Three relevant Thanksgiving games figure to keep books busy

If quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to play at a level that seems almost too good to be true, the Green Bay Packers can avoid getting wrecked on their road to perfection.

But maybe Rodgers and the Packers, 10-0 straight up and 7-3 against the spread, are due for a fall today at Detroit. What is certain is the Thanksgiving tradition of betting against or ignoring the Lions is not as popular this year.

Some sharp money will be on Detroit as a 6½-point underdog. The line could move to 7, but as of Wednesday night the betting public was not launching a one-way attack against the 'dog.

"You have the Packers trying to stay undefeated, and you have a Lions team that could be one of the big roadblocks, so that game is going to draw a lot of attention," said Jimmy Vaccaro, director of operations for Lucky's sports books. "There is some money on the Lions.

"I thought there would be a bigger differential, but it's not as exaggerated as I thought."

Matthew Stafford was dealing a hot hand Sunday, passing for five touchdowns in Detroit's 49-35 comeback victory over Carolina. The Lions have failed to cover seven straight Thanksgiving games, losing each by double digits.

"When the Lions were really bad, the bettors passed on the early game because it wasn't relevant," Vaccaro said. "This Thanksgiving is the first time in a long time we have what we consider three relevant games. With three good games, I think the joints will be pretty busy."

Dallas is a 7-point home favorite over Miami. The Cowboys have covered five in a row on Thanksgiving. After opening the season 0-7, the Dolphins have won their past three.

"I would guess out of the three favorites, the Cowboys would draw the most interest as far as parlay card bettors," Vaccaro said. "I think we'll be rooting pretty good for the Dolphins."

San Francisco (9-1) is flirting with perfection, too, at 9-0-1 ATS. The 49ers opened as 3-point underdogs at Baltimore, but the number is up to 3½ at most books.

■ R-J CHALLENGE -- Three of 10 handicappers in the Review-Journal NFL Challenge, which is published Sundays, are playing games today based on the Las Vegas Hilton SuperContest lines.

Doug Fitz and Lee Sterling are siding with the Dolphins (+7), while Ken Thomson is on the Cowboys, Packers (-6½) and Ravens (-3½). Also, Sterling is on the Lions, and Fitz is on the 49ers.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.