Week 13 brings the tradition, spotlight, and stakes that only Thanksgiving football delivers. Three heavyweight matchups headline the holiday, featuring division tension in Detroit, a star-studded showdown in Dallas, and a fierce AFC North battle in Baltimore. With playoff races tightening and national eyes on every snap, these games carry real consequence beyond the turkey and halftime shows.
NFL Week 13 Thanksgiving Betting Tips
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
5.00am (AEDT)
Detroit return home with a strong record and a renewed confidence in their identity. Their offence has leaned on balance and efficiency, with Jared Goff commanding the passing game while the ground attack continues to provide stability. Defensively, the Lions have tightened in the red zone and have shown a growing ability to generate pressure without blitzing, making them tougher to break at Ford Field. With Thanksgiving history on their side in recent seasons, the atmosphere should be electric.
Green Bay arrive as a streaky but dangerous team capable of hanging with top opponents when Jordan Love finds rhythm. Their passing game has taken steps forward in recent weeks and the defence has created timely turnovers to keep them competitive. Consistency remains the question. The Packers have struggled to sustain drives for four full quarters and their road form has been uneven, especially in loud, indoor environments.
Prediction: Detroit have been the steadier, more complete team and their home advantage on a short week should matter. If the Lions control the tempo with their run game and force Love into long yardage situations, they should dictate the game script. I like Detroit to win by a touchdown, pulling away late behind cleaner execution and defensive discipline.
Lions -2.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys
8.30am (AEDT)
Dallas take the field at home with a sense of urgency and opportunity. AT&T Stadium has fuelled their offence all season and Dak Prescott has historically elevated in these headline moments. The Cowboys passing attack looks most dangerous indoors where timing routes flourish and their defence tends to play faster at home, particularly the pass rush, which has generated some of its biggest swings in this building.
Kansas City arrive as a proven contender with Patrick Mahomes still the central force. While their offence has relied more on precision than explosiveness at times this season, Mahomes continues to produce in clutch situations and the Chiefs defence has carried more weight than usual. Kansas City have played well in big national windows under Andy Reid and tend to thrive when the environment demands calm execution.
Prediction: This has shootout potential, but the edge goes to Kansas City. Mahomes has a track record of delivering in these spotlight games and his ability to extend plays could neutralise Dallas pressure. Expect momentum swings, but I see the Chiefs taking it 30 to 27 in a high energy Thanksgiving classic.
Over 52.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Cincinatti Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
12.20pm (AEDT)
Baltimore return home with playoff aspirations firmly intact, leaning on a physical defence and a sharpened offensive identity. Lamar Jackson has looked increasingly comfortable attacking through the air and on the ground, while the Ravens front seven continues to set the tone with pressure and discipline. At home, Baltimore have been imposing, turning games into bruising contests where opponents struggle to dictate tempo.
Cincinnati enter this matchup with a jolt of optimism as Joe Burrow returns from a long injury absence. His comeback brings credibility and explosive potential back to the Bengals offence, but expectations need to be measured. Burrow has not played meaningful football in months and timing, chemistry, and pocket feel often take time to rebuild. The offensive line remains a concern and asking Burrow to shoulder a heavy load immediately against an aggressive defence on the road could be a steep ask. The Bengals will get a lift emotionally, but there is real rust to overcome.
Prediction: The Ravens are built for this kind of divisional grind and their advantage in the trenches should be decisive. Cincinnati will have moments if Burrow hits explosive plays, but Baltimore’s ability to control possession and pressure the pocket tilts the matchup. I like the Ravens to win 24 to 17 in a tough, hard hitting affair that reinforces their AFC North credentials.
Under 51.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
