How Many Games On Thanksgiving This Year

How Many Games on Thanksgiving? A Festive Football Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, delicious food, and of course, football! But have you ever wondered exactly how many games we get to enjoy while the turkey is roasting? The answer, while mostly consistent, has a bit of history and a few quirks to it. Let’s dig into the tradition of Thanksgiving football and see what makes this day so special for sports fans.

The Classic Thanksgiving Day Games Tradition

The tradition of playing NFL (National Football League) games on Thanksgiving goes way back. It’s not something that just popped up yesterday. For many years, two teams have been locked into playing on this special day: the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys. Why them? Well, it’s a bit of history and a commitment to the holiday.

Detroit Lions: Thanksgiving Day Stalwarts

The Detroit Lions have been playing on Thanksgiving since 1934! They started this tradition to bring more excitement to the city, and it worked. Almost every year since then, the Lions host a game on Thanksgiving. It’s like their own special Thanksgiving tradition. This tradition helped solidify Thanksgiving as a day for football. The Lions are always playing the first game of the day. The game is usually scheduled for an early kickoff.

• First Game of the Day: The Lions always kick off the day’s football action.
• A Long-Standing Tradition: It’s been a Thanksgiving staple for nearly a century.
• Home Field Advantage: The game is always played in Detroit.

Dallas Cowboys: Another Thanksgiving Day Fixture

Shortly after the Lions made their mark on Thanksgiving, the Dallas Cowboys joined the party in 1966. They’ve become another must-watch on this holiday. The Cowboys game typically takes place in the afternoon. This pairing of the Lions and Cowboys offers a fantastic day of football, and fans love it. The Cowboys game was not continuous though, they went on a break for 2 seasons and then returned in 1978, and have played on thanksgiving each year.

• Afternoon Kickoff: Following the Lions game, the Cowboys take the field.
• Another Long Tradition: They’ve been a constant on Thanksgiving since the 1960s.
• Big Stage: The Cowboys game is always a big draw for fans.

The Addition of a Third Thanksgiving Game

For many years, it was just the Lions and Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving. But in 2006, the NFL decided to add a third game to the Thanksgiving schedule. This means that now, fans can enjoy even more football on this holiday. This third game takes place in the evening. So, while families are finishing their meals and relaxing, they can tune into another football game. It’s the perfect end to a long day of food and fun. Typically this game is hosted by one of the other 30 nfl teams.

Evening Football Under the Lights

The third Thanksgiving game is a great addition to the day. It gives teams other than the Lions and Cowboys a chance to play on this special holiday. It also provides an opportunity to showcase different match ups for the fans. The evening game is often a highly anticipated matchup between playoff contenders. It allows fans to enjoy more football during the holiday.

• Primetime Matchup: The third game is always in the evening.
• Rotating Teams: It features different teams each year.
• Perfect End to the Day: It’s the perfect final game to watch.

How the Thanksgiving Games are Selected

Now that we know how many games, let’s explore how the teams are selected for Thanksgiving. We already know that Detroit and Dallas are regular. They are set in stone. But how about that third game? The NFL carefully selects the third game based on different factors.

Factors Influencing Game Selection

The NFL tries to make the Thanksgiving lineup as exciting as possible. Here are the main things they consider when picking the teams:

• Team Popularity: The NFL looks at which teams have the biggest fan bases. They want to make sure lots of people will be interested in watching. Popular teams means more viewers.
• Rivalries: Games between big rivalries make for exciting TV. The NFL often picks matchups with history and tension for the primetime slot.
• Team Records: Teams that are playing well and are likely to be competitive are often chosen. This is because the league wants to show exciting and close games.
• National Appeal: The league aims for a mix of teams to reach fans all over the country. They think about whether fans from many different regions would want to watch.

The Broadcast Networks

Another important factor in deciding the Thanksgiving lineup is the broadcast networks. The NFL works with different networks, and each one has its own time slot. For instance, the Lions game is always on CBS, the Dallas game on Fox, and the primetime game rotates between NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. The NFL aims for a good schedule that spreads out the games and reaches many people. Having different broadcasters also ensures that fans can watch their favorite games no matter their network preference.

• CBS: Typically airs the Detroit Lions game.
• Fox: Usually broadcasts the Dallas Cowboys game.
• Rotating Networks (NBC, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video): Often show the primetime matchup.

How Many Games Are There? A Summary

So, to answer the main question, how many games are on Thanksgiving? There are usually three NFL games played each Thanksgiving Day. Let’s break it down clearly:

• Early Game: The Detroit Lions always host a game.
• Afternoon Game: The Dallas Cowboys are always on the schedule too.
• Evening Game: A third game with other teams rotates every year.

A Look Back at Past Thanksgiving Games

It’s fun to think about all the exciting Thanksgiving games we’ve seen over the years. From nail-biting finishes to amazing plays, these games create some of our best memories of the holiday.

Memorable Moments in Thanksgiving Football History

There have been countless memorable moments in Thanksgiving football history. From dramatic comebacks to spectacular individual performances, these games often provide unforgettable memories. Here are some examples of what makes these games so great:

• Close Games: Some of the most memorable games are the ones that are close and go down to the last play. These tight contests keep fans at the edge of their seats.
• Big Plays: Sometimes a single play, like a long touchdown pass or a game-changing interception, makes a game legendary. These plays often get talked about for years.
• Individual Performances: Some players just shine on Thanksgiving. Whether it’s a record-breaking day or a clutch performance in the final minutes, individual players can make Thanksgiving a special memory for fans.

Evolution of the Thanksgiving Football Lineup

The Thanksgiving football lineup has changed somewhat over the years. While the Lions and Cowboys have remained consistent, other teams have had the opportunity to showcase their talent on this day. The addition of the evening game has created another layer of excitement for fans. The way teams are picked is always evolving. The NFL tries to balance tradition with the desire to showcase competitive games.

Why is Thanksgiving Football So Popular?

But why is Thanksgiving football so popular? It’s more than just about the games; it’s about the whole experience. There are a few factors that make these games extra special for everyone.

Tradition and Family Time

For many families, watching football on Thanksgiving is a tradition. Families gather around the TV to watch the games while enjoying their Thanksgiving meals. This makes it a special time for bonding and sharing in the excitement together. The games provide entertainment and a common activity for everyone to participate in, even if they’re not avid football fans.

A Great Combination of Food and Entertainment

Thanksgiving is all about good food, and the football games add another layer of entertainment. People can relax and watch the games after they have finished their meals. It’s a perfect way to continue the celebration and enjoy the holiday. The combination of food and football makes Thanksgiving a day that many people look forward to each year.

A Break from Holiday Stress

The holidays can sometimes be stressful. Preparing meals, dealing with travel, and hosting guests can all take their toll. The Thanksgiving football games provide a fun and easy break from all of that. It allows families to sit down, relax, and enjoy some entertainment without having to plan much. It’s a good way to wind down and enjoy the day without any added pressure.

The Future of Thanksgiving Football

The tradition of playing football on Thanksgiving seems likely to continue for many years to come. The games are a big part of what makes the holiday so special for so many people. As the NFL keeps evolving, it’s interesting to think about how the Thanksgiving lineup might change in the future. The possibility of new teams getting a chance to play, or different ways of presenting the games are always being looked at.

Will the number of games change?

It’s hard to say if the number of games will stay at three or increase in the future. The NFL is always looking at ways to expand its reach and make its product more appealing. While three games has been the standard for quite a while now, there is always a possibility of change. For the foreseeable future, fans can expect to enjoy three games, with all the fun and excitement that comes with them.

Technological Advancements and Viewing Experience

The way we watch football is always changing thanks to technology. New technology has changed the way people watch football. The NFL is always experimenting with things to make the viewing experience better. Whether it’s through better cameras, more angles, or interactive platforms, technology is sure to keep improving the ways we enjoy the games.

So there you have it! You now know all about the number of games on Thanksgiving, how they are picked, and why it’s such a big tradition. It’s not just about the football, it’s about coming together with family and friends, and creating special memories. Next Thanksgiving, as you sit down to watch the games, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for what makes this day so special for fans all over the country.