Thanksgiving and NFL football has been a beloved tradition for nearly a century, combining two American pastimes: feasting and football. The Detroit Lions kicked off this custom in 1934, and the Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving roster in 1966, cementing football as a Turkey Day staple, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In 2024, fans can enjoy a Thanksgiving tripleheader, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 28, and continuing through the night with three exciting matchups.
Here’s a breakdown of this year’s games.
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
12:30 p.m. ET on CBS, stream on Paramount+
The Lions will face a division rival, the Chicago Bears, in the day’s first game. As reported by CBS, Chicago had a solid start to the season at 4-2 but has since struggled, losing four straight games and making coaching changes that still need to turn things around.
© Raymond BoydDetroit, on the other hand, is having a standout season. With a league-leading average of 33.6 points per game and a loaded offense featuring stars like Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta, quarterback Jared Goff is thriving, completing a career-high 73% of his passes.
The Lions’ Thanksgiving record stands at 37-45-2, with last year’s upset loss to the Green Bay Packers still fresh in fans’ minds. They’ll look to avoid another stumble in this year’s matchup.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
4:30 p.m. ET on Fox, stream on fubo
“America’s Team” is back in its traditional Thanksgiving afternoon slot, hosting the New York Giants in an NFC East showdown. This time, the quarterback battle will look different. Dak Prescott is out for the season with a hamstring injury, and Daniel Jones has been benched, setting up a matchup between Cooper Rush and Tommy DeVito.
© Ida Mae AstuteThe Cowboys will look to replicate last year’s dominant Thanksgiving performance when they dismantled the Washington Commanders. Dallas remains one of the NFL’s most popular teams, and their Thanksgiving games are always a spectacle.
Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers
8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, stream on fubo
The Thanksgiving nightcap shifts to Lambeau Field, where the Green Bay Packers host the Miami Dolphins. Both teams feature young quarterbacks who are bouncing back from injuries. Jordan Love missed two games earlier this season with an MCL sprain, while Tua Tagovailoa sat out four games after a concussion in Week 2.
© Michael HickeyThis interconference matchup features a high-powered offense from Miami and Green Bay’s historic home-field atmosphere. It’s a great way to cap off a day full of football and festivities.
A Holiday Tradition
Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just enjoying the action between bites of turkey, NFL football on Thanksgiving is as American as pumpkin pie. Gather your family, grab a plate, and prepare for a whole football day!
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