NFL Thanksgiving Games 2021: Predictions, Odds, Injuries For Cowboys, Bills, Lions Matchups

All six NFL teams that are scheduled to play on Thanksgiving suffered a loss Sunday. Two of Thursday’s contests will impact the playoff standings, while the other matchup is surrounded by injury questions.

The Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears to start Thursday’s slate in a game between the NFC’s worst teams. Lions starting quarterback Jared Goff didn’t play in Week 11 with an oblique injury, and bruised ribs forced Justin Fields to leave the Bears game early.

The Dallas Cowboys have the best record of the teams in action on Thanksgiving, though they’ll likely be missing their best receivers. Amari Cooper has been ruled out with COVID-19. CeeDee Lamb is expected to be sidelined because of a concussion he suffered Sunday.

Both the Buffalo Bulls and New Orleans Saints fell to the No. 7 seed in their respective conferences. The loser of their Thursday night matchup will probably fall out of the latest playoff picture. Alvin Kamara has missed two straight games for the Saints with a knee injury.

From @GMFB: The #Cowboys may be without their top two weapons, while if Jared Goff is healthy enough, he’ll start Thursday for the #Lions after injuring his oblique in pre-game last week. pic.twitter.com/eCUVQRiF4m
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2021

Here are predictions and the latest betting odds for this year’s Thanksgiving games.

Chicago Bears (-3.5) at Detroit Lions, 41.5

The status of neither quarterback is known to start the week. Chicago has the much better backup signal caller in Andy Dalton. Despite Tim Boyle’s two interceptions and 34.1 passer rating, Detroit only lost by a field goal in Cleveland. The Lions might be able to stay competitive in a low-scoring affair, but Detroit’s 14-game winless streak is unlikely to end if Goff can’t play.

Matt Nagy said they are still trying to figure out the severity of Justin Fields' ribs injury and he's not sure if the injury occurred on one play. #Bears
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) November 22, 2021

Prediction: Chicago Over Detroit, 20-17

Las Vegas Raiders (+7) at Dallas Cowboys, 51

Dak Prescott posted a season-low 57.9 passer rating in Sunday’s 19-9 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs as he received little help from his weapons. The quarterback faces a similar challenge Thursday without Cooper and Lamb. Fortunately for Dallas, Las Vegas’ offense hasn’t scored more than 16 points in the three games since Henry Ruggs was released. The Cowboys should find a way to win and further damage the Raiders’ playoff hopes

Prediction: Dallas over Las Vegas, 26-20

Buffalo Bills (-4) at New Orleans Saints, 46.5

Buffalo is 1-3 against teams that have more than four wins. New Orleans has lost three straight games since Trevor Siemian became the starting quarterback. Which trend will come to an end Thursday? Injuries have made the Bills the far more explosive offense, and Josh Allen could have a nice rebound performance in primetime.

Prediction: Buffalo over New Orleans, 30-17