Alofoke Deportes brings you the preview of the Thanksgiving 2025 games!
The 2025 NFL season gives us an exciting menu of games on Thanksgiving Day. Get ready for a feast of American football, because according to ESPN Research, the average total points (51.2) is the highest in the last 40 years for Thanksgiving games. Buckle up!Our NFL Nation correspondents take us inside each locker room, with the key stories and a look at the history of each team in the Thanksgiving games. In addition, ESPN Research offers optimistic statistics and important data for betting. Seth Walder, statistics analyst, presents his bold predictions, and Eric Moody, fantasy football analyst, shares key information for your team. You will also find the Football Power Index (FPI) projections and the final score forecasts of Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder.
We begin with the Packers vs. Lions matchup, who will face each other on Thanksgiving Day for the 23rd time, an NFL record.Packers vs. Lions
1 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: DET -2.5 (48.5 O/U)What is said about the Packers?
They are the underdogs for the first time this season. They are the only NFL team that has been favored in all their games until Week 13. The Packers have already won more divisional games (two) than in the entire last season, when they were swept by the Lions and Vikings, and split the series with the Bears. – Rob DemovskyWhat is said about the Lions?
Detroit will seek revenge after the 27-13 defeat in the first week at Lambeau Field. Coach Dan Campbell and his team eagerly await another matchup against their NFC North rivals on Thanksgiving Day, where the Lions lead the historical series against Green Bay 12-9-1. “We lost in Week 1, so it’s a divisional game,” said edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. “This is as important as any game we’ll play in the regular season.” – Eric WoodyardStatistic the Packers appreciate:
Their defense has generated pressure 35% of the time this season, the sixth-highest rate in the league. This will be especially useful against the Lions’ quarterback, Jared Goff, whose QBR has dropped 69 points when he has faced pressure this season (the biggest drop in the NFL).Statistics the Lions appreciate:
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has been unstoppable since entering the NFL in 2023, and he has the opportunity to join an elite group on Thursday. With a touchdown, Gibbs would become the fifth player in NFL history to record 45 touchdowns (of any kind) in his first three NFL seasons. The other four are Hall of Famers (Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson, Gale Sayers, and Earl Campbell).
Bold Prediction:
Hutchinson will be limited to two or fewer wins in the pass-rush. He has only a 13% effectiveness in the pass rush this season, and the pressure tends to come later in the play. The two offensive tackles of the Packers are among the top 15 in pass blocking win percentage in their position. – WalderInjuries:
- Packers
- Lions
Information for Fantasy:
Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is in a great position against the Lions. He has quietly become the safest option in a Packers offense that is near the bottom of the league in pass attempts, surpassing 45 receiving yards in each game since his return from injury and receiving at least four targets each week. Detroit has also allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.Betting Data:
The Lions are 0-3 against the spread when the line is between +3 and -3 this season. The Packers are 1-4 ATS on the road this season, and their last four road games have gone over the total.Predictions:
Maldonado: Lions 34, Packers 24 Moody: Lions 30, Packers 27 Walder: Packers 23, Lions 17 FPI: DET, 54% (by an average of 1.5 points)Thanksgiving memory for the Packers:
Beat the Lions in 2023. With an apology to history, the 1962 game against the Lions might be the most significant, although it was the Packers’ only loss in a championship season. The recent victory in 2023 gives them the edge. The Packers were underdogs by 8.5 points, but managed a 29-22 victory. It was part of a final stretch in which the Packers went 6-2 to reach the playoffs after starting 3-6. – DemovskyThanksgiving memory for the Lions:
The Lions defeated the Bears 23-20 in 2024. After three consecutive Thanksgiving losses as Lions coach, Campbell finally ended the team’s seven-year drought on the holiday last season. With the victory, the 11-1 Lions also had their best start in franchise history. For quarterback Goff, it was a “bucket list” moment, as he enjoyed a turkey leg after 221 passing yards and two touchdown passes. – WoodyardExtra Stuffing:
Within the Hutchinson contract extension
Chiefs vs. Cowboys
4:30 p.m. ET | CBS/Paramount+ | ESPN BET: KC -3 (52.5 O/U)What is said about the Chiefs?
The Chiefs may have saved their season, and their chances of making the playoffs, in their victory over the Colts. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes knows the Chiefs’ efforts on Sunday will be wasted if they can’t repeat them in Dallas. “Now we just have to build on that momentum,” Mahomes said. “We’re playing a good team in the Cowboys. They can score some points and they have a lot of great players. It’s about reacting fast. It’s going to be a lot of fun going to Dallas and playing on Thanksgiving.” – Nate TaylorWhat is said about the Cowboys?
The Cowboys’ defense has had its two best performances of the season in back-to-back wins over the Raiders and Eagles. Now, they have the Mahomes challenge. While some consider the Chiefs’ offense to be struggling, they are still in the top 10 in yards and passing. “Any time you face Patrick Mahomes, you have to have all your T’s crossed and your I’s dotted,” said defensive tackle Kenny Clark. “That kid is elite. You can’t let him out of the pocket and improvise, because that’s where he’s at his best.” – Todd ArcherStatistic the Chiefs appreciate:
They just snapped their streak of not winning games by one point this season, defeating the Colts by a field goal in overtime despite being down 11 in the fourth quarter. Kansas City was 0-5 in one-point games this season after having an NFL record of 12-0 in them in 2024, including the playoffs.Statistics the Cowboys appreciate:
Their offense has generally been at its best when establishing the run and working off play-action. Quarterback Dak Prescott has the best QBR on play-action plays this season, and is tied with the Rams’ Matthew Stafford for the most touchdown passes (13) on that type of play. This Chiefs defense has allowed the worst completion rate (82%) and the third-most yards per attempt (9.9) on play-action.
Bold Prediction:
Mahomes will record a QBR of over 90 for the first time this season. The Chiefs have been the best offense in the league against zone coverage (0.27 EPA per play, much higher than their 0.10 against man), and the Cowboys run zone 72% of the time (the second most in the NFL). – WalderInjuries:
- Chiefs
- Cowboys
Information for Fantasy:
The Chiefs should lean on Mahomes and his pass catchers against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. This obviously helps Rashee Rice, but struggling managers should also consider Xavier Worthy, who has seen at least seven targets in three of his last four games despite averaging only 7.9 fantasy points during that period.Betting Data:
The Cowboys are 4-1 against the spread as underdogs this season, while the Chiefs are 1-4 ATS as visitors (0-3 ATS in their last three).Predictions:
Maldonado: Chiefs 20, Cowboys 13 Moody: Chiefs 27, Cowboys 23 Walder: Chiefs 36, Cowboys 28 FPI: KC, 63.6% (for an average of 5.1 points)Thanksgiving memory for the Chiefs:
Running back Marcus Allen surpasses Walter Payton in 1996. The Chiefs don’t have many pleasant memories on Thanksgiving, but Allen surpassed fellow Hall of Famer Walter Payton on the all-time rushing touchdowns list in Detroit. Allen recorded his 111th score on a 1-yard dive into the end zone in the first quarter. His performance, which included 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns, helped the Chiefs rally for a 28-24 victory over the Lions. – TaylorCowboys Thanksgiving Memory:
The backup quarterback Clint Longley leads the Cowboys to victory over Washington in 1974. Longley’s comeback came out of nowhere. With Roger Staubach out of the game in the third quarter, the Cowboys were losing 23-17 with less than 30 seconds to go when Longley, known as the “Mad Bomber”, connected with Drew Pearson for a touchdown of 50 yards to defeat their rivals. – ArcherExtra Stuffing:
- Pacheco eyes return against the Cowboys
- Guyton (ankle) likely out against the Chiefs
- Did the Cowboys’ victory set the stage for a playoff run?
- Jones leads late defensive charge
- How Prescott’s initiative saved a Cowboys executive
Bengals vs. Ravens
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: BAL -7 (52.5 O/U)What is said about the Bengals?
The turnover margin is critical to the team’s success in the AFC North game. Since 2021, the Bengals are 13-14 in division play. Cincinnati has a turnover margin of +12 in wins compared to -13 in losses. The same principle also applies to the Ravens and Steelers. But it will be especially important to stop Baltimore. “Whoever takes the ball away is going to win,” said safety Geno Stone. – Ben BabyWhat is said about the Ravens?
Running back Derrick Henry needs 18 rushing yards to surpass Jim Brown and take the No. 11 spot on the NFL’s all-time rushing list. He faces a Bengals defense that allows 156 rushing yards per game, the second-worst in the league. “How many carries can you give Derrick?” coach John Harbaugh said. “Maybe we’ll wait until he gets into the top 10, I don’t know. But he’s going to get more yards.” In his last five games against Cincinnati, Henry averaged 86.4 rushing yards per game and scored four touchdowns. – Jamison Hensley
Statistics the Bengals appreciate:
Running back Chase Brown recorded his fifth consecutive game with over 100 scrimmage yards against the Patriots last week. That’s currently the longest active streak in the NFL and a welcome sign after he failed to cross that mark in the first six games of the season.Statistics the Ravens appreciate:
The quarterback Lamar Jackson might be 1-2 in primetime games this season (won in Week 9 against the Dolphins), but he has a 21-7 record in those games in his career. Since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger, the only quarterback with a better primetime record is Hall of Famer Steve Young (minimum 15 starts).Bold Prediction:
The Ravens’ tight end, Mark Andrews, will record at least 50 receiving yards for the second time this season. Twenty-seven percent of targets against the Bengals’ defense have gone to opposing tight ends, the highest rate in the league. – WalderInjuries:
- Bengals
- Ravens
Information for Fantasy:
The Bengals’ defense has been a fantasy goldmine for opponents all season. This is a dream matchup for managers with Jackson, Henry, and Andrews, as Cincinnati allows the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the most to running backs, and the most to tight ends.Betting Data:
Five consecutive meetings between these teams have gone over the total. The overs are 20-8 in Ravens games since last season, the highest rate in the NFL (7-4 this season).Predictions:
Maldonado: Ravens 30, Bengals 23 Moody: Ravens 31, Bengals 28 Walder: Ravens 30, Bengals 23 FPI: BAL, 68% (for an average of 7.2 points)Thanksgiving memory for the Bengals:
Their only appearance in 2010. The Bengals are one of four teams with only one Thanksgiving game in their franchise history. That game at the Jets, a 26-10 loss, was filled with eventual Hall of Famers (Terrell Owens, LaDainian Tomlinson, Darrelle Revis, and Jason Taylor). – BabyThanksgiving memory for the Ravens:
The sideline play on the band line between Jacoby Jones and Mike Tomlin in 2013. The Ravens play on Thanksgiving for the first time since they beat the Steelers 22-20 by overcoming one of the most controversial plays in league history. With the Ravens leading 13-7 in the third quarter, Jones was running a kickoff when he was stopped by Tomlin, who stood in a restricted area separating the sideline from the playing field, with his back to the action and his right foot directly on the playing field. Jones, who was 38 yards from the end zone, was brought down from behind. Tomlin was later fined $100,000 by the NFL. “It’s just one of those unfortunate moments in life,” Tomlin said five years ago. “I was looking at the jumbotron and lost track of where I was. That’s life.” – HensleyExtra Stuffing:
- Jackson misses practice with a toe injury
- Chase apologizes for spitting: ‘What I did was wrong’
- Bengals coach anticipates Joe Burrow will play on Thursday night
