The NFL’s slate of Thanksgiving Day video games kicks off with an NFC North battle between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions at 12:30 ET on Thursday.
For the Lions, it is a possibility to enhance to 11-1 and keep atop the NFC standings. For the Bears (4-7), it represents a vital sport to only keep within the dialog for a wild-card spot.
ODDS & TRENDS
The Lions are consensus 9.5-point favorites — and standard ones at that. They’ve been backed by 71 % of the spread-line cash at BetRivers, whereas the Lions’ -590 moneyline to win the sport outright has been backed by 91 % of the cash.
Of the three Thanksgiving Day video games, Detroit’s moneyline has been essentially the most wagered-on play, adopted carefully by the Lions’ unfold line.
DraftKings reported the Lions’ to have drawn essentially the most complete moneyline bets and cash amongst Week 13 video games, whereas they’ve additionally been backed by essentially the most Tremendous Bowl winner bets since Week 12.
The Over/Underneath for Thursday’s sport is at 48.0 at BetRivers, the place the Over has been supported by 86 % of the cash and 83 % of all bets.
PROP PICKS
–Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs 70+ Dashing Yards (-140 at DraftKings): Gibbs is coming off a 90-yard sport in opposition to the Colts when he logged a season-high 21 carries. With David Montgomery nursing a sore shoulder, a much bigger workload may once more fall to Gibbs to assault a Bears run protection permitting a median of 129.7 yards per sport on the bottom.
–Bears RB Roschon Johnson Anytime TD (+225 at BetRivers): What inconsistent work Johnson will get in Chicago’s backfield typically comes close to the aim line. He scored one a one-yard run final week for his sixth speeding landing of the season. That features reaching the top zone in consecutive video games.
THE NEWS
Using a nine-game successful streak, their longest since a 10-game streak throughout their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses of their conventional Thanksgiving Day sport the previous seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago.
The Bears and Lions get collectively for the twentieth time on Thanksgiving — the Bears have 11 wins — this week within the first of two conferences between the groups in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Discipline on Dec. 22.
“I believe there’s two issues,” Lions coach Dan Campbell mentioned of the Thanksgiving dropping streak. “No. 1 — Get a W. And it is a division win that is why this enormous. No. 2 is as a result of the gamers are going to get a few days off. So, they’ve household, associates in, it would be good to be ok with it once you’re with all people as a result of it is simply not actual enjoyable. It isn’t actual enjoyable to be round.”
Detroit owns the perfect report within the NFC however the Lions aren’t even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one sport behind them and Inexperienced Bay is 2 video games again. The Bears sit in final place and would seemingly must run the desk to have any probability of creating the playoffs.
The Lions have been dominant in all phases and have not allowed a landing previously 10 consecutive quarters.
Detroit’s offense ranks first in factors per sport (32.7) and second in complete yardage (394.3) The Lions protection has not given up a landing within the final 10 quarters.
The Bears are saddled with a five-game dropping streak and Chicago’s protection has been destroyed for almost 2,000 complete yards previously 4 video games.
The Bears failed to achieve the 20-point mark 4 instances in 5 outings since they final gained a sport. Of their newest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up however they misplaced to Minnesota in additional time, 30-27.
“We have now to play complementary soccer for us to have the ability to win these video games,” coach Matt Eberflus mentioned. “The video games we have now gained, we have now performed that. The video games we have now been shut we have missed the mark a bit of bit. Over the course of the 12 months, it has been one aspect or the opposite, this aspect or that aspect. On this league you need to be good on all sides to win. That is what we’re looking for.”
Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns with out an interception. The extensive receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze mixed for 21 receptions and two touchdowns whereas tight finish Cole Kmet caught seven passes.
INJURY REPORT
The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve previously week and high cornerback Carlton Davis is not anticipated to play as a consequence of knee and thumb accidents.
Detroit offensive sort out Taylor Decker (knee) and high returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are additionally anticipated to overlook the sport, although Campbell expressed optimism that operating again David Montgomery (shoulder), previously of the Bears, would play. Bears security Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday’s walkthrough.
KEY STAT
Lions rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field-goal makes an attempt, together with 4 from 50-plus yards over the previous three video games.
THEY SAID IT
“What I have been impressed with is simply how he has grown. He has grown each sport however these final two I actually really feel like he is taken off and what they’re doing with him has been actually good for him and he simply seems to be very composed. He does not get frazzled, performs fairly quick, and he is an correct passer, huge arm, and he is received some guys that may get open for him.” –Campbell on Williams
PREDICTION
The Lions have been placing their foot on the gasoline early of late, and refusing to again down. They’ve gained their previous two video games by a mixed 76-12 and have put up at the least 42 factors 3 times this season. The Bears’ protection will pose a stiffer take a look at than most, however Chicago’s offense is not able to maintain tempo in a observe meet. –Lions 30, Bears 20
–Discipline Stage Media