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Packers vs Lions Thanksgiving Day Predictions: Expert Picks, Odds & Best Bets for NFC North Showdown

Sascha Paruk

By Sascha Paruk in NFL News

Published:


Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs runs for a first down against Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024.
  • The Packers and Lions meet in a huge NFC North clash in the early window on Thanksgiving
  • Both teams are looking up at the Bears in the division race, making this a must-win
  • See the Packers vs Lions picks, predictions, and latest odds for Thanksgiving

The stacked NFC North is in the spotlight in the early window on Thanksgiving as the Green Bay Packers () travel to face the Detroit Lions () at Ford Field at 1:00 pm ET.

Both teams are within a game of first-place Chicago but whichever team loses on Thursday will find itself third in the division and outside of the playoff picture altogether with just five games to play.

Can Green Bay’s methodical approach can keep pace with Detroit’s firepower? Find my Packers vs Lions expert picks and predictions, below, plus the latest odds, line movement, and betting splits.

Jump to: PICKS || ODDS || BETTING SPLITS

Packers vs Lions Expert Picks & Predictions for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving Day rivalry showcases a fascinating stylistic clash between Detroit’s high-octane offense averaging 29.3 points per game and Green Bay’s precision-based attack that converts an elite 49.3% of third downs. With the spread sitting at 2.5 points and a lofty 49-point total, this matchup promises offensive fireworks in the Motor City.

Green Bay vs Detroit Moneyline Pick: Lions (-148) at DraftKings

The Lions’ superior offensive firepower at home, combined with their pass-rush advantage, should be enough to hold serve at Ford Field.

Detroit generates nearly six more points per game than Green Bay while maintaining superior ball security with a +5 turnover differential compared to the Packers’ +3 mark. Their defense has accumulated 32.0 sacks this season, presenting a significant challenge for Jordan Love operating behind a Green Bay offensive line.

While the Packers excel in situational football with their 65.9% red-zone conversion rate, they may struggle to generate enough possessions against a Lions defense that forces turnovers and disrupts timing. The short week favors the home team, and Detroit’s 378.5 yards per game offensive output suggests they can control tempo early.

GB vs DET Over/Under Pick: Over 47.5 (-110)

Despite some public sentiment leaning towards the under, over 47.5 offers better value due to both teams’ demonstrated offensive capabilities and recent high-scoring trends.

The Lions boast a high-octane offense averaging 29.3 points per game and showcased their scoring potential by putting up 34 points and 494 total yards in their last outing, a game that saw a combined 61 points (34-27 vs NYG).

Not to be outdone, the Packers operate an efficient offense with an elite 49.3% third-down conversion rate and contributed 27 points in their recent road victory. With both teams exhibiting strong red zone touchdown conversion rates (Detroit at 65.1% and Green Bay at 65.9%), and averaging a combined 52.8 points per game, this Thanksgiving clash has all the hallmarks of an offensive shootout, making the Over a smart play.

Best Packers/Lions Player Prop to Bet: St Brown Over 6.5 Receptions (-127) at Caesars

This reception total carries solid value given St Brown’s target volume and the projected game script. As Goff’s primary option, St Brown benefits from Green Bay’s injury concerns in the secondary, including questionable status for top corner Keisean Nixon.

In a high-scoring environment where Goff’s completion prop sits at 22.5, St. Brown figures to absorb significant target share. The plus-money odds (+117) on a primary receiver’s reception total, particularly against a compromised defensive backfield, makes this a +EV bet.

Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Odds & Betting Lines

The point spread currently ranges from DET -2.5 to -3.0, with DraftKings offering the best ATS price on the Lions and Caesars offering the best ATS price on the Packers. The longest Green Bay moneyline is currently +135 at BetMGM, while the longest Detroit moneyline is -148, again at DraftKings.

The total ranges from 47.5 (ESPN) to 48.5 (DraftKings).

The opening line listed the Lions as field-goal chalk with the total at 48.5, so there hasn’t been a ton of movement as yet.

Odds commentary as of 7:25 pm ET, Nov. 26. The lines in the table will update automatically with the best-available price if the NFL odds move before kickoff on Thursday afternoon.

MarketGreen BayDetroit
Spread51% handle, 46% bets49% handle, 54% bets
Moneyline27% handle, 22% bets73% handle, 78% bets
TotalOv: 39% handle, 42% betsUn: 61% handle, 58% bets

The betting public shows clear preferences in this Thanksgiving showcase, creating potential contrarian opportunities across different markets. Heavy recreational action on the Lions creates interesting dynamics when examining spread and total wagering patterns.

  • Moneyline Handle: Lions draw overwhelming support with 72.77% of total money wagered backing the home favorite
  • Spread Action: Bettors prefer the points, with 51% of handle on Packers +2.5 despite 54% of bets on the Lions
  • Total Movement: Strong majority 61.86% of money backing the under

GB vs DET Statistical Breakdown

StatisticGreen Bay PackersDetroit Lions
Points Per Game23.529.3
Total Yards Per Game338.9378.5
Passing Yards Per Game222.5238.6
Rushing Yards Per Game116.5139.8
3rd Down Conversion %49.3%36.5%
Red Zone TD %65.9%65.1%
Sacks Per Game2.62.9
Turnover Differential+3+5
Penalties Per Game6.66.3
Penalty Yards Per Game49.647.4

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Sascha Paruk
Sascha Paruk

Managing Editor

Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.

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