run the ball, but the Bills will sell out and stack the box. If they are down a couple of scores, the Bills defense will be ready for the pass. Being a blitz heavy team, they will easily tee off on Goff.
Detroit Lions Notable Injuries: LB Charles Harris (Q), WR DJ Chark (Q), WR Josh Reynolds (Q)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Bills Start ‘Em
- Josh Allen 2. Stefon Diggs 3. Devin Singletary
Bills Sit ‘Em
- Bills Defense 2. Tyler Bass
Lions Start ‘Em
- Amon-Ra St. Brown 2. Jamaal Williams
Lions Sit ‘Em
- Jared Goff 2. Lions Defense/Special Teams 3. D’Andre Swift
Bills vs Lions Thanksgiving Thursday Football Picks
The Bills found success running the ball last week and while trying to protect their quarterback, they’ll do the same this week. There’s no doubt the Bills will win the first game of Thanksgiving, but since Allen won’t be airing it out per usual, I don’t see them putting up 30+ points which is why I like the Lions +9.5
Final Score: Buffalo 28 – Detroit 23
Wicked Wager – Lions +9.5 (-110)
Wicked Prop – Gabriel Davis First Touchdown Scorer (+750)
New York Giants (+370) at Dallas Cowboys (-455) – Thursday, 4:30 PM EST
While their 7-3 record would indicate they’re having a good season, the Giants haven’t looked great at times. If Saquon Barkley isn’t having an incredible game, their offense looks average at best. Will the Cowboys be able to stop the run like the Lions did last week? Dallas is ranked 26th in rush yards allowed per game, so Barkley will have more success on the ground than he did versus the Lions. Dallas cannot afford to stack the box on every first and second down.
New York is average against the pass and ranked 25th against the run, which does not bode well for them. Running backs Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliot make up the best 1-2 punch in the NFL, and they will both total over 100 yards. If the Giants try to stop the run, they’ll be punished by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. New York just doesn’t have the answers to the slew of weapons Dallas has at their disposal.
New York Giants Notable Injuries: TE Daniel Bellinger (O), G Shane Lemieux (Q), OT Andrew Thomas (Q)
Dallas has solidified themselves as one of the top teams in the NFC after decimating the Vikings last week. They have star talent on both sides of the ball who are all starting to shine at the same time. The goal for Dallas will be to get out to an early lead and take the run game away from New York. If they can handle that then they won’t have a problem moving on to 8-3.
The defense doesn’t have much to worry about besides Barkley. If they can contain him and limit the damage, they’ll be fine. The Giants are down a couple of offensive linemen, so the Cowboys defensive linemen will feast. The opposing quarterback won’t have much time to get the ball out, so expect a turnover or two from Jones.
Dallas Cowboys Notable Injuries: OT Tyron Smith (O), LB Anthony Barr (Q), DE DeMarcus Lawrence (Q)
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em
Giants Start ‘Em
- Saquon Barkley 2. Darius Slayton
Giants Sit ‘Em
- Daniel Jones 2. Wan’Dale Robinson 3. Giants Defense
Cowboys Start ‘Em
- Dak Prescott 2. CeeDee Lamb 3. Tony Pollard
Cowboys Sit ‘Em
- Michael Gallup 2. Noah Brown
Giants’ vs Cowboys Thanksgiving Thursday Football Picks
The Cowboys are hitting their stride, but since divisional games are usually close, this won’t be another blowout for Dallas. The Cowboys give up the lowest points per game, and the Giants are better than average in the same metric. Let’s hit the under and cash some tickets.
Final Score: Dallas 24 – New York 17
Wicked Wagers – Giants +10 (-109) / Under 45.5 (-113)
Wicked Player Prop – Tony Pollard First Touchdown Scorer (+450)