The Week 12 NFL schedule for the 2023 season kicks off with three exciting Thanksgiving Day matchups.
The first matchup features the Commanders (4-7) against the Cowboys (7-3) at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. The Cowboys have been in great form, winning four of their last five games, while the Commanders have struggled, losing four of their last five. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has a stellar record against Washington, with 19 touchdown passes and four interceptions in nine games. He has also performed well on Thanksgiving, winning two games against the Commanders and throwing three touchdown passes without an interception. Prescott leads the NFL in QBR since Week 4 and is expected to continue his impressive run. The bold prediction for this game is that Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb will have a big day, with three gains of 20-plus yards and 140 receiving yards along with two touchdowns. The Commanders’ defense has allowed the most pass plays of 20 yards or more in the NFL, while the Cowboys’ offense ranks fifth in gaining such plays. Lamb leads the league with 22 receptions of 20-plus yards. The Commanders’ quarterback Sam Howell has been sacked a league-high 51 times this season, and the Cowboys have generated pressure on a league-high 39% of opponent dropbacks. Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland, who has four pick-sixes this season, could be a key factor in this matchup. In terms of fantasy, the Commanders’ defense gives up the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, making Lamb a strong option. The betting nugget for this game is that the Cowboys have a perfect record as double-digit favorites on Thanksgiving. However, the Commanders have performed well as underdogs this season, covering the spread in six out of seven games. The final score predictions are Cowboys 34, Commanders 31 (Moody) and Cowboys 34, Commanders 20 (Walder).
The second matchup features the 49ers (7-3) against the Seahawks (6-4) at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. The Seahawks face a tough challenge against a superior 49ers team that has beaten them three times last season. The Seahawks’ offense is dealing with injuries to quarterback Geno Smith and running back Kenneth Walker III, and their status for the game is uncertain. The bold prediction for this game is that 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa will record three sacks. The Seahawks’ offensive line has been hampered by injuries, and Bosa has been putting pressure on quarterbacks consistently this season. The stat to know is that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has thrown three touchdown passes in each of his past two games, and he has a perfect record with nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions against division opponents. The matchup X factor is Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, who has excelled in stopping the run. The 49ers have the highest designed run rate in the league, making Wagner’s performance crucial. In terms of fantasy, the Seahawks give up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to running backs, setting up a big game for the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey. Tight end George Kittle has also had success against the Seahawks in the past. The betting nugget is that the 49ers have performed well against the spread in division games this season. The final score predictions are 49ers 35, Seahawks 17 (Moody) and 49ers 26, Seahawks 23 (Walder).
The early game on Thanksgiving features the Packers (4-6) against the Lions (8-2) at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The Lions have a long-standing tradition of playing on Thanksgiving, but they haven’t won on the holiday since 2016. The Packers will look to continue their recent success, but they have lost four consecutive games to the Lions. The bold prediction for this game is that the Lions will not intercept Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Love has had interceptions in two of his past three games, but he had a clean game against the Chargers in his last outing. The stat to know is that Lions quarterback Jared Goff has a strong record against the Packers, winning five out of six regular-season games. The matchup X factor is Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon, who will be tasked with stopping the Lions’ key pass-catchers. In terms of fantasy, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed could have an increased role with running back Aaron Jones dealing with an injury. Reed has been productive and ranks among the top 20 wide receivers in fantasy points per touch. The betting nugget is that the Lions have performed well against the spread in division games. The final score predictions are Lions 34, Packers 21 (Moody) and Lions 30, Packers 20 (Walder).
In summary, the Week 12 NFL schedule for Thanksgiving Day promises exciting matchups. The Cowboys are favored against the Commanders, the 49ers are expected to dominate the Seahawks, and the Lions will look to continue their winning streak against the Packers. Get ready for a thrilling day of football with our comprehensive coverage and predictions.