NFL Betting – Patriots vs Lions

There’s nothing that says “Thanksgiving,” quite like making some NFL Betting wagers, right?

Be sure to get into the action this Thanksgiving, when the Patriots travel to Ford Field to take on the Lions.

Thursday, November 25: 12:30 p.m. CBS, Live from Ford Field, Detroit, MI

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New England Patriots (8-2 SU, 5-4-1 ATS) at Detroit Lions (2-8 SU, 7-3 ATS)

Football Betting Odds:

New England: -7

Detroit: +7

Total: 50 ½

As is usual this time of year, New England is starting to peak at the right time, after back-to-back wins over the Steelers and Colts. While the victories weren’t the prettiest, they all count the same in the win column.

And as always, it starts with quarterback Tom Brady. Despite the fact that he’s closing in on his 33rd birthday, Brady hasn’t missed a beat in 2010, and is putting up one of his best statistical seasons ever. On the year, Brady has already thrown for over 2,300 yards and 19 touchdowns, while getting intercepted just four times in 329 pass attempts. While Brady wasn’t at his best last weekend against Indianapolis, he did play one of his best games of the season two weeks ago at Pittsburgh. In that game, Brady threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns.

However, the difference in New England’s success this year, and the difference in this NFL Betting matchup, could be the running game. Essentially, the Patriots can move the ball on the ground for the first time in a long time, thanks to the combination of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. While neither is a superstar, the two make a pretty deadly duo, as they’ve combined to rush for over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year.

But before you go ahead and wager on the Patriots, understand that Detroit has been a favorite of gamblers all season long. They’re 7-3 against the spread, including 4-0 against the spread at home.

Detroit enters this one with quarterback Shaun Hill quietly emerging as a competent passing threat, as he continues to replace injured starter Matthew Stafford. On the season, Hill has thrown for 1,921 yards, leading the NFL’s sixth ranked passing attack. His top target continues to be Calvin Johnson, a potential All-Pro receiver, who already has 55 catches and 10 touchdown grabs on the year.

And with that combination, expect the Lions to do enough to be your Thanksgiving Day NFL Betting wager.

Now we’re not saying that Detroit will win this game straight up, but during a short week, at home, it seems like they’re a relatively safe play.

Also, as bad as Detroit’s defense has been this year (giving up 23.7 points per game), the one place where they are pretty good is in the passing game. Currently the Lions rank 12th out of 32 NFL teams, in allowing just 212 yards per game. Expect the secondary to keep Brady in check, and keep this game from getting out of hand.

If this game was in New England, or during a regular week, we’d say take the Patriots. But heading to Ford Field, it’s the home team Detroit Lions who are the NFL Betting pick to make!

NFL Betting Pick: Detroit +7

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