GOBBLE! GOBBLE!
November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving Day NFL Preview: Week 13
The Fourth Annual John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration Thursday, November 27, 2025
Honoring a Legend: The John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration
Since 2022, the NFL has honored legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden with a special Thanksgiving celebration. Madden, who passed away in December 2021, became synonymous with Thanksgiving football through his passionate commentary and genuine love for the holiday.
Throughout his broadcasting career, Madden worked an astounding 20 consecutive Thanksgiving games for CBS and Fox. His enthusiastic delivery and turkey-leg award for outstanding performances became iconic traditions. Moreover, Madden famously traveled by bus to games because of his fear of flying, often documenting his Thanksgiving journeys.
This year marks the fourth annual celebration of Madden’s legacy. Consequently, the NFL continues to honor his contributions to the game and the holiday tradition he helped define. Special on-field recognition and tributes will occur throughout all three Thanksgiving games.
Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) at Detroit Lions (7-4)
Ford Field, Detroit, MI | 1:00 PM ET | FOX Spread: Lions -3 | Total: 51.5
First up on Thanksgiving Day, Detroit hosts Green Bay in a crucial NFC North showdown. Notably, the Lions play their 86th Thanksgiving Day game. Meanwhile, Green Bay makes its third consecutive holiday appearance.
Betting Insight & Trends
The over has hit in four of Detroit’s last five home games. Additionally, the Lions are 6-2 ATS in their last eight divisional matchups. Furthermore, Green Bay is 5-2 ATS as road underdogs this season. The high total reflects both teams’ offensive firepower and recent scoring trends.
Lions’ Explosive Offense
To begin with, Jared Goff excels on Thanksgiving with consistent two-touchdown performances. In fact, he’s thrown multiple touchdowns in each of his past four home starts against Green Bay. Additionally, the veteran quarterback ranks tied-second with 23 touchdown passes this season.
Furthermore, Jahmyr Gibbs exploded last week with 264 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. Impressively, his 44 career scrimmage touchdowns rank second among players under 24. Indeed, only Barry Sanders had more at that age.
Similarly, Amon-Ra St. Brown leads the receiving corps with 884 yards and nine touchdowns. As a result, the Lions’ offense ranks first in scoring at 29.6 points per game.
Packers’ Balanced Attack
On the other hand, Jordan Love has thrived on Thanksgiving with impressive ratings in both recent appearances. Specifically, he’s posted 150-plus passing yards in all five road games this season.
Moreover, Josh Jacobs provides the ground game with 11 rushing touchdowns. Consequently, he ranks second in the NFL in rushing scores. Additionally, Emanuel Wilson adds depth after posting 107 yards last week.
Defensively, Micah Parsons dominates on Thanksgiving with six career sacks on the holiday. Currently, he has 10 sacks this season and ranks fifth in the NFL.
Fantasy Football Analysis
For fantasy managers, start Gibbs with extreme confidence in all formats. In particular, he’s a potential league-winner down the stretch. Likewise, St. Brown remains a WR1 with consistent targets and red zone usage.
Subsequently, Love and Goff are solid QB1 options for Thanksgiving slates. Jacobs is an RB1 with touchdown upside. Finally, Parsons is an elite IDP play.
Injury Report: Both teams enter relatively healthy with no major absences expected.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1)
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 4:30 PM ET | CBS Spread: Cowboys -2.5 | Total: 48
Next, Dallas hosts Kansas City in the traditional afternoon Thanksgiving slot. Historically, the Cowboys play their 58th holiday game. In contrast, Kansas City makes its first Thanksgiving appearance since 2006.
Betting Insight & Trends
Dallas is 7-1 ATS on Thanksgiving since 2017. Moreover, the Cowboys are 5-0 straight up at home this season. However, Kansas City is 8-3 ATS following a win this year. The moderate total suggests a competitive, lower-scoring affair than expected.
Cowboys Comeback Kings
First and foremost, Dak Prescott dominates Thanksgiving with a 103.6 career passer rating on the holiday. Remarkably, he ranks fourth all-time in Thanksgiving completions, yards and touchdowns. Just last week, he threw for 354 yards and three touchdowns.
In addition, George Pickens leads the receiving corps with 1,054 yards and eight touchdowns. Notably, he’s had 75-plus yards in six consecutive games. Similarly, CeeDee Lamb provides secondary firepower with 632 yards.
On the ground, Javonte Williams rushed for 896 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Significantly, the Cowboys overcame a 21-point deficit last week against Philadelphia.
Chiefs’ Championship Experience
Conversely, Patrick Mahomes rewrites history weekly. Recently, he became the fastest player to reach 35,000 career passing yards. Furthermore, the superstar is 4-1 in his past five Thursday starts.
At running back, Kareem Hunt has rushing touchdowns in four consecutive games. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce needs 126 yards to join Jerry Rice in exclusive receiving company.
Defensively, Kansas City’s unit creates timely turnovers and excels in crunch time.
Fantasy Football Analysis
For fantasy purposes, Mahomes is a must-start QB1 despite the Chiefs’ inconsistent season. Alternatively, Prescott offers similar upside at home on Thanksgiving.
Regarding receivers, Pickens is a WR1 with massive ceiling potential. Lamb is also a WR1 option. Meanwhile, Hunt is a touchdown-dependent RB2.
Kelce remains a top-five tight end. Importantly, his playoff experience shows in big games.
Injury Report: Both teams managing minor injuries but no significant absences expected.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) at Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD | 8:20 PM ET | NBC Spread: Ravens -7.5 | Total: 52
Finally, the nightcap features bitter AFC North rivals. Impressively, Baltimore has won five consecutive games after starting 1-5. In contrast, Cincinnati desperately needs wins to salvage their season.
Betting Insight & Trends
The over is 9-2 in Cincinnati’s last 11 games overall. Additionally, Baltimore is 5-0 ATS during their current winning streak. Furthermore, division games between these teams have gone over in seven of the last nine meetings. The high total reflects their recent offensive explosions.
Ravens’ Remarkable Run
To start, Lamar Jackson has dominated Cincinnati with 2,472 passing yards against them. Specifically, he averages 224.7 yards per game versus the Bengals. Last season, he threw four touchdowns in both matchups.
Additionally, Derrick Henry recorded his 30th career two-touchdown game last week. Historically, only LaDainian Tomlinson and Emmitt Smith have more such games. Furthermore, Henry needs one touchdown for his eighth consecutive 10-touchdown season.
Defensively, the Ravens rank second in scoring defense at 16.5 points allowed per game.
Bengals Fighting Back
Meanwhile, Joe Burrow should return from injury for this critical divisional game. Previously, he threw nine touchdown passes in two games against Baltimore last season. Clearly, the star quarterback has been sensational when healthy.
At receiver, Ja’Marr Chase had 457 yards against Baltimore last year. Remarkably, that’s the most receiving yards against one opponent in NFL history. Additionally, he needs one catch for 1,000 yards this season.
On the ground, Chase Brown has 100-plus scrimmage yards in five consecutive games. Currently, that’s the longest active streak in the NFL.
Fantasy Football Analysis
For fantasy purposes, Jackson is still an elite QB1 with rushing upside and favorable matchup history. Similarly, Henry is a must-start RB1.
If active, Burrow is a high-end QB1 play. Correspondingly, Chase is a top-five WR1 regardless of format. Meanwhile, Brown is an intriguing RB2 with his recent hot streak.
At tight end, Mark Andrews offers touchdown upside as a TE1 option. Finally, Zay Flowers is a flex consideration.
Injury Report: Burrow’s status critical for Cincinnati. However, he’s expected to start after missing recent games.
Thanksgiving Day Conclusion
First, Detroit’s explosive offense meets Green Bay’s tough defense in a high-scoring affair. Next, Dallas and Kansas City bring star power and championship experience in a competitive matchup. Finally, Baltimore and Cincinnati provide divisional intensity and high-scoring potential in primetime.
From a betting perspective, the Lions’ home dominance makes them attractive despite the line. Subsequently, Dallas’s perfect home record and Thanksgiving success warrant consideration. Lastly, the Ravens’ momentum and Jackson’s dominance suggest value on Baltimore.
Without question, Madden would approve of this Thanksgiving slate. His enthusiasm for great football and memorable moments defined the holiday tradition. Therefore, fantasy managers should maximize their lineups accordingly. Ultimately, Thursday’s triple-header promises drama, touchdowns, and unforgettable moments worthy of the Madden legacy.
Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the games!
Week 13 Game Previews