Thanksgiving Day includes a tripleheader of video games that may affect the NFC playoff image, as 4 of the present best six seeds in the conference might be in motion at the largest of the soccer and meals vacations.
The motion kicks off at Ford Field, the place the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers (12:30 p.m. ET, FOX). The Lions are off to their best possible get started since 1962.
The Dallas Cowboys host the Washington Commanders (4:30 p.m. ET, CBS), as Dallas will glance to stick inside putting distance of the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.
In the capper, the Seattle Seahawks host the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC) within the first of 2 matchups between the groups over the following 3 weeks that most probably will resolve the department’s winner.
USA TODAY Sports will supplies updates and highlights from each and every of the 3 Thanksgiving Day NFL video games (all instances are Eastern):
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
Lions vs. Packers ranking
| 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | FINAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers | 20 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 29 |
| Lions | 6 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 22 |
MORE:Catching up with Lions great Calvin Johnson, who has five tips for raising young athletes
Lions vs. Packers winners and losers
WINNERS
Packers backups: Green Bay was significantly undermanned, missing key players on both sides of the ball: cornerback Jaire Alexander, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and safety Rudy Ford on defense and running back Aaron Jones on offense. In their place, players like Anthony Johnson, AJ Dillon and Carrington Valentine stepped in just fine.
Rashan Gary: The Gren Bay linebacker recorded three sacks on Jared Goff, two of which resulted in forced fumbles. One of those fumbles was recovered by safety Jonathan Owens and returned for a touchdown. Gary also recovered a fumble of his own.
Christian Watson: The Packers have been looking for a top receiver to emerge and Watson, 24, has been the most likely candidate. Watson had his best game of the season, being a steady option for Jordan Love in both the deep and intermediate passing game. He finished with five catches on seven targets for 94 yards and one touchdown.
LOSERS
Dan Campbell: His decision to go for a fake punt deep in Detroit’s own territory late in the third quarter proved to be rather costly. At the time, the Lions were down nine points and the failed attempt gave Green Bay the ball at the Detroit 23. Three plays later, the Packers scored another touchdown. The Lions ended up 1-for-5 on fourth down attempts.
Detroit pass pro: The Lions are known for having a very good offensive line, but Jared Goff was under constant pressure Thursday, and it wasn’t just Rashan Gary. The Lions allowed 12 quarterback hits and Goff could never get comfortable in the timing and rhythm of Detroit’s offense. Goff lost three fumbles on the day.
Lions vs. Packers live updates, highlights
3:40 p.m. END OF GAME: Detroit did score a final late touchdown — a 12-yard pass to receiver Josh Reynolds — and converted the two-point try to make it a one-score game, but Green Bay recovered the onside kick to all but end the game.
The Packers won, 29-22, to improve to 5-6. The Lions dropped to 8-3.
3:16 p.m.: Playing with a little more urgency, the Lions opted to go no huddle midway through the fourth quarter. They had some success, moving the ball, but their execution stalled deep in Packers territory. Detroit was forced to go for it on fourth-and-7 from the Green Bay 12, but Jared Goff’s pass to the right side of the end zone fell incomplete. That marked the third consecutive failed fourth down try for Detroit, which is now 0-for-4 on the day.
2:57 p.m. END OF THIRD QUARTER: The Lions are running out of time, as the third quarter ended with Detroit unable to overcome its failed fake punt and still facing a 15-point deficit.
2:48 p.m.: Both teams appeared as if they would be trading punts, but Lions coach Dan Campbell opted to call a fake punt on a fourth-and-4 from deep in their own territory. The attempt wasn’t even close, giving the Packers the ball at the Detroit 23-yard line.
It would prove to be very costly; three plays later, on a third-and-3, Jordan Love found receiver Christian Watson for a beautiful connection in the corner of the end zone. The Packers went for a two-point conversion, attempting a trick play, but. itwas stuffed.
Green Bay took a 29-14 lead.
2:31 p.m.: Detroit came out of the half with a lot more intention and pace, ripping through the Packer defense.
It started with the first offensive play of the half, a toss left to Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who slipped past Green Bay defenders for a 23-yard gain. On the next play, quarterback Jared Goff found receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for 28 yards, putting Detroit just outside of the red zone.
Running back David Montgomery finished. the drive, scoring on a six-yard touchdown rush and then finding the end zone again on a two-point conversion. The Lions closed the margin, 23-14, on the seven-play, 72-yard drive.
2:05 p.m.: The first half ends with the Lions struggling to execute their offense with precision. Green Bay takes a 17-point lead into intermission and is outgaining Detroit by a margin of 247-146.
The Packers have recorded 13 first downs compared to Detroit’s eight. Packers quarterback Jordan Love is 15-of-20 for 189 yards with a pair of touchdowns, while Lions quarterback Jared Goff is 8-of-16 for 100 yards with one touchdown, but two fumbles lost.
2:02 p.m.: The Packers attempted a 63-yard field goal at the end of the first half, but Anders Carlson’s try was well short. Lions receiver Kalif Raymond fielded the attempt and tried to make magic happen, but he was eventually brought down after a 50-yard return.
1:53 p.m.: Green Bay’s impressive first half rolls on. With the Lions mounting a small drive, the Packers held Detroit on third down, setting up a fourth-and-4. But with the Lions down 17 and Detroit at the far end of field goal range, coach Dan Campbell opted to go for it on fourth down.
Green Bay’s pass rush — which has been a factor all game — pressured Goff and hit him just as he was about to attempt a pass, turning the ball over on downs.
1:40 p.m.: The Lions have now stopped the Packers twice in a row, as this game has settled some. Green Bay did march into Detroit territory, but Jordan Love’s pass attempt to receiver Christian Watson sailed incomplete at Watson and a Lions defensive back got tangled up. Officials ruled that the contact was incidental.
Packers place kicker Anders Carlson connected on a 43-yard field goal to give Green Bay a 23-6 lead.
1:26 p.m.: The aggressive Packers opted to go for it on fourth down, but there was some miscommunication between quarterback Jordan Love and running back AJ Dillon, who appeared to go the wrong way when trying to receive a handoff. The Lions stuffed it and Green Bay turned the ball over on downs.
1:18 p.m.: A wild first quarter ended with the Packers holding a 14-point lead and facing a fourth-and-1 deep in Detroit territory.
1:15 p.m.: Green Bay is on an absolute tear. On Detroit’s possession following the scoop-and-score, the Packers stripped the ball out of Jared Goff’s hand once again. This time it came on a third-and-5, as Goff tried to scramble for more yards. Packers defensive end Karl Brooks was credited with the forced fumble and the recovery.
Green Bay got possession from the Detroit 23-yard line.
1:10 p.m.: Even when there’s defense in this game, there’s scoring, too. Facing a second-and-long, Lions quarterback Jared Goff dropped back to pass and climbed into the pocket before Packers linebacker Rashan Gary dislodged the ball out of Goff’s hand. Green Bay safety Jonathan Owens alertly scooped the ball and returned it for a 27-yard touchdown.
The play was reviewed and appeared to be close, as Goff was just about to start his throwing motion, though his hand was empty as it started to move forward. The ruling stood, though the Packers missed the extra point attempt to give them a 14-point lead, 20-6
1:03 p.m.: Fans of defensive play won’t be pleased with this start. Both offenses are getting whatever they want, as the Packers again rolled down the field for another touchdown drive. Green Bay converted a pair of third downs, including one on the final play of the series, a nine-yard touchdown grab on a play-action rollout to tight end Tucker Kraft.
Jordan Love is now 8-of-9 for 124 yards and two touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 QB rating. Green Bay has 150 yards of offense, eight first downs and a 14-6 lead.
12:51 p.m.: Not to be outdone, the Lions answered Green Bay’s impressive opening drive with one of their own. Quarterback Jared Goff completed a couple of key passes early in the series — an 11-yard third-down crossing route to receiver Jameson Williams and a 31-yarder to tight end Sam LaPorta.
Once Detroit got into a goal-to-go scenario, Goff found LaPorta for a seven-yard score. Kicker Riley Patterson’s extra point attempt sailed right, putting Detroit in a one-point hole, 7-6.
12:40 p.m.: The Packers came out swinging. Winners of the coin toss, Green Bay elected to receive the ball and proceeded to march down the field in a five-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jayden Reed. The play that opened up the series was a 53-yard deep ball to receiver Christian Watson.
The point after touchdown was converted to give the Packers a 7-0 lead.
12:23 p.m.: All teams playing in Thursday’s Thanksgiving games are honoring late NFL coaching legend John Madden with a circular patch on their jerseys.
A commemorative Madden coin is also being used in all three games for the coin toss; the heads side features a silhouette of Madden’s face and the tails side features an image of a six-legged turducken.
Noon: The Packers will be without some stars on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball: Running back Aaron Jones is out with an MCL sprain, while cornerback Jaire Alexander will miss the matchup with a shoulder injury.
11:52 a.m.: With just over a half hour until kickoff, there are no real surprises on the Lions inactive list.
John Madden believed Thanksgiving is about family, football, food, tradition and fun.
And the turducken, of course.
The NFL will celebrate his legacy for a second annual John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration during its tripleheader on Thursday. — Safid Deen
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Packers and Lions renew rivalry on Thanksgiving Day
On Thanksgiving Day, the Packers and Lions will meet for the 189th time (including playoff games) in a rivalry that dates back to 1930. Packers-Lions is the NFL’s second-most performed contention; Packers-Bears is the most-played (207 conferences, together with playoffs). So, it will have to come as no wonder to be told that the Lions have met the Packers probably the most of any workforce on Thanksgiving (22 instances, counting this Thanksgiving).
The Lions have prevailed within the majority of the ones matchups, too, proudly owning a 12-8-1 document in opposition to the Packers at the vacation. The most famed of the ones wins got here in 1962, which is a season Detroit lovers have change into accustomed to during the last week. The Lions these days personal an 8-2 document, the workforce’s best possible get started since that 1962 season.
After opening the 1962 season 8-2, the Lions hosted the protecting NFL champion Green Bay Packers at Tiger Stadium in what may well be Detroit’s most famed win on Thanksgiving. The Packers of 1962 had been on the peak in their energy beneath the steerage of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. After steamrolling the New York Giants, 37-0, within the 1961 NFL name recreation, the Packers had been a excursion de power in 1962 en path to a name repeat. The Packers went 13-1 that season sooner than defeating the Giants again within the championship recreation. That one blemish? It came against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day … and the game wasn’t even close. The Lions stormed out to a 26-0 lead sooner than the Packers scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to make the final 26-14 tally glance nearer than the real recreation. It used to be a specifically tough recreation for Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, who threw two interceptions and used to be sacked 10 or 11 instances (relying at the supply; sacks did not change into an professional statistic till 1982).
The 1962 Lions controlled to get to 11-2 sooner than shedding the regular-season finale in opposition to the Chicago Bears, completing moment to the Packers within the NFL’s West Division. — Jim Reineking
The NFL on Thanksgiving Day has featured some memorable moments, from Clint Longley leading a Cowboys comeback in 1974 and a national TV showcase for the incomparable Barry Sanders to the infamous Butt Fumble in 2012 and Leon Lett’s blunder in 1993.
NFL video games on Thanksgiving had been a convention for the reason that league’s inception in 1920 (there were six games that first season!). — Jim Reineking
Four of the highest six seeds within the NFC (if the season ended sooner than the Thanksgiving Day video games) are in motion on Thursday, because of this the tripleheader may just profoundly affect the playoff image.
NFL Thanksgiving video games odds
According to BetMGM NFL odds, the Lions, Cowboys and 49ers are appreciated on Thanksgiving Day.
Packers at Lions:
- Spread: Lions (-7.5)
- Moneyline: Lions (-375); Packers (+290)
- Over/beneath: 47
Commanders at Cowboys:
- Spread: Cowboys (-12.5)
- Moneyline: Cowboys (-700); Commanders (+500)
- Over/beneath: 48.5
49ers at Seahawks:
- Spread: 49ers (-7)
- Moneyline: 49ers (-350); Seahawks (+270)
- Over/beneath: 44
The Detroit Lions are some of the best bets for NFL Week 12 of their Thanksgiving Day recreation in opposition to the Green Bay Packers. The Lions are appreciated via 7.5 issues at the street in opposition to their NFC North competitors, in keeping with the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to bet? Check out the most productive cell sports activities making a bet apps providing NFL making a bet promos in 2023.
In the afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys are appreciated via just about two touchdowns in opposition to the Washington Commanders. According to the highest NFL making a bet apps, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (+1800) has one of the crucial best possible NFL MVP making a bet odds in 2023.Â
The San Francisco 49ers are favorites of their NFC West nightcap in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers (+450) personal one of the crucial best possible Super Bowl making a bet odds.
Not all for those video games? Our information to NFL making a bet odds, selections and spreads has you lined with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds, Monday Night Football odds and extra.
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Picks and predictions for Thanksgiving NFL video games
These are america TODAY Sports’ group of workers predictions for the Thanksgiving Day video games:
Packers at Lions:
- Jarrett Bell: Lions, 20-16
- Chris Bumbaca: Lions, 29-19
- Nate Davis: Lions, 31-17
- Safid Deen: Lions, 30-16
- Tyler Dragon: Lions, 28-19
- Victoria Hernandez: Lions, 28-17
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Lions, 28-23
- Lorenzo Reyes: Lions, 25-21
Commanders at Cowboys:
- Jarrett Bell: Cowboys, 34-24
- Chris Bumbaca: Cowboys, 31-22
- Nate Davis: Cowboys, 37-17
- Safid Deen: Cowboys, 34-17
- Tyler Dragon: Cowboys, 30-14
- Victoria Hernandez: Cowboys, 42-24
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Cowboys, 34-20
- Lorenzo Reyes: Cowboys, 31-12
49ers at Seahawks:
- Jarrett Bell: 49ers, 28-20
- Chris Bumbaca: 49ers, 24-21
- Nate Davis: 49ers, 30-17
- Safid Deen: 49ers, 27-13
- Tyler Dragon: 49ers, 24-16
- Victoria Hernandez: 49ers, 24-16
- Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: 49ers, 35-21
- Lorenzo Reyes: 49ers, 29-17
All odds equipped via BetMGM. We sometimes suggest fascinating services. If you are making a purchase order via clicking one of the most hyperlinks, we might earn an associate charge. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t affect our protection.Â
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