There is much to give thanks for on Thanksgiving, including in recent decades the NFL. The two have become synonymous, and for that we are grateful.
For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on daily blessings — and some might include the NFL in those blessings. Over time, the two have become synonymous. Many households have the TV on for at least part of the day before, during, or after dinner. Turkey, sweet potatoes, dressing, pumpkin pie, and football.
This year, the NFL has three dandies on the Thanksgiving agenda. The football offerings start with an NFC North battle with the Vikings visiting the Detroit Lions, who have been playing on Thanksgiving since 1934. Then the Dallas Cowboys welcome the Los Angeles Chargers, followed by the New York Giants at the Washington Redskins.
Bing Predicts is calling for the Vikings, Chargers, and Redskins to win.
Bing’s prediction record was a so-so 9-5 last week. Not many prognosticators (including Bing) thought the Buccaneers, Giants, Texans, Bengals, and Falcons would win. Surprise.
This week Bing has anointed the Patriots, the Steelers, and the Chiefs as the biggest favorites.
New England is back home after a convincing win over the Raiders in Mexico City and should have no problem with the Dolphins. Miami and Jay Cutler have become something of a laughingstock and it could get worse. The Dolphins have lost four straight.
Pittsburgh has the ability and healthy bodies to embarrass the Packers, who desperately miss quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Chiefs have lost four of their last five and are coming off a loss to the hapless Giants. The Bills could be just the opponent they need to get back on the winning track.
Bing’s NFL predictions use team and player statistics and web activity to build a statistical model that takes into account historical data and real-time information (like injuries, suspensions, and lineup changes). Finally, social sentiment adds a unique wisdom-of-the-crowd factor to the model. Learn more about Bing Predicts.
Click here to see Bing’s predictions for the NFL week 12.
Click here to see all Bing weekly NFL predictions
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
> Bing Predicts winner: Minnesota (60%)
> Kickoff time: 12:30 PM EDT (Thursday)
> Game spread: Pick ’em
> Matchup history: Vikings lead 71-39-2
No pressure or anything, but the NFC North title is on the line. Looks like a little Motor City Madness is set to get the holiday festivities started. The Vikings (8-2) have been playing well, winning six straight, and have a two-game lead in the division race. It explains why they’re favored. Case Keenum is the quarterback who has a job until he starts losing. Again, no pressure, with a healthy Teddy Bridgewater waiting to get the call.
The Lions (6-4) haven’t won pretty but they are on a three-game win streak. They have trouble running the ball they can’t stop the run some weeks — they’ve given up 423 rushing yards in the last two games combined, and those were wins over the dismal Browns and the faltering Bears. Yikes. Here are the twists in this early Thanksgiving Day entree: The Lions won 14-7 when they first met the Vikings on Oct. 1; Detroit hasn’t lost a game in November since 2015; and coach Jim Caldwell is 3-0 on Thanksgiving in Detroit.
[in-text-ad]
Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys
> Bing Predicts winner: Dallas (53%)
> Kickoff time: 4:30 PM EDT (Thursday)
> Game spread: Dallas -3.5
> Matchup history: Cowboys lead 6-4-0
The Cowboys (5-5), who will play in their 40th straight Thanksgiving game, are the favorite despite two straight losses. They will be without linebacker Sean Lee, who has struggled on and off the field with a hamstring injury. When Lee is out, the Cowboys are 0-4 and give up 33.5 points per game. When Lee is active, that number is cut to 18 points per game. Dallas needs to find a way to make up for his absence. Quarterback Dak Prescott turned the ball over four times in Sunday’s 37-9 loss to the Eagles. It doesn’t sound good, but the Cowboys have the edge.
The Chargers are coming off a 54-point game, beating Buffalo 54-24. Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen had a dozen catches for 159 yards and two scores in the win over the Bills. Chargers (4-6) quarterback Philip Rivers helped propel the offense with two touchdown passes and no interceptions. The defense pitched in with touchdowns on an interception and fumble recovery.
24/7 Wall St.
New York Giants at Washington Redskins
> Bing Predicts winner: Washington (67%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EDT (Thursday)
> Game spread: Washington -9
> Matchup history: Giants lead 99-67-4
Rounding out the Thanksgiving menu, the Redskins (4-6) are heavily favored against the Giants (2-8). Washington is literally limping toward the finish line, losing key players week after week. Running back Chris Thompson broke his leg in an overtime loss at New Orleans. That hurts. Kirk Cousins keeps grinding and ranks third among NFL quarterbacks with 2,796 passing yards, even though the Redskins have lost two straight and four of their last five. Their defense is ranked 31st in the NFL and is giving up 26.6 points per game. These two NFC foes split their games in 2016.
Give the Giants a little respect here. Seriously. They’re coming off a big 12-9 upset overtime win over the Chiefs. Coach Bob McAdoo is firmly in charge after getting a vote of confidence from ownership. Turns out he hasn’t lost the room, and they have not given up on the season. A win on Thanksgiving would make that pumpkin pie taste even sweeter, even if it’s too late for season redemption.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
> Bing Predicts winner: Atlanta (73%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Atlanta -8.5
> Matchup history: Buccaneers lead 24-23-0
After a big 34-31 win at Seattle on Monday night, Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones said, “We’re getting our swagger.” That’s good news for the Falcons (6-4), who are favored against the Bucs (4-6). That swagger has been under wraps for the Falcons for most of the season. Now they’ve won two straight. Although, maybe they should send a thank-you note to Seattle’s kicker Blair Walsh who came up short on a 52-yard field goal that would have tied the game late. It’s not too late for the Falcons to salvage the season. They’ve seemingly recovered from their Super Bowl hangover.
Tampa Bay’s Ryan Fitzpatrick, filling in for Jameis Winston, tossed two touchdown passes and outplayed Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler (three interceptions) in the 30-20 road win on Sunday. Fitzpatrick is expected to start again and could use some help from running back Doug Martin, who hasn’t made a huge impact so far. Wide receiver Mike Evans has big-play capability. He had five catches for 92 yards against Miami. More was expected of the defense, which ranks 29th in the NFL in yards yielded per game with 383.5, but the Buccaneers are unlikely to turn that around against the Falcons.
[in-text-ad-2]
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
> Bing Predicts winner: Cincinnati (69%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Cincinnati -8
> Matchup history: Bengals lead 49-39-0
What do they call this in Ohio? A humdinger? Outside of Ohio, we’re not sure anyone cares. Perhaps it’s a good chance for the winless Browns to get their first victory. Still, the Bengals (4-6) are the favorite. The Bengals beat the Broncos 20-17 on Sunday after not winning in Denver since 1975, when franchise founder Paul Brown was their coach. However, that might say more about the Broncos horrid season than about the Bengals. Still, quarterback Andy Dalton came through with three touchdown passes, while the defense created two takeaways and sacked Brock Osweiler three times.
Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer, who leads the NFL in interceptions with 14, is not the answer but he is the best they have for now. Coach Hue Jackson is 1-25 in his tenure with the Browns. It’s nearly impossible to find a silver lining in Cleveland. Wait, here’s one. They have lost four of their games by just three points or less. The Browns have talent but can’t find a way to put it all together. Their offense averages just 15 points per game and is last in the NFL.
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
> Bing Predicts winner: Tennessee (73%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Tennessee -4.5
> Matchup history: Colts lead 31-15-0
Despite a nine-game losing streak in Indianapolis, the Titans (6-4) are the favorites. Their last win there was on Dec. 30, 2007. That’s a lifetime ago in NFL years. Tennessee is just one game behind the Jaguars (7-3) in the AFC South. They’re coming of a gut-punch of a loss, 40-17, to the Steelers on national television when quarterback Marcus Mariota threw four interceptions, one touchdown pass, and was sacked five times. In the first matchup in October, they beat the Colts, 36-22. They might not get a better opportunity to snap that ugly streak at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts (3-7), coming off a bye, gave the Steelers all they could handle in Week 10, although Pittsburgh rallied from a 17-3 deficit in the third quarter to win 20-17. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is in concussion protocol but is expected to play. He’s been sacked a league-leading 35 times, including 10 times in the Oct. 22 game with Jacksonville. That’s a beating. The Colts have lost four of their last five, and of their three wins, two of them came at home.
[in-text-ad]
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs
> Bing Predicts winner: Kansas City (78%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Kansas City -9.5
> Matchup history: Bills lead 25-21-0
If you can figure out either one of these teams, much respect is headed your way. The Chiefs (6-4) looked like they were taking the express lane to the Super Bowl until reality hit. They got off to a 5-0 start and are 1-4 since then with two straight losses, yet they are the favorites in this matchup. Alex Smith threw two picks in the loss to the Giants (how embarrassing), and running back Kareem Hunt was held to 73 rushing yards. Hunt scampered for more than 100 yards in four of the first five games. The difference since then? Looks like defenses have figured out how to slow down the rookie sensation.
The Bills (5-5) somehow were still in the postseason conversation when quarterback Tyrod Taylor was benched on Sunday in favor of Nathan Peterman, who threw five interceptions in the first half against the Chargers. He was then benched for Taylor on the way to Buffalo’s third straight loss. The Bills have given up an average of 45 points per game over the three-loss stretch. Coach Sean McDermott has some fence-mending on his to-do list, and it has much to do with the odd quarterback decision. He let down guys who had been working hard to rebound this season by thinking Peterman would give them a better chance to win.
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
> Bing Predicts winner: New England (77%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: New England -15.5
> Matchup history: Dolphins lead 53-50-0
The Patriots (8-2) proved they are a good road team no matter where — even in Mexico City, where they had no trouble dismissing the Raiders 33-8. Heck, Tom Brady could play anywhere. It’s hardly a surprise that after winning six straight the Patriots are favored in this AFC East tilt. Coach Bill Belichick said they are exhausted from the trip to Mexico. They spent the week prior to that game near Denver to get used to the high altitude of Mexico City, which is more than 7,000 feet above sea level. It was a long trip. However, even a tired Brady can likely get the job done.
Jay Cutler gets no love on Twitter. It’s kind of addicting to see the biting jabs and slams. Cutler, who came out of retirement this season for the Dolphins (4-6), should have kept his butt in the rocking chair. In Sunday’s loss (Miami’s fourth straight) to Tampa Bay, Cutler threw three interceptions before he was replaced by Matt Moore. Cutler was in concussion protocol early in the week, but if he’s cleared to play he’ll be the starter. Coach Adam Gase must think Cutler gives them the best chance to snap their eight-game losing streak at New England.
Carolina Panthers at New York Jets
> Bing Predicts winner: Carolina (69%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Carolina -4.5
> Matchup history: Series tied 3-3-0
After a wakeup loss to the Bears on Oct. 22, the Panthers (7-3) have been sailing with three straight wins. It’s one reason they’re favored over the Jets (4-6). Carolina’s defense has stepped up, allowing 21 or fewer points for four straight games. They say a running back can be a quarterback’s best friend. Jonathan Stewart (460 yards) fills that role for Cam Newton, who also has a dependable wide receiver in Devin Funchess (535 yards, five touchdowns).
The Jets’ pass-rushing defensive end Kony Ealy wants a little revenge to prove the Panthers gave up on him too quickly when they traded him in March. Quarterback Josh McCown has the second best quarterback rating (93.7) of his career, which is more impressive considering he has been sacked 32 times (third most in the NFL).
[in-text-ad-2]
Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles
> Bing Predicts winner: Philadelphia (75%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Philadelphia -12.5
> Matchup history: Bears lead 29-13-1
In this game, where the Eagles (9-1) are big favorites, all eyes are likely to be on the two young starting quarterbacks. Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz was the second overall pick in the 2016 draft, while Chicago’s Mitchell Trubisky was the second overall pick in 2017. Sense a thread here? Wentz was thrown in as a rookie, played all 16 games and by all accounts has won the hearts of the Eagles’ fans. Is there a restaurant in Philly that won’t pick up his tab? He’s helped the Eagles win eight straight and rise to the top of the NFC. He was good as a rookie (16 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) but has taken a giant leap this year (25 touchdowns, 5 interceptions.)
Bears fans would love to see the same production out of Trubisky, who is off to a bit of a rough start. He’s played the last six games with four touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 53.1 passing percentage. He’s learning on the job. It’s way too early to judge him as a success or a failure. The Bears (3-7) have lost three straight and it won’t get any easier against the Eagles.
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
> Bing Predicts winner: Seattle (74%)
> Kickoff time: 4:05 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Seattle -7
> Matchup history: Seahawks lead 23-15-0
On a short week, the Seahawks (6-4) are coming off a disappointing Monday night loss to the Falcons in which coach Pete Carroll made two odd decisions involving a fake field goal and a curious challenge flag. Also, Blair Walsh came up short on a 52-yard field goal attempt. Nothing like a chance for a win over the 49ers (1-9) to get rid of that bad losing taste. Quarterback Russell Wilson can’t win the game all by himself, but he tries. He’s second only to Tom Brady in NFL passing yards with 2,801.
The 49ers (1-9), coming off a bye week, finally broke through with their first win over the Giants in Week 10. Apparently, they’re still going with C.J. Beathard (five interceptions, four touchdowns) at quarterback even though they made the big trade with New England for Jimmy Garoppolo. Next year. There’s always next year.
[in-text-ad]
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
> Bing Predicts winner: Oakland (64%)
> Kickoff time: 4:25 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Oakland -5
> Matchup history: Raiders lead 62-52-2
The Raiders (4-6) still have a chance in the AFC West because the Chiefs are slumping. This is a winnable game for Oakland, coming off a lopsided 33-8 loss to the Patriots. If Derek Carr can get the offense off to a good start, the Broncos (3-7) will have trouble mounting a comeback. Oakland’s defense, a disappointment ranking 26th in yards allowed, needs to step up. Linebacker Khalil Mack has just 5.5 sacks so far, and the defense has zero interceptions.
It is never a good thing when a general manager calls his team “kind of soft.” But that’s exactly how Denver’s John Elway summed it up after Denver’s 20-17 loss to the Bengals. It was the Broncos’ sixth straight loss, and over that span the offense has been averaging just over 14 points per game. So on Monday, offensive coordinator Mike McCoy took the fall and was fired. Apparently, he couldn’t work magic with either Trevor Siemian or Brock Osweiler at quarterback. (Could anyone?) Looks like it’s Paxton Lynch’s time in the Mile High City. It could get worse (if that’s possible) before it gets better.
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams
> Bing Predicts winner: New Orleans (53%)
> Kickoff time: 4:25 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Los Angeles -2
> Matchup history: Rams lead 40-33-0
The Saints (8-2), who have won eight straight, aren’t getting much respect. They’re holding the slightest edge over the Rams (7-3). The Saints have the NFL’s top offense (415.7 yards per game) and are third overall in the run game, averaging 144 yards thanks to Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Just give those two the ball and watch them run through the Rams’ defense, which is ranked 28th against the run, giving up 123.3 rushing yards per game.
The Rams’ four-game win streak was stalled with a 24-7 loss to the Vikings. Still, they have a solid offense led by running back Todd Gurley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 791 rushing and 425 receiving yards. Quarterback Jared Goff owns a solid 16 touchdown pass-to-4 interception ratio. Leading receiver Robert Woods will be out and missed, but wide receivers Cooper Cupp and and Sammy Watkins will have to step up. The numbers say the Saints will win their ninth straight, but the Rams certainly have a chance.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Arizona Cardinals
> Bing Predicts winner: Jacksonville (72%)
> Kickoff time: 4:25 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Jacksonville -4
> Matchup history: Series tied 2-2-0
The biggest mystery about the favored Jaguars (7-3) is why they haven’t won more games. They own the NFL’s best defense, allowing just 275.6 yards a game, and they’re also tops against the pass (162.0). And that’s not all. Thanks in part to rookie running back Leonard Fournette, they also lead the NFL with 160.6 rushing yards per game. Not sure what is holding them back, although they have won four straight and their defense has allowed just 31 total points over those four games. Quarterback Blake Bortles isn’t an elite quarterback, but he’s thrown a dozen touchdown passes and just seven interceptions, plus he’s mobile, averaging 19.5 rushing yards. What is not to like about the Jaguars?
Blaine Gabbert, the Cardinals’ (4-6) third quarterback, will get his second straight start. Carson Palmer is out with a broken arm, and his backup Drew Stanton sprained his knee and is still sidelined. Veteran wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald needs someone to get him the ball. Arizona’s defense, ranked 19th in the NFL, could have a difficult time containing Fournette and the Jaguars.
[in-text-ad-2]
Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers
> Bing Predicts winner: Pittsburgh (77%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: PIttsburgh -14
> Matchup history: Packers lead 19-15-0
The NFL schedule makers must have smiled when they put this one together for a national TV audience. Little did they know Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers would be watching, while Brett Hundley would be throwing interceptions (he has eight against just two touchdowns). Now, if Rodgers wasn’t rehabbing a broken collarbone, this game would be so different. The Packers (5-5) have lost four of five since he went down on Oct. 15. It’s just how unpredictable the NFL can be.
The Steelers (8-2), on the other hand, predictably atop the AFC North and after five straight wins, are looking almost unstoppable. Of course, they’re the favorite in this one with an abundance of offensive weapons, including the dynamic duo of wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Le’Veon Bell with Big Ben Roethlisberger running the show. The defense isn’t too shabby either — it’s ranked fourth in the NFL, allowing 287.6 yards per game.
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
> Bing Predicts winner: Baltimore (67%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EDT (Monday)
> Game spread: Baltimore -7.5
> Matchup history: Ravens lead 7-2-0
Despite being inconsistent, the Ravens (5-5) are in the postseason conversation. In fact, if the playoffs started tomorrow, they would be in. They’re coming off a 23-0 shutout of the Packers (at Lambeau Field, no less). If they can top the Texans, it will be their first back-to-back wins since Weeks 1 and 2. The defense, which is the strength of the Ravens, is getting contributions from many, including rookie outside linebacker Matthew Judon who had a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery against Green Bay. Let’s just say quarterback Joe Flacco, who has more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (9) is not having his best year. At least he’s got his health.
The Texans (4-6) were making headway until quarterback Deshaun Watson tore up his knee on Nov. 2. Houston has lost two of three since then. That was just the latest health blow. Defensive end J.J. Watt fractured his leg on Oct. 8. It’s just not been a good season in Houston, and it’s not likely to get better soon.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
