Packers vs. Lions: Predictions, odds and how to watch Thanksgiving Day game
The first NFL game on Thanksgiving day will be an NFC North matchup between the Detroit Lions (8-2) and Green Bay Packers (4-6).
The Lions, currently second-place in the NFC, are looking to keep the pressure on the Philadelphia Eagles. There is a legitimate possibility that the Lions hold home-field advantage for the entirety of the playoffs, but it starts here, with a win over the team that has looked down at them from the top of the NFC North standings for years. How will the Lions respond in the national spotlight? Here's how to watch.
How to watch Packers vs. Lions:
When: Thursday, November 23, 2023
Where: Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
Time: 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT
TV: FOX
Stream: Fox Sports app, FuboTV, Sling TV
Stream the Game: Catch Thanksgiving NFL action with Fubo
NFL odds: Packers vs. Lions betting lines, odds
The Lions are favored to defeat the Packers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.
All odds as of Wednesday morning:
Spread: Lions (-7.5)
Moneyline: Lions (-350); Packers (+275)
Over/under: 47
Fantasy News:
The Green Bay Packers are one of the most frustrating teams in fantasy this season. Not only are we, the fans, never sure whether or not star running back Aaron Jones will ever be fully healthy again, but their receiving corps has yet to develop a legitimate star.
At the end of the 2022 season, Christian Watson emerged as a potential deep threat with enormous upside. He's been incredibly underwhelming in 2023 though. Jayden Reed has shown promise and even earned a few carries during the Packers Week 11 win over Los Angeles. Matt LaFleur is showing interest in leaning more heavily into Reed, which could make him the most viable option in the Packers pass attack. I would still advise against starting anyone on this Packers team though.
We all know who the Lions' superstars are. No matter what, you are starting Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sam LaPorta, and Amon-Ra St. Brown if you have them on your roster. The only other question would be quarterback Jared Goff.
Goff started off Week 11 horribly. He nearly doubled his season interception total in one game. While he did save his production with two touchdowns, it was still a far cry from the 20-plus points Goff owners were expecting. He likely bounces back in Week 12 though. Why? Because he's statistically a much better quarterback at home than on the road. The Lions will be at Ford Field in Detroit on Thanksgiving, and while Goff has scored 12 and 13 points respectively in his last two home games. He scored 22, 18, and 27 in the other three.
While the Packers have only allowed double-digit points to quarterbacks in one of their last three games, the quarterbacks they faced were Brett Rypien and Kenny Pickett. The other game was against an actually capable quarterback in Justin Herbert, who put up 25 points in standard scoring. Goff is no Herbert, but 17-20 points is definitely possible.
Predictions:
Sportsbook Wire: Take the Under (47)
The Green Bay Packers running back room is dangerously thin at the moment. In games where AJ Dillon gets 15 or more carries this year, the Packers are 0-3 and have scored 17 or fewer points in two of those games. While the Lions could certainly put up 30 points on Green Bay, odds are they'll let off the gas when they get to a three-possession lead.
Fox Sports: Detroit 28, Green Bay 17
Fox Sports points out that there isn't much data on the Lions as such a huge favorite. They've only been a 7.5-point favorite or more twice this year and are 1-1 ATS in those games. While Detroit may not have the history to back them up, they certainly pass the eye test. Take the Lions and the points.
Sports Illustrated: Take the Under (47)
Steven Hall writes, "There were 54 combined points between these two squads in the first meeting back on September 28, but these are almost completely new teams from that point. We don’t have much faith in this Green Bay offense against a solid Detroit defense, and the Packers defense should be up to the task of limiting the Lions offense."
Athlon: Detroit 28, Green Bay 17
While Athlon likes Detroit (-7.5) in this game, they also mention much more confidence in taking the Detroit moneyline. The Lions are 3-0 in games where they are favorites with -360 odds or less.
NFL Week 12 schedule: What to know about betting odds, early lines, byes
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Packers vs. Lions: Picks, predictions and odds for Thanksgiving game
