The NFL features three games on Thanksgiving Day: the Detroit Lions host a game, the Dallas Cowboys host a game, and a late-night game usually includes teams from outside those divisions.
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and the smell of turkey fills the air, but there’s something else that’s become just as traditional – football! Many of us wonder what football games are playing on thanksgiving this year. It’s a day filled with family, food, and of course, exciting matchups on the gridiron.
The tradition of watching the games with your loved ones makes it a memorable holiday. This year, be sure to tune in for the thrilling action and cheer on your team.
What Football Games are Playing on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day is a special day for families to gather, eat delicious food, and enjoy each other’s company. But for many, it’s also a day for football! The tradition of watching football on Thanksgiving goes way back, and it’s something many people look forward to every year. This article will tell you all about the exciting football games that are scheduled for Thanksgiving Day. We’ll explore the history behind this tradition, the teams that often play, and how to make the most of your Thanksgiving football experience. So, grab a slice of pie, settle into your favorite chair, and get ready for some football!
The Thanksgiving Football Tradition
Why do we watch football on Thanksgiving anyway? It’s a tradition that began a long time ago. The first Thanksgiving football games were played in the late 1800s. The idea was to have a fun activity after the big Thanksgiving meal. It wasn’t just one single game that got popular; many different college and pro teams started playing on Thanksgiving, making it a big deal. Over the years, it evolved to what we know today. The NFL (National Football League) took over the lead role, making sure fans had their fill of exciting games on this special day. Now, it’s a staple of Thanksgiving celebrations, as common as turkey and mashed potatoes. Families gather around the television to cheer on their favorite teams, making it a real family event. The energy is high and the excitement is contagious, truly making it one of the highlights of the day.
Early Thanksgiving Football History
In the early days of football, it wasn’t the big, televised event we know now. Initially, many local teams, even high schools and colleges, would play on Thanksgiving Day. The games were a way to bring communities together, similar to a big town festival. People would gather at the local field, often bundled up in winter clothes, to watch the game. It wasn’t as organized as today’s NFL, but that made it unique and fun. These early games built the foundation for the Thanksgiving football tradition we have today. They were more community-focused, with more neighborhood pride and less of a national broadcast, which was common in the early years of football.
The NFL Takes Over
As the NFL became more popular, it took over the Thanksgiving football tradition. By the mid-20th century, the league had solidified Thanksgiving as a key day for its games. The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys became regular fixtures of the day. These two teams have become synonymous with Thanksgiving football. For years, they have hosted games on Thanksgiving, providing fans with some of the most memorable moments in football history. It has become a holiday tradition for many to watch these specific teams play, even if they are not their main teams. Having these specific teams play every year also helped in creating a routine of watching football on Thanksgiving. The league has done an outstanding job of creating this tradition that people look forward to each year. It’s about more than just watching a game; it’s about sharing a special moment with family and friends.
Typical Thanksgiving Day Football Schedule
The Thanksgiving Day football schedule is pretty consistent every year. Usually, there are three main games for fans to enjoy. These games are always eagerly anticipated, and each has a special place in the hearts of football fans across the country. The league carefully selects these matchups to make sure they’re exciting for everyone. Let’s look at a typical day’s schedule and what you can expect.
The Early Game
The first game of the day is normally the Detroit Lions game. The Lions have been a staple of Thanksgiving football since 1934. This game usually kicks off around midday (Eastern Time), giving you plenty of time to enjoy the start of Thanksgiving Day festivities. It’s a tradition, and many people will watch this game, even if they don’t regularly watch the Lions. The atmosphere is always special, as it is the first big football game of the day. The Lions game brings excitement to the start of the day and sets the tone for all of the football that is about to come. The early game is a great way to get the family together, and start the Thanksgiving holiday right.
The Afternoon Game
The second game of the day is typically the Dallas Cowboys game. Just like the Lions, the Cowboys have been playing on Thanksgiving for many years. This game usually starts in the late afternoon, meaning it’s the perfect break between the Thanksgiving meal and dessert! It’s another tradition that fans love and look forward to. The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most well known teams in football, have become synonymous with Thanksgiving. Because they are so well known, many casual football fans will tune in to watch this game. The afternoon game provides a chance to sit back, relax, and let your Thanksgiving meal settle while enjoying a great football game.
The Primetime Game
The final game of the day is the primetime matchup. This game is usually the most highly anticipated. This game usually features two teams who have strong records, or it might feature a rivalry. This game takes place in the evening, making it perfect for after all the family Thanksgiving festivities are complete. The primetime game gives a chance to extend the celebration even longer into the night. The game brings a different atmosphere compared to the earlier games, as many families have now relaxed after the busy part of the day. They can just enjoy the game. This is often the game that people remember the most, so the league makes sure to make it special.
Why These Teams Play on Thanksgiving
You might wonder why the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving. There are good reasons for this. The Lions started the tradition to draw crowds to their games back in the early days, and it worked. It became a symbol of Thanksgiving football, and it’s continued ever since. The Cowboys followed suit a few decades later, and they too have made it their own tradition. These teams have a rich history of playing on Thanksgiving, giving fans something to look forward to each year. The league has continued to embrace this tradition, giving the fans a very important part of the Thanksgiving holiday to look forward to.
The Detroit Lions’ Tradition
The Detroit Lions are a cornerstone of Thanksgiving Day football. They have played on Thanksgiving since 1934, making them the team with the longest-running tradition. They made their first appearance on Thanksgiving when the team owner wanted to bring more people to games, and that tradition has stuck for almost 90 years. The Lions have become a major part of the holiday celebration, and the NFL and fans have continued to honor it. It’s not just about the game itself; it’s about the history and tradition that the Lions bring to Thanksgiving every year.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Tradition
The Dallas Cowboys also have a special place in the Thanksgiving Day football lineup. They started playing on Thanksgiving in 1966. They were inspired by the Lions and realized that it would be a great tradition for their team as well. It has been a great tradition, and fans look forward to seeing the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving as well. Like the Lions, the Cowboys games have become a must watch for fans, making them a very important part of the Thanksgiving celebration. It’s not only about watching football, it’s about a tradition that brings family and friends together.
Making the Most of Thanksgiving Football
Watching football on Thanksgiving is more than just tuning into a game. It’s about creating an experience that’s fun for everyone. You can plan your day so you can enjoy both the games and the family time. Here are a few ideas to enhance your Thanksgiving football experience.
Setting up Your Viewing Area
Make sure your viewing area is comfortable and ready for a full day of football. Have comfortable seating, good lighting, and make sure your TV or other device is set up properly. Having enough space is very important, because everyone wants a great view of the games. Make sure you have all the food and drinks you might need nearby so that you don’t have to interrupt the game to go get them. Setting up the perfect place to watch the game will make the whole experience much more enjoyable for everyone.
Fun Activities During Commercial Breaks
Commercial breaks can be a good time to do things other than watch TV. Play a quick board game, do a puzzle, or just talk to your family and friends. This gives people a chance to relax and break up the day, making the experience better for everyone. You can make bets on who will win the next game. You can ask trivia questions about football teams. You can even just tell jokes to keep everyone entertained while waiting for the game to start back up. There are many ways you can make the most out of the commercial breaks, making the overall experience better.
Food and Snacks for Game Time
No football game is complete without some good snacks! Plan out some easy and delicious foods to enjoy during the games. Make sure you have some of the classic snacks like chips, pretzels, and dips. You can make sandwiches or pizza for something more substantial. Don’t forget to have a variety of drinks on hand, so that everyone will find something they like. Having these foods set up and ready to go will make the game even more enjoyable, so plan ahead to make sure you have a fun experience. Here are some ideas for some fun game-day foods:
- Turkey sliders (mini sandwiches using leftover Thanksgiving turkey)
- Seven layer dip with tortilla chips
- Popcorn with different spices
- Veggie sticks with various dips
- Mini pizzas
- Cheddar cheese and pretzel bites
Involving Everyone in the Fun
Make sure everyone feels involved, even if they aren’t huge football fans. Have everyone pick a team to root for, make silly bets, or wear their team’s colors. Making sure everyone is included makes the day more fun for the entire family. Have someone teach others who are not familiar with the game about all the important things to know. You can have competitions during half time. The most important thing is that everyone is included. You can make sure that everyone knows that it isn’t all about football, but also about time together with family and friends.
Beyond the Games: The Spirit of Thanksgiving
While football is a big part of Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember the real reason for the day. It’s a time for family, friends, and giving thanks. So, while you’re enjoying the games, take a moment to appreciate all that you have. Spend some time talking with each other, play games, share stories, and create special memories. Make sure to spend time giving thanks with your family and friends, as it is the most important aspect of the day. After all, football is about more than just watching a game; it’s about the connections we make and the traditions we create.
Thanksgiving Day football is a wonderful tradition that blends the excitement of sports with the warmth of family and friends. It’s more than just watching games; it’s about creating memories and sharing experiences. So, as you gather around the TV this Thanksgiving, remember to appreciate the tradition, the game, and most importantly, the company. Enjoy the day!
Top 10 Thanksgiving Games!
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving Day football is a must-see tradition. This year, the Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers in the early game. Following that contest, the Dallas Cowboys play the Washington Commanders.
Then, to close out the holiday football feast, the San Francisco 49ers will be battling the Seattle Seahawks. So, you now know what football games are playing on thanksgiving. Plan your day accordingly and enjoy the football action!
