The set of Thanksgiving Games this coming Thursday in the NFL will be opened by the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions down in Ford Field. Although both teams are not playoff contenders, the Texans and the Lions certainly don’t want to lose on this special day in front of a national audience. Check out our preview of this game below.
Deshaun Watson was dealing on Sunday, as he led the Texans to a 27-20 win over the New England Patriots at home. Watson sliced and diced the Pats’ defense for 344 passing yards and two touchdowns on 28-of-37 completions. Not only that, but he also rushed six times for 36 yards and a touchdown. Although the Texans are unlikely to make the playoffs, their chances of winning on Thanksgiving Day looks high against a Detroit team that just lost to a team that was led by a former XFL starter. Not to take anything away from PJ Walker, but the Lions completely looked lackluster on both ends of the floor in an embarrassing loss to the Carolina Panthers last Sunday. Watson together with Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller V, and Randall Cobb will be a huge threat as a group against Detroit’s defense that is just 25th in the league with 258.4 passing yards allowed per game.
The Texans are 2-0 against the spread in their last two games overall.
The Lions, as mentioned earlier, got tamed by the Carolina Panthers in a 20-0 loss on the road in Week 11. Detroit’s offense was just as disappointing as its defense in that game. Detroit posted a mere 185 total yards and went only 3 of 15 on third down situations offensively. The Lions didn’t even have a chance in the red zone. Although the Lions got away with two forced turnovers, they weren’t able to do anything to convert those into points on succeeding drives. However, the Lions were also missing two of their top offensive weapons in that game, with Kenny Golladay and D’Andre Swift sitting out Week 11 due to injuries. If those two will be able to play on Thursday, the Lions’ offense should be able to function a whole lot better. The Texans are not that great defensively either. Houston is even last in the league with a pathetic total of two defensive interceptions on the season. If Thursday’s meeting turns out into a shootout with Detroit having Golladay and Swift back, don’t be surprised if the Lions emerge on top as winners.
The over is 4-0 in the Lions’ last four games at home.
