Thanksgiving NFL picks, odds and best bets
The NFL has a good record against the spread on Thanksgiving Day since 2006. The Buffalo Bills are heavy favorites against Detroit Lions, the Dallas Cowboys are favorites over the New York Giants, and the Minnesota Vikings are narrow favorites vs. the Patriots. Underdogs have been strong all season with a 90-67-5 record and a 57 percent cover rate.
Dallas Cowboys have covered the spread on Thanksgiving only once in the last 11 seasons. Detroit Lions have been an underdog in 11 of their last 15 Thanksgiving games and have won only three of them.
Dallas Cowboys have covered the spread on Thanksgiving only once in the last 11 seasons. Detroit Lions have been an underdog in 11 of their last 15 Thanksgiving games and have won three of them.
Buffalo Bills are producing 7.6 more points per game than expected this season. The Lions are generating 6.2 fewer points than the expected. Neil's pick is Buffalo Bills -9½.
Josh Allen has been struggling since he suffered an elbow injury in a loss to the Jets. He has completed 60.5 percent of his passes in the last four games. The Lions defense has had six interceptions and six sacks in their last three games, all wins.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-9½) is on Fox at 4 p.m. Eastern.
Neil's pick is to play the under 45½ under 41. Neither of the offenses are particularly efficient. The Cowboys are very good defensively. Neil would look for alternative lines at plus money.
Matt’s pick: Dallas Cowboys -9½. The Giants were enjoying a charmed season, but they lost to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. They lost a number of starters, including Adoree‘ Jackson, Tyre Phillips, Jon Feliciano, Wan”Dale Robinson, Fabian Moreau and Jackson. Robinson is out for the season.
New England Patriots are playing Minnesota Vikings at 8:20 p.m. Eastern.
Neil's pick is New England Patriots +2½ points against Minnesota Vikings. Both teams have easy schedules. The Vikings' lone win came in fluky fashion against the Bills. David Andrews and Isaiah Wynn are likely to miss the game for NewEngland. Christian Darrisaw and Ezra Cleveland are battling injuries for Minnesota. The Patriots have won their last two games despite scoring only one offensive touchdown.
