Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and family it’s also a time to enjoy some great football games. Every year, the NFL lines up a few exciting matchups for Thanksgiving Day, and on Saturday you have some heated college football rivalries, that are perfect for adding a little extra fun to the holiday with some bets. These thanksgiving picks will add extra excitement to your thanksgiving. Maybe you’re looking to spice up the holiday with a little action on the games, or you just want to prove to your family that you know more about football than Uncle Joe. Whether you’re eyeing a chance to turn your turkey feast into a feast of winnings or just want an excuse to yell at the TV with a little more purpose, you’re in the right place.
Thanksgiving football is a tradition, and there’s no better way to make it more fun than putting your picks to the test. We’ve got some Thanksgiving picks that might just help you come out on top. Now, we’re no professionals (and definitely not psychic), but we’ve done our homework and we’re ready to share what we think will happen.
So, grab a plate, settle in, and let’s break down these Thanksgiving picks. Whether you’re going bold or playing it safe, this blog has you covered with takes, predictions, and maybe a few surprises. Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember on and off the field.
NFL Thanksgiving Picks
Detroit Lions -10.5 vs. Green Bay Packers
Thanksgiving picks wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Detroit Lions, the longstanding hosts of Thanksgiving Day football. This year, the Lions take on the Green Bay Packers as heavy favorites, entering the matchup with a 10.5-point spread. That number reflects how far Detroit has come this season, emerging as one of the NFC’s top contenders.
The Lions boast a well-rounded team, led by quarterback Jared Goff, a powerful offensive line, and an improved defense that has been stifling opponents. Meanwhile, the Packers have struggled to find consistency in their first year post-Aaron Rodgers, with young QB Jordan Love still trying to prove he can lead the team to victory.
Detroit’s offense has been relentless, blending a strong rushing attack led by David Montgomery and rookie standout Jahmyr Gibbs with Goff’s accurate passing game. Green Bay, on the other hand, has had trouble defending both the pass and the run, making it an uphill battle to keep pace with a red-hot Lions team.
Historically, the Lions haven’t been dominant on Thanksgiving, but this year feels different. The home crowd at Ford Field will be energized by Detroit’s playoff aspirations, and the Packers will face immense pressure to stay in the game. For those making Thanksgiving picks, the Lions covering the spread seems like a solid bet, especially given their current form.
Keep an eye on how Detroit establishes control early; a strong first quarter could make the -10.5 spread feel more than attainable. As always with divisional matchups, surprises can happen, but the Lions are well-positioned to deliver for bettors this Thanksgiving.
Under 38.5 for Cowboys vs. Giants
When it comes to Thanksgiving picks, the Cowboys vs. Giants matchup doesn’t promise the fireworks fans might hope for. With the total set at 38.5, taking the under feels like the right call for this battle between two struggling teams. No one likes it when the under hits, but with these two teams, it’s the right call.
Neither team has been impressive this season. The Cowboys, usually a Thanksgiving staple for memorable performances, have been inconsistent on offense and prone to turnovers. Meanwhile, the Giants have been hampered by injuries, shaky quarterback play, and an offensive line that seems to allow pressure on nearly every snap. Together, these factors point to a game that could be more of a slog than a shootout.
The Giants’ offense has been particularly rough, ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring. They’ve struggled to put together sustained drives, and against a Dallas defense that still has flashes of its old dominance, that trend doesn’t look likely to change. On the other side, the Cowboys’ offense hasn’t exactly been lighting it up either, and their tendency to stall out in critical moments has kept many games closer—and lower scoring—than they should be.
This game feels destined to be decided by defense, field position, and perhaps a turnover or two. With neither team looking capable of lighting up the scoreboard, the under 38.5 seems like the safest play for bettors this Thanksgiving. Whether it’s a low-scoring grind or just a mistake-filled mess, this matchup isn’t shaping up to be a high-octane affair. If you’re filling out your Thanksgiving picks, betting the under in this one might be the easiest decision of the week.
College Football Thanksgiving Picks: Mississippi State + 27 at Ole Miss
The Egg Bowl might be the best and the most underrated rivalry in college football. For those unfamiliar, this game is like the Iron Bowl but with lower stakes, as it rarely impacts the postseason. However, the rivalry’s intensity and hatred might be even greater. These two teams and fanbases hate each, and emotions often boil over into this game leading to some all-time memorable moments.
This year’s Egg Bowl will be no different. Mississippi State is awful, their 2-9 record says it all. I don’t even have to mention their embarrassing 41-17 defeat against Toledo, but I will anyway. Ole Miss is coming off an extremely disappointing lose to unranked Florida, most likely ending their playoff hopes. Ole Miss started this season with one of the most talented teams in college football, and the highest expectations the program has ever had. To say to the least this season has been disappointing for Ole Miss fans. Mississippi State wants nothing more than to ruin Ole Miss’s season even more. While I don’t think they will win, a 27-point spread is a lot for this heated rivalry. I look for Mississippi State to keep it much closer than Vegas predicts. I also expect crazy moments, emotions to rise and maybe even a punch or two. So, give me Mississippi State to cover the massive 27 point spread.
College Football Thanksgiving Picks: Texas A&M +5.5 vs. Texas
One of college football’s best rivalry’s is finally back after 13 years. This rivalry goes deeper than sports and it is even partially responsible for all the crazy conference realignment. The animosity between Texas A&M and Texas isn’t just about football; it’s a showdown of traditions, a battle of Texas juggernauts, and a rivalry steeped in pride that has shaped generations. Texas A&M’s move to the SEC in 2012 severed the annual matchup, leaving a void that fans on both sides have been itching to fill. Now, with the rivalry reignited and the cheapest ticket set at a staggering $750, emotions are running higher than ever.
Texas A&M is coming off a shocking four-over-time loss to unranked Auburn possibly ruining a shot at the College Football Playoff. While it’s easy to look at that loss and think Texas will easily take care of business this Saturday, my advice would be don’t fall for that trap. Texas A&M has been in Texas’s shadow for decades and was part of the reason they left the BIG 12, so this game is most likely A&M’s Super Bowl. A&M has probably been prepping for Texas weeks or even months. Texas has weakness to exploit and has benefitted from an easy schedule. Texas will be walking into to 102,733 capacity Kyle Field, in probably the loudest game this season. So, my favorite of the Thanksgiving picks is Texas A&M +5.5.
College Football Picks: Auburn +11.5 at Alabama
Theres not a lot to be said about Alabama’s game against Oklahoma that hasn’t already been said, and I won’t lie it hurts me to talk about it. So I’m not going to. Auburn on the other hand who is having a historical terrible season is coming off a great win against Texas A&M and seems to be clicking at the perfect time. The Iron Bowl is always unpredictable, where team records rarely seem matter, and it feels like every game is destined for a wild, dramatic finish. Two of the last three Iron Bowls have had all-time endings 2021 saw Bryce Young’s 97-yard drive with 60 seconds left in the game to push the game into overtime where Alabama won. Last year’s Iron Bowl had the 4th and 31 ending which rivals even the Kick-Six.
Of all the Thanksgiving picks this is one if feel the least confident about. Auburn seems to finally be getting it together after an awful season. Conversely Alabama’s playoff hopes are seemingly over after one of the worst losses the Crimson Tide has seen in some time. 11.5 points seems like too much for Alabama to cover, so I unfortunately am choosing Auburn +11.5.
Check out our picks from previous weeks.
Picks of the Week: 6 Sports Bets to Boost Your Bankroll – UA Twitch
