The holiday’s double header features an intra-divisional matchup and a game with dynamic QB play.
Josh’s Season Record: 25-18
Houston Texans @ Detroit Lions
Best Bet: Deshaun Watson OVER 29.5 rush yards 31/50 (BetMGM)
Deshaun Watson is on a roll and has been since the Texans fired Bill O’Brien. The team is 3-3 since then and Watson is a significant reason why. He has been doing damage with his legs recently because RB David Johnson has missed the past two games. He will not play on Thanksgiving. Detroit is the third-worst run defense in the league. Watson has eclipsed this mark in each of the past four games.
2. HOU ML -148 (DraftKings)
Houston is 3-3 since firing O’Brien and faces a Detroit team that couldn’t beat Carolina without QB Teddy Bridgewater and RB Christian McCaffrey. Not only did the Lions lose, the Panthers shut them out and beat them by three scores. QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with a right thumb injury that could limit his effectiveness. This is Watson’s first Thanksgiving and he’s going to put on a show.
Washington Football Team @ Dallas Cowboys
Best Bet: J.D. McKissic OVER 3.5 receptions -167 (DraftKings)
RB J.D. McKissic has feasted since QB Alex Smith took over for Washington. In those two games, McKissic has 10 catches on 19 targets. Smith loves to hit the check-down and McKissic has been a beneficiary. I expect that to continue on Thanksgiving especially after Dallas surrendered five catches and 95 yards to RB Dalvin Cook last week against Minnesota.
2. Terry McLaurin OVER 73.5 receiving yards (DraftKings)
WR Terry McLaurin is fourth in the NFL in receiving yards despite catching passes from three different QBs. He has improved from a solid rookie season in 2019 and is solidifying himself as a go-to, number-one target. McLaurin is averaging 87 yards per game which clears this mark by plenty. In Washington’s week eight game against Dallas, McLaurin caught seven passes for 90 yards and a TD. The Cowboys allowed two Vikings receivers to eclipse this mark last week. McLaurin has 74 or more receiving yards in eight of the last nine games.
