NFL experts forecast tight contests in the Thanksgiving tripleheader, highlighted by Joe Burrow's return for the Bengals and Frank Ragnow's unretirement for the Lions. The Packers are favored to upset the Lions, while the Cowboys edge the Chiefs in a high-stakes matchup. Ravens are expected to hold off a resurgent Bengals offense led by Burrow.
The NFL's Thanksgiving slate features three pivotal games: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens. Experts from CBS Sports, including John Breech and Pete Prisco, predict upsets and low-scoring affairs.
Packers vs. Lions
The Packers (7-3-1) visit the Lions (7-4) at 1 p.m. ET on Fox. Breech picks Packers 20-17, citing Detroit's 0-3 record against top defenses, where they've averaged 13 points and under 100 rushing yards. Prisco sees a higher-scoring Packers 34-31 win, praising Jordan Love's play. A major boost for Detroit: four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow is coming out of retirement and is 'in shape and ready to roll sooner rather than later,' per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Green Bay's Josh Jacobs returns from a knee injury, limited in practice but without a game status.
Chiefs vs. Cowboys
At 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS, Chiefs (6-5) face Cowboys (5-5-1). Breech favors Cowboys 31-24 at home, noting Kansas City's 1-4 road record and Mahomes' struggles away (55.7% completion, 2 INTs in November losses). Prisco picks Chiefs 30-24, expecting Mahomes to build on his fourth-quarter comeback against the Colts. Chiefs' Trey Smith is out with an ankle injury, weakening protection against Dallas' revamped line featuring Quinnen Williams (90.8 PFF grade since trade).
Bengals vs. Ravens
The 8:20 p.m. ET NBC nightcap pits Bengals (3-8) at Ravens (6-5). Both Breech and Prisco predict Ravens wins: 27-24 and 31-30, respectively. Joe Burrow returns from turf toe, activated off IR after two months out; he's 17-3 ATS as a 7+ point underdog. Ja'Marr Chase is back from suspension. Lamar Jackson has no status despite a toe injury, but his recent form shows 57.1% completion and more INTs than TDs since Week 10.
These games could shift playoff races, with 31 teams still alive.