NFL Thanksgiving 2023 picks, open thread — a feast of three tasty NFC matchups

JSpenceTheKing brings you his thoughts on each Thanksgiving Day matchup, presented By DraftKings Sportsbook

Thanksgiving Day is always an exciting time for football fans as they gather with family and friends to watch some intense and meaningful NFL games. This year, we have three thrilling matchups to look forward to and there are many story lines and questions to be answered. Can the underdog Green Bay Packers pull off a Thanksgiving upset against the Detroit Lions? Will the Washington Commanders be able to compete with the powerhouse Dallas Cowboys? And, can the San Francisco 49ers continue their dominance in the NFC West against the Seattle Seahawks?

The first game of the day features the Packers taking on the Lions. Green Bay, currently 4-6, hasn’t had the best season, especially on offense. Quarterback Jordan Love has had a tough time getting into a rhythm and the offensive line has struggled to protect him. In their last game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Love had a rough outing going 21-of-40 passing with two interceptions. On the other hand, Detroit, currently 8-2, has been a pleasant surprise this season. Their dominant offensive line and strong running game have led them to success.

I predict the Lions will continue their winning ways and defeat the Packers, turning around their Thanksgiving Day game fortunes with a 30-16 victory.

The second game of the day features the Commanders squaring off against the Cowboys. Washington, at 4-7, has been an interesting team to watch this season, with many changes and improvements under new ownership and coaching. However, their offense has been inconsistent, and the defense has struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In contrast, Dallas at 7-3 has been a dominant force, blowing out opponents with their high-powered offense and solid defense.

I predict the Cowboys will continue their winning ways and claim a convincing victory over the Commanders, with a score of 35-13.

The final game of Thanksgiving this year features the 49ers facing off against the Seahawks. This NFC West showdown has big playoff implications, as both teams are in the hunt for the division title. The 49ers, who are currently 7-3, have been a force to be reckoned with, boasting a well-rounded roster with star players on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Brock Purdy has found his groove, and running back Christian McCaffrey has been a standout performer. On the other hand, the Seahawks have found themselves in a good position to compete for the division, but quarterback Geno Smith has struggled to maintain his level of play from last season. Without the presence of running back Kenneth Walker III, the Seahawks will need wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf to step up.

I predict the 49ers will prevail in this pivotal divisional matchup with a 33-28 victory, in what promises to be an exciting and closely contested game.

A trio of NFC matchups for Thanksgiving Day promises to offer an action-packed afternoon and night of football — one full of compelling story lines and meaningful matchups. Whether or not you’re a fan of the Packers, Lions, Commanders, Cowboys, 49ers, or Seahawks, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. So, grab your turkey, gather around the TV, and enjoy the thrills and excitement of Thanksgiving football. Happy Thanksgiving!

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