You know the best part about betting on football? It doesn’t matter who’s playing. You and I—we’re wired the same way. We’ll watch any game as long as there’s a bet riding on it. So on Thanksgiving, when you’re stuffed to the brim and plopped on the couch, you’ll tell Uncle Billy to put the game on. And sure, he’ll ask, “Who’s playing?” But you don’t care. It’s not about that. It’s about the action. Let’s cash in with these top Thanksgiving bets for Bears-Lions, Giants-Cowboys and Dolphins-Packers. Don’t forget to explore our NFL player prop betting strategy guide, plus more free NFL expert picks and +EV NFL bets!
Thanksgiving Football Best Bets, Sides & Totals
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Bears-Lions Bets (-10, 48 Total)
This one is tough. The Lions have been a buzz saw this season, and I’ll own it — I’ve underestimated them a few times. Detroit is laying double digits at home against a Bears team that’s shown flashes of competence in recent weeks. They lost one on a blocked field goal and another in overtime. Caleb Williams has looked more comfortable in the pocket, and Chicago’s defense hasn’t been the issue most weeks.
But here’s the rub: Detroit thrives in spots like this. Its opportunistic defense, combined with a willingness to run up the score, makes backdoor covers against them less likely. While I’d love to back the Bears as double-digit dogs in a divisional game, this feels like a spot where the wheels could fall off for Chicago. Rookie quarterbacks and buzz-saw defenses rarely mix well.
If I’m betting this one, I lean Lions -10 but prefer the under 48. If the game stays close, it’s likely because Chicago’s defense shows up, keeping the total down. And if the Lions roll, it probably will end something like 31-10.
Giants-Cowboys Bets (-3.5, 37.5 Total)
Here’s a game for the true degenerates. These are two bad football teams in a divisional showdown, and the only people watching will be us — the ones betting on it.
The Cowboys have been a disaster at home this season. They’re 0-5 at the Jerry Dome with a minus-118 point differential. The only reason to lay more than a field goal with Dallas here is because the Giants are just that bad — and honestly, I wouldn’t blame you for making that argument. But I’m not doing it myself.
Cooper Rush might be under center for Dallas, and while he’s been serviceable, the real story is on the Giants’ side. Tommy DeVito could miss this game with a forearm injury, which might thrust Drew Lock into action. As much as I dislike Lock, he’s an upgrade from DeVito. But even with Lock, the Giants offensive line can’t protect anyone. The Dallas pass rush could dominate this game.
I’m leaning Giants +3.5 here, but this isn’t a confident pick. If anything, wait for public money to push this line further and grab the Giants closer to kickoff.
Dolphins-Packers Bets (-3.5, 47.5 Total)
Now we’re talking. Thanksgiving night gives us a proper game with the Dolphins visiting Lambeau Field. It’s a cold-weather game, but don’t let that scare you off Miami. It’s 28 degrees — not exactly arctic. Plus, Tua Tagovailoa has performed just fine in cold weather, including nearly beating the Bills in Buffalo last season in a snowy 32-29 game.
The Dolphins offense is clicking right now. Even Jaylen Waddle got going last week, joining Tyreek Hill, De’Von Achane and the rest of this electric unit. They’ve scored 27-plus points in four of their last six games with Tagovailoa starting. Green Bay is a solid team, but I don’t see them outpacing Miami here.
I’m taking Dolphins +3.5. Their offense is simply too good to ignore, and they’ve been competitive in every game this season with Tagovailoa under center.
