The NFL has long embraced Thanksgiving as part of its identity. This year, as tradition dictates, the league will feature three compelling games on Thanksgiving Day and one on Black Friday. Fans across the country can look forward to this thrilling blend of football and family time, marking another highlight of the NFL season.
Historically, Thanksgiving football has roots dating back to 1920 when what is now the NFL was first introduced as the American Professional Football Association. The inaugural Thanksgiving game took place in 1934 between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, captivating the nation with its excitement. The Lions have since become emblematic of the Thanksgiving tradition, hosting these games for nearly 90 years.
On this Thanksgiving Day, fans can anticipate the following matchups:
- Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: Kickoff is at 12:30 p.m. ET. The Bears have struggled recently, entering the game on a five-game losing streak with a record of 4-7. Meanwhile, the Lions have found their rhythm, boasting a remarkable nine-game winning streak, standing at 10-1. This matchup is anticipated to be electrifying, with gambling sites indicating the Lions as double-digit favorites at 10.5 points. Analysts suggest focusing on the key players: Chicago tight end Cole Kmet and Detroit's dynamic wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Following this are the:
- New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: Scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Giants, bringing up the rear with a 2-9 record, hope to turn the tides against their divisional rivals. The Cowboys hold the slight edge from their previous meeting this season, having defeated the Giants 20-15. With oddsmakers favoring the Cowboys, the potential spotlight will be on rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. for the Giants as they attempt to turn their season around.
The final treat of the day will be:
- Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers: This matchup wraps up the day, kicking off at 8:20 p.m. ET, promising fireworks as both teams vie for supremacy. Currently at 5-6, the Dolphins have shown promise but must contend with the 8-3 Packers. Betting lines reveal the Packers as 3.5-point favorites, making this yet another game to watch for fans eager to see how it plays out.
And then, on Black Friday, the excitement continues:
- Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs: This clash kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET. With the Chiefs boasting the NFL's best record of 10-1, the stakes couldn't be higher for the struggling Raiders, who have plunged to 2-9 after enduring seven consecutive losses. Losing their starting quarterback Gardner Minshew, the Raiders are expected to lean heavily on rookie Aidan O’Connell. Conversely, the Chiefs, led by stalwart Patrick Mahomes, are favored heavily at 13 points, underscoring the team’s current form and momentum.
For fans eager to tune in to these action-packed matchups, here’s how to catch the games:
- Bears at Lions: Catch the game via CBS, Paramount+, FuboTV, and YouTube TV, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Giants at Cowboys: Available on Fox, NFL+, Fubo, Sling, and the Fox Sports app at 4:30 p.m. ET.
- Dolphins at Packers: This late game can be seen on NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, NFL+, FuboTV, and Sling at 8:20 p.m. ET.
- Raiders at Chiefs: Viewers can tune in on Prime Video, FuboTV, Paramount+, and Sling starting at 3:00 p.m. ET on Friday.
This year’s Thanksgiving slate promises to deliver competitive spirit, nail-biting moments, and of course, unforgettable memories as families gather around their screens. From storied rivalries to fresh faces, the NFL will surely keep eyes glued to the screens as millions cheer on their teams.
