Thanksgiving NFL Showdowns: Which Surprising Teams Are Poised to Feast on Victory?

Thanksgiving week is finally upon us—the glorious four-day stretch where college and NFL football aren’t just games, but an all-out feast for the senses. You know the drill: couch, snacks, endless touchdowns, and hope that your picks don’t embarrass you in front of your family. Speaking of picks, here’s a little confession—I’ve been betting on the Lions every Thanksgiving for over two decades, mostly losing but stubborn as ever. Funny how loyalty trumps logic, right? But this year feels different. The Lions are actually competitive, the Packers shaky, and the season’s numbers cry out for a shake-up. So, let’s get you six solid winners to bounce back from that shaky 2-3-1 weekend and put you in the gravy-stained green. Could the Cowboys keep their miraculous momentum? Will Joe Burrow’s return spark the Bengals enough to challenge the Ravens? And hey, did I just say I’m backing the Titans? Stay tuned—it’s gonna be a wild ride!
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Rejoice, the greatest weekend for college and NFL football is here. Thanksgiving week has arrived!

Like most of you, I will be kicking back and watching games from Thursday until Sunday.

I can’t wait.

And I have six winners for all of you, too.

But, first, the tally: We went 2-3-1 last weekend to run our season totals to 37-41-1.

With that in mind, here are six winners to get us back in positive territory.

I’ve been betting on the Lions at Thanksgiving — and frequently losing — for more than 20 years now.

Why?

Because my wife and her family are from the Detroit area and I don’t want to start off the Thanksgiving holiday by betting against them.

You would think I would have learned over the years.

But so far I haven’t.

However, the past couple of years have been different because the Lions are actually good.

And the Packers, who have owned the Lions for generations, have been inconsistent so far this year.

So give me the Lions by a field goal and a cover to start the NFL weekend.

The Cowboys erased a 21-point deficit and scored 24 straight to beat the Eagles last weekend.

This Thanksgiving they go a step beyond that and beat the other team in the Super Bowl last year.

Give me the Cowboys outright. (But I’ll take the three points just to be safe.)

Joe Burrow is back!

And the Bengals have a shot to beat the Ravens as a result.

This number just feels too steep given the Bengal offense has been showing up all year.

And the Ravens haven’t been.

The Bengals cover and lose by three or four.

The Bears are for real!

Maybe.

But the Eagles bandwagon is wobbly and I like Caleb Williams making just enough plays to get the Bears the cover.

Baker Mayfield was injured against the Rams, but the wounded Bucs are back home against a team, the Cardinals, that feels like they are ready for a trip to Cancun.

Give me the Bucs by double digits.

Yes, it’s happening, I’m betting on the Titans.

To their credit, this 1-10 team hasn’t quit and Cam Ward seems to be making strides.

Plus, the Jags haven’t been playing well as the Trevor Lawrence big ups and big downs continue far too often for a quarterback who has been in the league a while now.

The Titans, yes, really, cover.

…

There you have it, boys and girls, an OutKick Six-Pack of winners for all of you to be thankful for.

Hope all of you have fantastic Thanksgivings and I’ll see you next week with the OutKick shows and Clay and Buck.

But, until then, enjoy the family, football and food.