2024 NFL Thanksgiving Grades: Packers Dominate Dolphins, Lions Hold Off Bears, Cowboys Sweep Giants
Welcome to the Thanksgiving edition of Week 13 grades! NFL fans got a full plate of football with three games on Thursday, each serving up unique storylines.
The first game kicked off in Detroit, where the Lions held off a fierce Bears comeback to secure a 23-20 win. The victory ended a seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving for the Lions and marked their best start in franchise history at 11-1.
Next up was a less thrilling affair, with the Cowboys defeating the Giants 27-20 to complete a season sweep of their NFC East rivals.
Finally, the night wrapped up in Green Bay, where the Dolphins’ cold-weather woes continued as they fell 30-17 to the Packers.
Now, let’s dive into the Thanksgiving grades:
Detroit Lions 23-20 over Chicago Bears
Bears – C
The Bears’ season continues to spiral, and after this loss, head coach Matt Eberflus is feeling the heat. A chance to tie or win in the final minute slipped away due to poor clock management. The Bears were flat in the first half, managing just 53 yards and falling behind 16-0. However, they rallied in the second half, with Caleb Williams throwing for 222 yards and three touchdowns, and a defensive resurgence limiting Detroit to just 126 yards. Despite the fight, Chicago’s coaching issues remain a major hindrance.
Lions – C+
Detroit should have taken control of this game earlier, but poor red-zone efficiency kept the Bears in it. The Lions scored on only two of five red-zone trips, which is an area that needs improvement if they want to maintain their No. 1 seed in the NFC. A lackluster second half and uncharacteristic mistakes from players like Jahmyr Gibbs (fumble) and Jake Bates (missed field goal) nearly cost them. The offense also struggled in the second half, particularly the rushing attack, which was stifled for just 50 yards.
Dallas Cowboys 27-20 over New York Giants
Giants – C+
New York’s offensive struggles continued as Drew Lock became the third quarterback this season. Lock threw for only 178 yards, with two critical turnovers—one a pick-six. The offensive line didn’t help, allowing six sacks, and the ground game was virtually nonexistent. While Lock’s performance wasn’t entirely to blame, the Giants are clearly looking forward to the draft, with hopes of securing a high pick in 2025.
Cowboys – B+
Dallas’ defense once again led the way, with DeMarvion Overshown scoring a pick-six to give the Cowboys control. The pass rush was relentless, sacking Lock six times, including 1.5 from Micah Parsons. While the offense wasn’t dazzling, they did enough, especially with Rico Dowdle posting a career-high 112 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s job may be in question, but his team is playing with heart, which could save his position.
Green Bay Packers 30-17 over Miami Dolphins
Dolphins – D
Miami’s cold-weather issues were once again evident as they struggled in Green Bay. Despite Tua Tagovailoa’s decent numbers (365 yards, two touchdowns), the Dolphins’ offense was sluggish, especially in key fourth-down situations. A muffed punt by Malik Washington early on didn’t help, and the running game was non-existent. Miami’s 12-game losing streak in games under 40 degrees is troubling, and their playoff hopes may hinge on improving their cold-weather performances.
Packers – A-
Green Bay capitalized on Miami’s struggles with a dominant performance. Jordan Love had one of his best games of the season, throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs added 117 total yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the Packers were even more impressive, holding Miami’s rushing attack to under 40 yards and sacking Tua four times, including a crucial sack on a fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line. With seven wins in their last eight games, the Packers are looking like a potential playoff contender.
That’s a wrap on the Thanksgiving grades! Stay tuned for more as we move into Week 13.
