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NFL Thanksgiving Day Texans vs. Lions Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome

DETROIT, MI (The Spread) – Will the Lions shock the masses and upset the Texans on Thanksgiving Day?

NFL Odds: According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Texans are 3-point favorites versus the Lions, while the over/under total for this game is sitting at 50 points. Houston enters the day with a 9-1 record and is 4-0 on the road this season, while Detroit is 4-6 overall and 2-2 at home.

Line Movement: The Texans opened as a 2-point favorite but the line was quickly bet up to 3. The total, meanwhile, opened at 49 but bettors are expecting a high-scoring game, which is why the over/under was bet up to 50.

Public Betting: Of the wagers currently placed on this game, 79% of NFL public bettors currently favor the Texans. This information is subject to change leading up to kickoff, however, so make sure you click on the link provided for the most up-to-date NFL public betting numbers.

NFL Playoff Free Pick: Take Detroit. According to latest NFL trends, the Texans are 1-4 against the spread in their last five road games versus a team with a losing home record. Houston played down to its competition last Sunday when it barely beat a bad Jacksonville team in overtime. They’ll take on a desperate Lions team today in Detroit, one that can’t lose another game if it still hopes to make the playoffs. Short weeks definitely favor the home team and while the Lions haven’t won a game on Thanksgiving in eight straight seasons, they’re capable of much more than what they’ve shown this year. Look for Matthew Stafford to not be as careless with the football as he’s been throughout the season and for the Lions offense to come out hot. After nearly escaping last Sunday, the Texans are due for a loss. (That said, take the points with Detroit and shop around because you might find a book that has the line at +3.5.)

2012 NFL FREE PICK: DETROIT LIONS +3

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