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Today is Thanksgiving in America and that means NFL football. Back in the day there were typically two games on Thanksgiving, one featuring the Cowboys and one featuring the Lions, but it has grown into such a big football day that we now have three games. America’s thirst for football can never be quenched. Which is good for us as we have something interesting to watch while spending time with our families and, more importantly, something to make some money on.
The big game today is the undefeated Carolina Panthers heading to Dallas to take on the Cowboys. Despite having seven more wins than the Cowboys and generally looking like the Super Bowl favorite of the NFC, the Panthers are actually a +1 point underdog in this one. This has a lot to do with the return of Tony Romo who takes the Cowboys to another level and the game taking place in Dallas. Still, it’s weird to see a dominant team like the Panthers who beat Seattle in Seattle (something that no one used to do) as an underdog against this Cowboys team.
The early game features the Philadelphia Eagles at the Detroit Lions in what will be a mostly forgettable game. The Lions have been playing on Thanksgiving forever and they are usually out of the playoff picture by the time of the game. This year is no different. The Eagles are 4-6, but still have a chance to win the division in the lowly NFC East so this is a big one for them.
Finally, we have the Green Bay Packers hosting the Chicago Bears in the late game. This is one of the all-time great NFL rivalries, but the Packers have sort of run away with it over the past few years. That’s what happens when one team has Aaron Rodgers and the other has Jay Cutler. The Packers are the biggest favorite of the day at -8.5. This is despite the Bears winning two of their last three and their last two losses coming by three points or less. The crowd should be alive for this one as legendary quarterbacks Bart Starr and Brett Favre will be honored at halftime.
NFL Betting Tips:
Panthers +1 is probably my lock of the day. The Panthers defense is better, Cam Newton is on fire this year and the Cowboys are just not that good. Romo helps them a lot, but the Panthers have already beaten better quarterbacks this season. The Panthers should be giving points, not getting them. Take them and run with it.
Eagles +2.5 is our play in the early game. The key number I’m looking at here is rushing yards per game. The Eagles run for about 120 yards per game while the Lions run for only 71 yards. We know that the Chip Kelly offense loves the ground game and they could seriously control the ball today if they can use that game plan. The Lions are coming off back to back wins, but neither was very impressive and they have allowed 274 points this season which is second in the NFC.
Packers/Bears Over 45 is our play in the late game. The Bears have looked solid lately and they are getting Forte back for this one. Four of the last five games between these two have gone over and today should be no different. Aaron Rodgers is 12-3 with 34 touchdowns in his career against the Bears. He always brings his A-game and with Favre in the house I’m expecting a big day from him. Three or four touchdowns are in play for him and this one should be an easy over.
