Best anytime TD scorer bets NFL Thanksgiving games
The NFL's slate of Thanksgiving games features two divisional tilts and a contest between two teams in the hunt for the playoffs.
Thursday kicks off with the Detroit Lions, the hottest team in the NFL riding a nine-game winning streak, facing off against the Chicago Bears, who have come close to pulling upsets against their other NFC North foes in recent weeks.
The Dallas Cowboys then host the New York Giants in a battle of backup quarterbacks Drew Lock and Cooper Rush in the afternoon. Green Bay, currently the fourth-best team in the NFC but the No. 6 seed in the playoffs, hosts the surging Miami Dolphins, who have won three straight, in the final matchup of the holiday.
There are stars on every team in each game and some are bound to find the end zone or give room for their teammates to do so. Here are the five best anytime TD bets for Thanksgiving's NFL action.
Best Thanksgiving anytime TD bets
Odds via BetMGM as of Wednesday evening.
Detroit Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs (-190)
This one has the lowest return of any on this list but feels the most likely. The Bears' defense is much better against the pass than the run and have allowed opposing running backs to score five touchdowns in the last four weeks. The Lions should prioritize the ground game and give their big-play threat the opportunity to score. Gibbs has found the end zone at least once in five of his last six games.
Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze (+300)
The Bears scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns against the Vikings last week and could find the end zone again late this week. Detroit's run defense is one of the best in the league and should keep the Bears in check. Instead, Chicago will likely have to rely on the passing game to have success against Detroit.
Since making a change at offensive coordinator prior to Week 11, Odunze is second on the team in targets (20). He hasn't made the most of those targets yet with just 11 catches for 104 yards total in that span. Outside receivers like Odunze have had more success lately against the Lions than those in the slot, like Keenan Allen. The Bears' rookie wideout could score for just the second time this season.
Dallas Cowboys TE Luke Schoonmaker (+350)
Even without Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb continues to see a massive share of targets in the passing game but he hasn't scored since Week 8 against San Francisco. Schoonmaker's stepped up in Jake Ferguson's absence for a bigger role and excelled with Rush at quarterback. He has nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets over the last two games.
The Giants have played well against tight ends this year but both safety Tyler Nubin and cornerback Deonte Banks are dealing with injuries this week. They may be limited and could open the door for Schoonmaker to score again. He'll at the very least get the target share to do so.
Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle (+210)
Waddle broke out last week against the Patriots for nine catches and 144 yards, both season-highs, as well as his second touchdown of the year. The Packers haven't allowed a receiver to score in their last two games but the Dolphins' pass catching corps is better than what the Bears or 49ers are rolling out.
Waddle's increased role should continue against the Packers. Faster receivers have given Green Bay trouble over the last five games, notably Brian Thomas Jr. (three catches, 60 yards, one touchdown on four targets) and D.J. Moore (seven catches for 62 yards on seven targets). Either Waddle or Tyreek Hill could find the end zone in this one but Waddle's payout is a bit better.
Green Bay Packers TE Tucker Kraft (+200)
Kraft bounced back in Week 12 with his sixth touchdown of the season against the 49ers on two catches for 26 yards. He could be in for a more productive day on Thanksgiving. The Dolphins have allowed 23 catches, 234 yards, and two touchdowns to the position over the last two weeks combined. Las Vegas' Brock Bowers had a career day with 13 catches, 126 yards, and a touchdown. Kraft likely won't approach those numbers looks like the best bet to score through the air against Miami.