For the 20th consecutive year, the National Football League (NFL) is preparing to serve up its annual Thanksgiving Day football feast. This beloved American holiday ritual, deeply rooted in the league's history since 1934, promises a full day of thrilling gridiron action on Thursday, November 27.
The Legacy of Thanksgiving NFL Games
Thanksgiving NFL games have been a significant part of American holiday traditions for nearly a century. The league first initiated this beloved custom back in 1934, but it truly solidified its shape during the Super Bowl era. Since then, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have anchored the day as perennial hosts, a duty they have performed every single year, skipping only the years 1975 and 1977. This season marks a monumental milestone, with each franchise hitting the field for their 60th straight Thanksgiving game.
This year's slate of games is particularly exciting. Detroit will welcome a fierce NFC North foe, while Dallas battles a powerful AFC opponent. The day will be capped off by a prime-time AFC North clash guaranteed to provide fireworks.
Thanksgiving Day Game Schedule and Matchups
Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers
Kicking off the holiday action at 1 PM ET from Ford Field, the Detroit Lions will face their divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers. This NFC North showdown has major implications for the conference standings. The Lions are riding a wave of momentum following a hard-fought Week 12 victory over the New York Giants. Detroit's potent offense will face a stern test against Green Bay's stout defense. The Packers, while formidable at their home of Lambeau Field, must now contend with a hostile crowd in Motown.
How to watch: The Lions vs Packers game will be broadcast on Fox. Fans can also stream the action via the league's service, NFL+, or on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
Dallas Cowboys vs Kansas City Chiefs
The action then shifts to Arlington at 4:30 PM ET, where the Dallas Cowboys host the Kansas City Chiefs in a cross-conference clash that has generated national buzz. The Cowboys will rely on their star-studded roster to defend their home turf at AT&T Stadium. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, after experiencing a rocky start to their season, are fiercely clawing their way back into the playoff picture as they enter Week 13.
How to watch: CBS will broadcast this highly anticipated late-afternoon matchup. Viewing options include NFL+ and Fubo. Additionally, CBS will stream the game on its own platform, Paramount+.
Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals
The nightcap at 8:20 PM ET sends the Cincinnati Bengals to Baltimore for an AFC North grudge match against the surging Ravens. The Ravens enter this contest riding the wave of an impressive five-game winning streak. The Bengals, on the other hand, have been battling injuries and inconsistencies throughout the season and will be aiming for a strong bounce-back performance on the national stage.
How to watch: The final game of the Thanksgiving slate will be broadcast nationally on NBC. It will be available for streaming on NFL+ as well as NBC's proprietary streaming service, Peacock.
This year's Thanksgiving lineup continues a legendary NFL tradition, offering fans a full day of high-stakes football drama and unforgettable moments.
