We’re now well into the stretch of the NFL season, with thirteen weeks already completed, and the importance of each and every contest intensifies as the season progresses.
While it’s true that, from a purely mathematical perspective, every game contributes equally to determining the teams that will secure playoff berths (or resolve tiebreakers or influence draft positions) and compete for the chance to wrest the Lombardi Trophy from the Eagles’ grasp, some matchups possess a unique allure. This year’s Thanksgiving Day lineup presents a few such games.
As is customary, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will be the hosts for Thanksgiving afternoon games. Additionally, we’re in store for a potentially explosive prime-time showdown — and there’s promising news regarding Joe Burrow’s recovery. Continue reading below for more information on the 2025 Thanksgiving schedule.
Date: Nov. 27 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field (Detroit, MI)
TV: Fox | Streaming: fubo
This contest is a highly-anticipated follow-up to their Week 1 encounter, where the Packers decisively defeated the Lions. Detroit is undoubtedly seeking retribution in this matchup, while Green Bay aims to secure another victory and strengthen their claim to the division title.
The Lions hold the record for the most Thanksgiving Day appearances, having played 85 games since 1934. Their overall record stands at 38-45-2, and they managed to secure a win last year after a losing streak from 2017 to 2023. Last year’s game was particularly memorable due to the clock-management blunder that led to the dismissal of then-Bears coach Matt Eberflus (who is now the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys).
For the Lions, this game is situated within a challenging schedule following their bye week, which includes consecutive games against the Vikings (loss), Commanders (win), Eagles, Giants, Packers, Cowboys, and Rams. Notably, the game against Dallas the week following Thanksgiving is also featured on “Thursday Night Football.”
The Packers, as many are aware, were once the Lions’ traditional Thanksgiving Day opponent, facing them annually from 1951 to 1963. Throughout their 38 Thanksgiving Day games, the Packers have a record of 16-20-2. Their most recent Thanksgiving Day appearance was last year, when they triumphed over the Dolphins with a score of 30-13 in the prime-time game. This marks their third consecutive Thanksgiving Day game, having also played and defeated the Lions 29-22 back in 2023.
This game falls within a demanding divisional stretch for the Packers, as they face the Vikings in Week 12, Detroit in Week 13, and the Bears in Week 14.
Date: Nov. 27 | Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
TV: CBS | Streaming: Paramount+
Despite the Cowboys currently teetering on the edge of playoff contention, this game is expected to generate significant viewership. Dallas consistently attracts high ratings, and the Chiefs are currently considered the second-most popular team in the NFL — potentially surpassing the Cowboys in popularity.
Moreover, it promises to be an intriguing football contest featuring a wealth of talent on both sides. The prospect of witnessing Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, Rashee Rice, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Quinnen Williams, and many others on the same field simultaneously is undeniably appealing. Count me in.
Dallas has participated in 57 Thanksgiving Day games throughout its history, accumulating an all-time record of 34-22-1. The Cowboys have secured victory in their last three Thanksgiving Day games, each against a divisional opponent: the Giants twice and Washington once. Their most recent Thanksgiving Day loss occurred in 2021, when they suffered an overtime defeat against the Las Vegas Raiders while playing without both Lamb and Amari Cooper.
This game is part of a particularly challenging late-season stretch for the Cowboys, who will face the Eagles, Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, and Chargers consecutively before concluding the season against the Commanders and Giants.
Chiefs vs. Cowboys prediction: Can Patrick Mahomes keep pace with Dak Prescott and the potent Dallas offense?
Douglas Clawson
Kansas City has a 5-5 record in its 10 Thanksgiving Day appearances, but they haven’t played on the holiday since 2006, when Larry Johnson rushed for 157 yards to propel the Chiefs to a victory over their divisional rival, the Broncos. That year also marked the introduction of a Thursday night game on Thanksgiving, in addition to the traditional games hosted by the Lions and Cowboys.
The Cowboys and Chiefs last clashed on Thanksgiving Day in 1995, with the Cowboys emerging victorious 24-12, fueled by an 11-reception, 121-yard performance from Michael Irvin.
Date: Nov. 27 | Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
TV: NBC
Here we find another significant divisional confrontation, mirroring the one that commences the day’s events. The Bengals and Ravens engaged in two of the most captivating games of the 2024 season, and it’s hoped that we’ll witness a repeat performance on Thanksgiving night. At the very least, anticipation is high for Joe Burrow’s return to action in this game, with Week 13 being targeted as a possible return date for the injured quarterback. (Even if he’s unable to play, the Joe Flacco-led Bengals offense is quite exciting and could deliver some thrilling moments.)
The Bengals have only participated in a single Thanksgiving Day game in their history, succumbing to a 26-10 defeat against the Jets in 2010, which was a rematch of the playoff game the two teams played the previous year. The Bengals face an intriguing stretch of games beginning with this one, as they travel to Baltimore before proceeding to Buffalo to face the Bills and then return home to host the Ravens once more in Week 15.
The Ravens have made just two Thanksgiving Day appearances, securing victories in both their games in 2011 and 2013. Their most recent appearance was when they faced the Steelers back in 2013, with the Ravens entering as the defending Super Bowl champions. Baltimore will host the Steelers in the week between these two games against Cincinnati.
