The Detroit Lions have been dominant in 2024, boasting a 10-1 record, including nine straight wins. They are now gearing up for their annual Thanksgiving Day game, facing off against the Chicago Bears. Despite their strong season, Detroit has struggled on Thanksgiving in recent years, failing to secure a victory on the holiday since 2016. With a chance to break that streak, the Lions are heavy favorites, listed as 9.5-point home favorites with a game total of 48 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Lions’ success this season is largely attributed to a nearly flawless team performance. Their backfield features an elite running back duo: Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who have combined for 22 touchdowns this season. The offense, led by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta, has excelled in both the passing and rushing game, ranking as the No. 1 offense in points scored and No. 2 in yards. Defensively, Detroit is just as impressive, ranking No. 2 in points allowed, making it a formidable challenge for Chicago and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Heading into the Thanksgiving matchup, the Bears have lost five consecutive games, and upsetting the Lions on the road would be a monumental feat for the rookie quarterback. DraftKings’ fantasy football options for this game include a $300K Turkey Day Showdown with a $100K prize for first place.
For fantasy lineups, Jahmyr Gibbs ($14,400) is a strong captain’s pick, as he’s not only effective in the running game but also in the passing attack. He averages over 100 total yards per game and has 11 touchdowns. David Montgomery ($8,600), while slightly behind Gibbs in total yards, remains an excellent flex option, especially given the Bears’ struggles against the run. The Lions defense ($5,400) is another great choice, given their ability to stifle opposing offenses, despite a vulnerability in their pass defense.
For the Bears, Rome Odunze ($6,600) is a potential sleeper pick. Detroit’s pass defense has allowed over 2,000 receiving yards to wide receivers this season, and Odunze, known for his deep ball potential, could capitalize on this weakness. On the other hand, D’Andre Swift ($8,000) is a fade, as the Lions’ run defense is one of the best in the league, and Chicago will likely have to lean on their passing game.
The final prediction for the game is a dominant Lions victory, with a score of 35-16. This would mark a significant turnaround for Detroit’s Thanksgiving fortunes.
While the analysis provided is based on personal experience and strategy, it’s important to note that these insights don’t guarantee success, and users should exercise their own judgment when setting fantasy lineups. The author, Brendan O’Sullivan, is both a promoter and a user of DraftKings but does not have access to non-public information.
