Thanksgiving wagers: Expect home teams to rule the day
The NFL's yearly gift to fans in the form of a tripleheader on Thanksgiving is upon us, with the usual teams taking the field Thursday.
As is tradition, the Detroit Lions will host the early game before the Dallas Cowboys welcome the Los Angeles Chargers in the afternoon. The evening kickoff will see the Washington Redskins square off with the New York Giants.
Home teams are the pick this week for all three matchups:
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (+3)
The Vikings are arguably the hottest team in football with six straight victories, but face a tough divisional road game on short rest in Detroit. The Lions already scored a win against Minnesota this season, holding Case Keenum to one of his worst games of the year in Week 4. And while the Vikings' defense is tough against the run, Lions rusher Ameer Abdullah had one of his strongest games of the season in the win over Minnesota. Look for Matthew Stafford to feed off the run game with some quality play-action passes, and for the Lions to knock off the Vikings again. Lions 21, Vikings 17
Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys (+2.5)
Offensive tackle Tyron Smith looks set to return to the Cowboys' lineup at just the right time - just as the terrifying pass-rush tandem of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram comes to Dallas. The Chargers utterly embarrassed the Buffalo Bills and rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman last week, but face a tougher test in Dak Prescott on Thursday. The Cowboys have flopped without Ezekiel Elliott, but Smith's absence was just as important. Alfred Morris is no Elliott, but should be able to find running room against the Chargers' league-worst rushing defense. That will take some pressure off Prescott and help the home side get the win. Cowboys 28, Chargers 23
New York Giants at Washington Redskins (-7.5)
The Giants cobbled together one of the most shocking wins of the season last week by knocking off the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs. But despite the momentary respite from a dismal year, expect New York to return to losing form against Washington on Thursday. The Giants' offense is still woefully short on playmakers, and Sterling Shepard is no guarantee to play as he recovers from migraines. That's bad news against a Washington team that's hit the 30-point mark in each of its last two games. This one could be over early. Redskins 31, Giants 17
Thursday picks record: 8-2-1