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NFL on Thanksgiving Day: 49ers and Cowboys roll to wins, Packers upset Lions

tyler dragon, cydney henderson, jordan mendoza, jim reineking, joe rivera and lorenzo reyes, usa today
·32 min read

While the San Francisco 49ers distanced themselves from their next-closest competitor in the NFC West on Thanksgiving Day, the Dallas Cowboys looked like a Super Bowl contender and the Green Bay Packers made the Detroit Lions look like pretenders.

In what was supposed to be a national television showcase for one of the season's surprise teams, the Lions were mistake-prone in a 29-22 loss. The Packers, behind a second consecutive impressive performance from quarterback Jordan Love, surprisingly have played their way into the playoff picture.

The Cowboys clobbered the visiting Washington Commanders, 45-10, behind four touchdown passes from Dak Prescott and a record-setting pick-six from DaRon Bland.

In the holiday capper, the 49ers took a two-game lead in the NFC West with a 31-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Now, San Francisco can enjoy a couple extra days' rest before playing the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13 in a rematch of last season's NFC championship game. — Jim Reineking

Winners and losers from 49ers' win over the Seahawks

WINNERS

Christian McCaffrey’s a touchdown machine: The 49ers running back just has a nose for the end zone. McCaffrey produced 19 carries, 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the win over Seattle.

McCaffrey now has four games with multiple touchdowns this season. He has 29 total touchdowns in 25 career games with San Francisco.

49ers defense feasts on Seahawks: The 49ers defense held the Seahawks to three first downs and 56 total yards in the first half. Plus, cornerback Ambry Thomas intercepted Geno Smith in the first half. San Francisco had two takeaways and had a commanding 24-3 lead at halftime. Overall, the 49ers kept the Seahawks offense out of the end zone. They sacked Geno Smith six times. Nick Bosa had two of those sacks and Javon Hargrave had 1.5 sacks.

Deebo Samuel: The versatile wideout had 94 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. His seven catches and 79 receiving yards led both teams.

49ers: The 49ers have won 10 consecutive games against NFC West opponents.

Jordyn Brooks: Brooks was the lone bright spot for the Seahawks. The linebacker had a game-high 12 tackles and scored the Seahawks’ only touchdown on a pick-six.

LOSERS

Seahawks offense: Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense was held to 56 yards and three first downs in the first half. The Seahawks couldn’t get into a rhythm passing or running the football. Nothing worked for Seattle at home. They were held to 220 yards and just 4.1 yards per play. Smith had 180 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The Seahawks’ lone touchdown came on defense.

Seahawks: The Seahawks are 1-3 in the NFC West. Their last two losses are against divisional opponents (Rams and 49ers). Seattle’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. The Seahawks next three opponents are the Cowboys, 49ers again and Eagles. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 31, Seahawks 13: 49ers extend lead after Brock Purdy TD pass

Brock Purdy threw a nice pass to Brandon Aiyuk running a post for a 28-yard touchdown. Aiyuk’s touchdown capped off a six-play, 64-yard touchdown drive for the 49ers.

The score pushed San Francisco’s lead to 31-13.

The 49ers have produced 336 yards of total offense. Purdy has 186 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 24, Seahawks 13: Are the Seahawks rallying back?

The Seahawks have scored 10 unanswered points against the 49ers.

Seattle rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a 34-yard reception during a 14-play, 78-yard drive that ended in a Jason Myers 30-yard field goal.

The Seahawks field goal cut their deficit to 11 points. — Tyler Dragon

Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes highlight-reel catch

Jaxon Smith-Njigba pulled off the catch of the day, when he made a one-handed grab of a Geno Smith pass for a 34-yard gain in the third quarter.

Smith-Njigba, who was one of two first-round picks for the Seahawks in the 2023 NFL draft, entered Week 12 with 36 receptions for 365 yards and two touchdowns.

His sensational grab, following Jordyn Brooks' pick-six, might just shift some momentum Seattle's way. — Jim Reineking

49ers 24, Seahawks 10: Jordyn Brooks gets pick-six

The Seahawks’ defense got Seattle’s first touchdown.

Brock Purdy had his pass over the middle deflected and intercepted by Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks at San Francisco’s 12-yard line. Brooks then ran 12 yards into the end zone for Seattle’s first touchdown of the night.

The Seahawks still trail 24-10 after the pick-six.

Brooks is one of the lone bright spots for Seattle tonight. He has 10 tackles in addition to his pick-six. — Tyler Dragon

49ers make statement in first half

A dominant first half has the 49ers up 24-3 at halftime.

Running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for two touchdowns and wide receiver Deebo Samuel added another in what was a dominant 30 minutes of football for San Francisco.

The 49ers offense produced 225 total yards to just 56 by Seattle in the first half. McCaffrey has 87 rushing yards and Samuel has five catches for 70 yards.

The Seahawks had two turnovers in the first half. Seattle had a chance to add a field goal at the end of the second quarter, but Jason Myers’ 53-yard field goal was wide right. Myers’ miss was a microcosm of Seattle’s terrible first half.

The Seahawks' Stone Forsythe was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the missed field goal attempt after flipping the 49ers' Javon Kinlaw and slamming him into the ground, inciting a brief on-field scuffle. — Tyler Dragon

49ers recover DeeJay Dallas' muffed punt

It went from bad to worse in Seattle.

Just when the Seahawks defense was feeling good about themselves after a stop, Seattle punt returner DeeJay Dallas muffed a punt, and it was recovered by the 49ers’ Ronnie Bell at the Seahawks’ 22-yard line.

The turnover was Seattle’s second of the half.

The 49ers offense didn’t get a first down after the muffed punt, but they did connect on a 32-yard field goal to add three points to their lead. San Francisco now has a commanding 24-3 advantage late in the first half. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 21, Seahawks 3: Christian McCaffrey finds end zone for second time 

Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers have blown the game open after the running back scored his second touchdown of the night.

McCaffrey rushed up the middle, broke a few tackles on the way to an 8-yard touchdown run. The touchdown lifted the 49ers to a 21-3 advantage.

The 49ers now have 84 rushing yards, including 74 by McCaffrey. The team has gained 215 total yards on offense in five drives. — Tyler Dragon

Geno Smith picked off by Ambry Thomas

The capper for the Thanksgiving Day tripleheader is threatening to become lopsided.

Just two plays after the 49ers took a 14-3 lead, Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was intercepted by Ambry Thomas on a pass intended for Tyler Lockett.

Smith had been listed as questionable on this week's injury reports after suffering a right elbow injury during the third quarter of the Seahawks' loss to the Loss Angeles Rams on Sunday. He missed the bulk of the fourth quarter before returning to the game for the Seahawks' final series. — Jim Reineking

49ers 14, Seahawks 3: Christian McCaffrey finds the end zone

The 49ers have opened up a lead on the road.

San Francisco capitalized off good field position by going on a nine-play, 45-yard touchdown drive. Christian McCaffrey had a 16-yard run to begin the series and ended the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run up the middle to give the 49ers a 14-3 lead with 13:11 to go in the second quarter.

It was McCaffrey’s 10th rushing touchdown of the season. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 7, Seahawks 3: Dee Eskridge kick return sets up field goal

Seahawks returner Dee Eskridge returned a kickoff 66 yards to San Francisco’s 33-yard line to give Seattle excellent field position. However, the Seahawks offense squandered the good field position by only gaining 1 yard on their first series.

The Seahawks had to settle for a 51-yard field goal by kicker Jason Myers. — Tyler Dragon

49ers 7, Seahawks 0: Deebo Samuel caps first possession of game with TD

The 49ers began with a nine-play, 71-yard touchdown drive to open the game and silence the Seattle crowd.

Brock Purdy completed three of four passes and Christian McCaffrey rushed three times for 33 yards during San Francisco’s first series. Deebo Samuel capped off the drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown. — Tyler Dragon

Winners and losers from Cowboys' win over Commanders

WINNERS

Dak Prescott: Prescott was sharp on Thanksgiving and even celebrated with a turkey leg after his final touchdown throw.

The Cowboys quarterback was efficient throwing the football and looked comfortable as he picked apart the Commanders defense for four touchdowns and more than 300 yards.

Prescott produced 331 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He completed 22-of-32 passes, resulting in a 142.1 passer rating. Ten different Cowboys players had at least one reception.

DaRon Bland makes history: Bland set an NFL record with his fifth pick-six of the season. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys cornerback intercepted Sam Howell and ran 63 yards to the house to set an NFL single-season record.

Bland also recorded a team-high 10 tackles.

LOSERS

Commanders offense: The Commanders only produced 10 points in the rout. They were completely overmatched against the Cowboys defense. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel had nine catches for 100 receiving yards, but he was the lone bright spot on Washington’s offense.

Commanders QB Sam Howell was up and down throwing the football. He had several inaccurate throws. He finished 28-of-44 passing for 300 yards. He was sacked four times.

Commanders' coaching staff: The blowout loss felt more and more like the Ron Rivera and the Commanders coaching staff are on borrowed time. Rivera is rumored to be on the hot seat this year.

The loss dropped the Commanders to 3-8 on the season. Washington’s lost three straight games and they are 0-5 in the NFC East. — Tyler Dragon

DaRon Bland gallops into NFL history on Thanksgiving Day

Dallas Cowboys defender DaRon Bland lassoed in his fifth pick-six on Thanksgiving, and he is now the NFL record holder for most pick-sixes in a season.

With the Cowboys already headed toward a Thursday win over the Washington Commanders, Bland capped off the victory by picking off Sam Howell with less than five minutes left and returned it 63-yards into the end zone. — Victoria Hernandez and Jordan Mendoza

49ers vs. Seahawks inactives: Geno Smith is active

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, who hurt his elbow in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, is active for his team's Thanksgiving Day game against the 49ers. Running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) is inactive, as is edge rusher Frank Clark, who was a healthy scratch. Safety Jamal Adams, who missed last week's game, is active.

49ers' inactive players:

Seahawks' inactive players:

Cowboys vs. Commanders live updates, score, highlights

(All times are Eastern)

7:31 p.m.: DaRon Bland sets NFL record with fifth pick-six. Bland is thankful to be in the NFL history books.

Bland got his fifth pick-six of the season on Thanksgiving.

The Cowboys cornerback intercepted Commanders quarterback Sam Howell at the Dallas 37-yard line and return the interception 63 yards for a touchdown.

The interception gave Bland an NFL record five pick-sixes in a single season, breaking a tie with three other players. Bland’s touchdown extended the Cowboys’ lead, 45-10.

Bland now has seven interceptions this season.

7:25 p.m.: Cowboys add another touchdown, celebrate in Salvation Army bucket. Dallas is pouring it on, scoring its 25th unanswered point as the Cowboys have a commanding 38-10 lead over Washington with under six minutes to go.

After getting another fourth down stop, Dallas drove right down the field again in five plays and under three minutes. Dak Prescott tossed another touchdown, finding KaVontae Turpin for a 34-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead.

Like how former Cowboy Ezekiel Elliot did years before, Turpin celebrated by jumping in the famous Salvation Army bucket on the field, as Dallas heads toward its eighth win of the season.

7:13 p.m.: Fourth down stop leads to Cowboys score. The Dallas defense is flexing its muscle, as a stop led to another score.

With little time left, Washington opted to go for it on fourth down on its own 34-yard line, needing just a yard. The Commanders went for the pass, but the Cowboys defensive line rushed and got to Sam Howell for a 10-yard sack to give the offense great field position.

Dak Prescott and company made the most of it, as three plays later, he found CeeDee Lamb in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown pass, the third scoring toss of the day. The two-point conversion was good, and the Cowboys have all but wrapped up another Thanksgiving victory, leading 31-10 with 10 minutes to go.

7:06 p.m.: Cowboys up 23-10 after successful field goal. Kicker Brandon Aubrey converted a 52-yard field goal to give Dallas a 23-10 advantage with 13:36 remaining in the final quarter.

Dak Prescott had a long 25-yard completion to Brandin Cooks and another 14-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb to get the Cowboys in scoring possession.

Cooks has a team-best 64 receiving yards.

Aubrey’s made all 22 of his field goal attempts this year.

7:00 p.m.: Dallas holds 10-point lead heading into fourth quarter. It was a quiet third quarter with no points scored, but the Dallas defense has kept Washington from closing in.

After a fourth down stop on Washington’s first drive of the half, the Cowboys stopped the Commanders from taking advantage of any opportunities, forcing a punt the next time they were on the field.

The Cowboys offense was mostly quiet to start the half, but are beginning to pick up steam heading into the final 15 minutes of the game. They’ve picked up 42 yards on their current drive, and will start the fourth quarter at the Washington 41-yard line.

6:39 p.m.: Dallas defense stops Washington on fourth down. Down by 10, Washington had a chance to make it a one score game in the third quarter, but the Dallas defense stood tall to get the ball back to its offense.

The Commanders got into Dallas territory after starting inside their own 10-yard line, but faced a third-and-one at the 39-yard line. Sam Howell went for a deep ball but Stephon Gilmore was able to break up a pass to Terry McLaurlin to force a fourth down. The Washington offense stayed on the field, and the lauded Cowboys defensive line didn’t even let Brian Robinson Jr. get to the line of scrimmage, forcing a turnover on downs.

It was the third time Washington got into Dallas’ side of the field and didn’t come up with points.

6:09 p.m.: Cowboys 20, Commanders 10 at halftime. The Dallas offense has picked up steam as they take a 10-point lead into halftime. Washington has dominated time of possession as it held the ball for 18 of the first 30 minutes, but Dallas has marched right down the field on its three touchdown drives, with the last one taking only 85 seconds.  Dak Prescott has been stellar so far, continuing to make a case for the MVP award with 221 yards and two touchdown passes on 13-for-18 throwing. Tony Pollard also got back into the endzone on a rushing score, with 34 yards on six carries. Despite the firepower Dallas has shown in the game, Washington is hanging around, thanks to a solid first half from quarterback Sam Howell. He is 16-for-23 with 170 yards and a rushing score.  Dallas had led at halftime in nine of its 11 games this season and is 7-1 when heading into the locker room with the lead. The lone loss came against the Eagles in Week 9.

5:57 p.m.: Cowboys extend lead late in first half. The Cowboys didn’t need a full two minutes during their two-minute drill. Dallas got the ball on its own 24-yard line with 1:51 left in the second quarter, and only needed five plays to get into the end zone. The Cowboys had a dose of luck on their way to paydirt. Dak Prescott had a deep pass deflected, and the football fell into the hands of Jalen Brooks for a 24-yard gain. A few plays later, the Cowboys scored on a 7-yard run by running back Tony Pollard. Pollard’s score gave Dallas a 20-10 advantage. Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey missed the extra point.

5:50 p.m. Commanders score touchdown late in second quarter. The Commanders pulled within four after scores on back-to-back possessions. Washington went on a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that was capped off by a Sam Howell one-yard touchdown run. Howell’s touchdown made the score 14-10 Cowboys with under two minutes remaining in the first half. Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel had a couple catches during Washington’s touchdown drive. Samuel now has five catches and 65 yards in the game to lead the Commanders. Howell is 15-for-21 passing for 159 yards.

5:35 p.m. Cowboys strengthen lead: The Cowboys offense has found its rhythm. After a 90-yard touchdown on the second drive of the game, Dallas added another touchdown on a 75-yard drive to make it 14-3. It was a quick, six-play drive with Dak Prescott accounting for 73 of the yards on the drive, 10 of which came with his legs. Prescott capped the drive by finding Brandin Cooks for a 31-yard touchdown pass.

Prescott is clicking on all cylinders in the first half, as he is 10-for-14 with 158 yards and two touchdowns going into the midway point of the second quarter.

5:30 p.m.: Commanders connect on field goal in second quarter. The Commanders finally got on the board. After punts on their first two drives, the Commanders went on a nine-play, 50-yard drive that ended in a 43-yard field goal by kicker Joey Slye with 11:27 to go in the second quarter. Commanders quarterback Sam Howell threw a deep 30-yard pass to wide receiver Curtis Samuel to get into field goal range. The field goal cut Washington’s deficit to 7-3.

5:15 p.m.: Cowboys go right down the field for first score: After forcing Washington to punt inside Dallas territory again, the Cowboys offense put up an impressive 90-yard drive for the first touchdown of the game and take the early lead. Starting at the 10-yard line, Dak Prescott got Dallas out of its own endzone with a precise 35-yard pass to Jake Ferguson. Despite penalties backing them up, the passing and ground attack from Tony Pollard led Dallas into Washington territory. The drive was capped off on a screen pass from Prescott to Rico Dowdle for a 15-yard score. Prescott delivered another impressive performance on the drive, going 5-for-7 with 82 yards and the passing touchdown on the 11-play, five minute drive.

4:51 p.m. Both teams punt on their first possessions. Washington got going quickly with Brian Robinson Jr. picking up 28 yards on the first three plays of the game, but the drive stalled after Sam Howell took a sack in Dallas territory. The Cowboys did the same thing, picking up yards and moving the ball on their opening drive, but back-to-back overthrown passes from Dak Prescott stalled the drive. Star wideout CeeDee Lamb was open for what looked to be a sure touchdown, but Prescott missed him by a few yards.

Dolly Parton dresses as Cowboys cheerleader for halftime show

Move over Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, Dolly Parton is here.

The country music icon and Tennessee native performed during the halftime show for the Thanksgiving Day game between the Cowboys and Washington Commanders on Thursday. Parton was dressed in an iconic Cowboys cheerleader uniform, complete with a star-studded white vest, white short shorts and a star belly button embellishment. — Cydney Henderson

Dolly Parton performs during halftime of the Cowboys-Commanders game.
Dolly Parton performs during halftime of the Cowboys-Commanders game.

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 Green 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.

MORE: Catching up with Lions great Calvin Johnson, who has five tips for raising young athletes

Lions vs. Packers highlights

(All times are Eastern)

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.

Madden died December 2021 but was a prominent presence during the FOX broadcast of Thanksgiving games, alongside long-time play-by-play partner Pat Summerall.

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.

Simone Biles celebrates huge play by her Packers husband

Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles was certainly in the holiday spirit watching her husband, Packers safety Jonathan Owens, play against the Lions on Thanksgiving in Detroit. The Packers jumped out to a 20-6 first-quarter lead thanks to a play that Owens made. — Scooby Axson

Why are NFL players wearing John Madden patch on Thanksgiving?

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

What times do the Thanksgiving Day NFL games start?

How can I watch the Thanksgiving Day NFL games?

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 played rivalry; Packers-Bears is the most-played (207 meetings, including playoffs). So, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Lions have met the Packers the most of any team on Thanksgiving (22 times, counting this Thanksgiving).

The Lions have prevailed in the majority of those matchups, too, owning a 12-8-1 record against the Packers on the holiday. The most famous of those wins came in 1962, which is a season Detroit fans have become familiar with over the last week. The Lions currently own an 8-2 record, the team's best start since that 1962 season.

After opening the 1962 season 8-2, the Lions hosted the defending NFL champion Green Bay Packers at Tiger Stadium in what might be Detroit's most famous win on Thanksgiving. The Packers of 1962 were at the height of their power under the guidance of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. After steamrolling the New York Giants, 37-0, in the 1961 NFL title game, the Packers were a tour de force in 1962 en route to a title repeat. The Packers went 13-1 that season before defeating the Giants again in the championship game. 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 before the Packers scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to make the final 26-14 tally look closer than the actual game. It was a particularly rough game for Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, who threw two interceptions and was sacked 10 or 11 times (depending on the source; sacks didn't become an official statistic until 1982).

The 1962 Lions managed to get to 11-2 before losing the regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears, finishing second to the Packers in the NFL's West Division. — Jim Reineking

Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?

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 games on Thanksgiving have been a tradition since the league's inception in 1920 (there were six games that first season!). — Jim Reineking

NFL playoff picture

Four of the top six seeds in the NFC (if the season ended before the Thanksgiving Day games) are in action on Thursday, which means the tripleheader could profoundly impact the playoff picture.

NFL Thanksgiving games odds

According to BetMGM NFL odds, the Lions, Cowboys and 49ers are favored on Thanksgiving Day.

Packers at Lions:

  • Spread: Lions (-7.5)

  • Moneyline: Lions (-375); Packers (+290)

  • Over/under: 47

Commanders at Cowboys:

  • Spread: Cowboys (-12.5)

  • Moneyline: Cowboys (-700); Commanders (+500)

  • Over/under: 48.5

49ers at Seahawks:

  • Spread: 49ers (-7)

  • Moneyline: 49ers (-350); Seahawks (+270)

  • Over/under: 44

The Detroit Lions are among the best bets for NFL Week 12 in their Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers. The Lions are favored by 7.5 points on the road against their NFC North rivals, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

In the afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys are favored by nearly two touchdowns against the Washington Commanders. According to the top NFL betting apps, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (+1800) has some of the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023.

The San Francisco 49ers are favorites in their NFC West nightcap against the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers (+450) own some of the best Super Bowl betting odds.

Not interested in these games? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds, Monday Night Football odds and more.

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Picks and predictions for Thanksgiving NFL games

These are the USA TODAY Sports' staff predictions for the Thanksgiving Day 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

NFL Week 12 picks, predictions and odds

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Thanksgiving games: Highlights from 49ers, Cowboys, Packers wins