Thanksgiving without the NFL is like stuffing without gravy—unthinkable. This year’s slate promises drama, redemption, and a splash of frozen chaos as football takes center stage alongside your holiday traditions. Let’s carve into the matchups that have fans buzzing.
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions: Can the Lions Finally Feast?
The Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving are as much a part of the holiday as awkward family arguments. But this year, there’s a twist—the Lions are good. Like, really good. Detroit sits at 10-1, with an offense roaring louder than a blender full of post-meal smoothies.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears arrive looking like a turkey cooked at 500°F—burnt out and falling apart. Having dropped their last five games, they’re clinging to past glory as they attempt to spoil Detroit’s 85th Thanksgiving Day appearance.
Star running back David Montgomery, now a Lion but formerly a Bear, is poised to pile up yardage against his old team. For Detroit, snapping an eight-year Thanksgiving losing streak would be sweeter than pumpkin pie.
When: 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Ford Field
Watch: CBS
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys: Big D’s Turkey Day Dilemma
The Cowboys are hosting their 57th Thanksgiving game, but this year it feels more like a bad reality show. Despite their dominance over the Giants in recent years (14 wins in 15 matchups), Dallas is 0-5 at home this season. If the Cowboys don’t break their AT&T Stadium curse soon, fans might start blaming the stadium lights—or the popcorn vendors.
The Giants, meanwhile, are in a quarterback quandary. Tommy DeVito is nursing a sore arm, leaving Drew Lock as the likely starter after Daniel Jones was shown the door. If you’re a Giants fan, you’re probably bracing for another long afternoon—but hey, at least there’s pie.
When: 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: AT&T Stadium
Watch: FOX
Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers: Heat Wave Meets Ice Storm
Thanksgiving wraps up with a frosty showdown at Lambeau Field as the Dolphins face the Packers. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been red-hot, torching defenses with seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his last two games. But the cold weather could put a chill on the Dolphins’ playoff aspirations.
The Packers, undefeated against AFC teams this season, are riding their own momentum. Add in freezing temperatures and a raucous home crowd, and Green Bay might just freeze Miami out of the win column.
When: 8:20 p.m. ET
Where: Lambeau Field
Watch: NBC
Black Friday Bonus: Chiefs vs. Raiders
If Thursday’s feast of football doesn’t fill you up, the NFL serves a Black Friday dessert with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Las Vegas Raiders. Expect Patrick Mahomes to light up Arrowhead, while the Raiders hope to crash the party.
Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET on Prime Video, giving you something to watch while pretending to enjoy leftovers.
Whether you’re cheering for the Lions’ redemption, the Cowboys’ home win, or the Dolphins staying warm, this year’s NFL Thanksgiving lineup is the perfect side dish to your holiday feast.