Thanksgiving week delivers family, food, and a full slate of football, and this year’s schedule is packed with playoff implications across both conferences. Here is a game-by-game look at the odds, context, and predictions heading into a massive holiday weekend.
Packers (7-3-1) at Lions (7-4)
Thursday, Nov. 27 – 1:00 p.m. | Line: Lions -2.5
Green Bay handled Minnesota last week, but the inconsistencies remain. The run game carried the offense, yet the Packers averaged only 3.5 yards per carry, and the passing attack continues to lack explosiveness. The defense kept things manageable, but the Packers still have plenty to clean up before January.
Detroit escaped in overtime thanks to a monster performance from Jahmyr Gibbs, who totaled 219 rushing yards, 11 receptions, and 3 touchdowns. The defense struggled early but delivered in the final moments. The Lions remain firmly in the playoff hunt, but their margin for error is slim.
Prediction: Lions 30, Packers 27
Detroit splits the season series and takes a crucial NFC North matchup.
Chiefs (6-5) at Cowboys (5-5-1)
Thursday, Nov. 27 – 4:30 p.m. | Line: Chiefs -3.5
Kansas City pulled off a dramatic comeback win over Indianapolis, rallying from a 20-9 deficit. Mahomes looked sharper, but early turnovers and red zone issues remain concerning.
Dallas produced its own comeback, overcoming a 21-point hole against Philadelphia. The defense dominated after a shaky first quarter, and Dak Prescott found his footing late. A Brandon Aubry game-winner pulled Dallas back to .500 and kept their season alive.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Cowboys 23
Kansas City leans on its defense and keeps Dallas off-balance for most of the night.
Bengals (3-8) at Ravens (6-5)
Thursday, Nov. 27 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: Ravens -7
The Bengals remain buried in the AFC standings after another close loss. Joe Burrow may return from turf toe, but the team must decide whether it is worth the risk in a lost season. If he does suit up, he faces Lamar Jackson, against whom he is 1-5.
Baltimore has climbed back from a 1-5 start to the top of the AFC North, but their issues are far from resolved. The offense continues to start slowly, and red zone execution has been a problem. Their five-game winning streak has come against softer competition, and tougher tests await.
Prediction: Ravens 33, Bengals 31
The Ravens offense finally finds rhythm in a high-scoring divisional thriller.
Bears (8-3) at Eagles (8-3)
Friday, Nov. 28 – 3:00 p.m. | Line: Eagles -7
Chicago keeps rolling after a hard-fought win against Pittsburgh. The Bears’ defense stepped up late with two crucial stops, and they remain one of the league’s biggest surprises.
Philadelphia jumped out quickly against Dallas but unraveled with turnovers, penalties, and missed opportunities. They remain in great position, but their offense needs to recapture last year’s explosiveness.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Bears 23
Saquon Barkley leads the way as Philadelphia bounces back in a narrow win.
Saints (2-9) at Dolphins (4-7)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 1 p.m. | Line: Dolphins -5.5
The Saints fell 24-10 to Atlanta in a game marred by offensive miscues. Rookie Tyler Shough showed flashes, but the Saints could not sustain drives or protect the football.
Miami returns from the bye at 4-7 and under pressure. The coaching staff is coaching for its future, but Devon Achane continues to shine as the centerpiece of the offense.
Prediction: Dolphins 26, Saints 21
Miami does just enough offensively to stay alive in the AFC race.
Texans (6-5) at Colts (8-3)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 1 p.m. | Line: Colts -4.5
Houston’s defense overwhelmed Buffalo with eight sacks and three takeaways. Davis Mills managed the game well, and C.J. Stroud is expected to return this week, giving Houston a significant boost.
Indianapolis controlled most of the game against Kansas City before unraveling late. Four straight empty fourth-quarter possessions cost them both the game and their grip on the AFC South lead.
Prediction: Texans 23, Colts 17
Houston’s defense continues its surge and tightens the AFC South race.
Falcons (4-7) at Jets (2-9)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 1 p.m. | Line: Falcons -2.5
Atlanta earned a rivalry win over New Orleans behind a strong defensive performance. Despite the record, the Falcons are only two games out in the NFC South.
The Jets battled hard against Baltimore but made too many critical mistakes. The playoff drought looks destined to stretch to 15 years.
Prediction: Falcons 24, Jets 16
Atlanta picks up a needed win to stay in the division mix.
49ers (8-4) at Browns (3-8)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 1 p.m. | Line: 49ers -5.5
San Francisco won last week, but concerns grew as Brock Purdy threw three first-half interceptions. Christian McCaffrey remains the engine of the offense as questions swirl at quarterback.
Cleveland got a promising debut from Shedeur Sanders and another dominant showing from Myles Garrett, who is closing in on the single-season sack record.
Prediction: Browns 20, 49ers 16
Cleveland’s defense sets the tone and pulls off the upset.
Rams (9-2) at Panthers (6-6)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 1 p.m. | Line: Rams -10.5
The Rams dismantled Tampa Bay 34-7 and look like one of the NFL’s most complete teams. Stafford remains in the MVP conversation as LA boasts top-six rankings on both sides of the ball.
Carolina squandered a brilliant defensive performance with offensive stagnation. They finished 1-for-7 on third down and failed twice in the red zone, derailing their playoff hopes.
Prediction: Rams 31, Panthers 20
The Rams extend their win streak to stay atop the NFC race.
Jaguars (7-4) at Titans (1-10)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 1 p.m. | Line: Jaguars -6.5
Jacksonville needed overtime to escape Arizona despite four Trevor Lawrence turnovers. The division remains within reach, but the Jaguars must take a step forward offensively.
Tennessee played Seattle tough but continues to battle roster deficiencies. Cam Ward is promising, but upgrades are needed across the skill positions.
Prediction: Jaguars 24, Titans 21
Jacksonville survives another close call to stay in the AFC South race.
Cardinals (3-8) at Buccaneers (6-5)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 1 p.m. | Line: Buccaneers -2.5
Arizona continues to fall short in one-score games. Jacoby Brissett remains steady, but the offense lacks the firepower to finish drives consistently.
Tampa Bay was overwhelmed by the Rams and now awaits updates on Baker Mayfield’s shoulder. The Bucs have lost four of five and need to regroup fast.
Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Cardinals 26
Tampa edges Arizona in a tight, back-and-forth battle.
Vikings (4-7) at Seahawks (8-3)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -11.5
Minnesota’s struggles intensified after a blowout loss and an injury to JJ McCarthy, who will miss time with a concussion. Rookie Max Brosmer makes his first NFL start.
Seattle continues to impress, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba posting one of the best seasons in franchise history. The Seahawks remain firmly in the NFC mix.
Prediction: Seahawks 30, Vikings 9
Seattle’s defense feasts on a rookie quarterback making his debut.
Bills (7-4) at Steelers (6-5)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Bills -3.5
Buffalo was overwhelmed by Houston’s defense, and Josh Allen struggled with turnovers. Despite a late chance to win, the offense never found its rhythm.
Pittsburgh ran the ball well behind a strong rushing attack but fell short in a loss to Chicago. The Steelers’ playoff hopes hinge on two upcoming matchups with Baltimore.
Prediction: Steelers 27, Bills 24
Pittsburgh does just enough on defense to stay afloat in the AFC North.
Raiders (2-9) at Chargers (7-4)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Chargers -9.5
Las Vegas continues to spiral, struggling on both sides of the ball and failing to generate consistent offense.
The Chargers come out of their bye with major pressure. With games looming against Kansas City, Denver, and Houston, their playoff fate may be decided in the next three weeks.
Prediction: Chargers 42, Raiders 24
Los Angeles takes advantage of a struggling Raiders team to stay in the playoff race.
Broncos (9-2) at Commanders (3-8)
Sunday, Nov. 30 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: Broncos -5.5
Denver’s resurgent defense leads the league in sacks and is closing in on historic territory. Bo Nix continues to manage the offense efficiently, but the Broncos need more balance to make a deep run.
Washington’s season is effectively over, and now they shift into spoiler mode. Their defense showed signs of improvement before the bye, but it faces a tough challenge here.
Prediction: Broncos 23, Commanders 13
Denver’s pass rush overwhelms Washington from start to finish.
Giants (2-10) at Patriots (10-2)
Monday, Dec. 1 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Patriots -7.5
Jameis Winston delivered big numbers but not a victory last week. The Giants remain mired in a long losing streak and inch closer to a top draft pick.
New England got a big game from TE Hunter Henry on Sunday and won its ninth straight, continuing to surge behind an MVP-caliber season from second-year starter Drew Maye. Treveyon Henderson has also emerged as the new feature back.
Prediction: Patriots 28, Giants 23
New England continues its hot streak and secures another key AFC win.
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