The NFL games on Thanksgiving this year are: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks.
The aroma of turkey fills the air, and families gather around, but what truly completes Thanksgiving for many? It’s knowing exactly what NFL games are on Thanksgiving this year. This year, we have a full slate of matchups to keep us entertained throughout the holiday.
First, the Lions host the Packers in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. Then the Cowboys will play the Commanders in the afternoon. Finally, the 49ers will visit the Seahawks in the evening. Get ready to enjoy football alongside your feast.
What NFL Games Are on Thanksgiving This Year?
Thanksgiving Day, a time for family, food, and…football! That’s right, the NFL has become a staple of the Thanksgiving holiday, providing us with exciting matchups to enjoy while we digest our turkey dinners. This year, as always, we have a slate of games to look forward to. Let’s dive into which teams will be battling it out on the gridiron this Thanksgiving.
The Traditional Thanksgiving Day Games
For many years, the NFL has had a tradition of playing games on Thanksgiving Day. These games are often highly anticipated, drawing in millions of viewers. They provide a fantastic backdrop for family gatherings and friendly rivalries. Let’s check out who’s playing this year as part of this great tradition.
The Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Tradition
The Detroit Lions have been playing on Thanksgiving Day almost every year since 1934! It’s a time-honored tradition that fans look forward to. This year, they will be continuing that tradition. Let’s take a closer look at their opponent. These games are a big deal for Detroit, and even when they are not having the best season, the game is always on TV during Thanksgiving!
Who the Detroit Lions Are Playing This Thanksgiving
This year, the Detroit Lions will be facing the Green Bay Packers! It’s a great matchup of NFC North rivals, so expect a very exciting game. This will be an early game, perfect to start the football festivities of the day. Make sure to tune in early and catch the game with all the early afternoon action.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Game
Another long-standing tradition is the Dallas Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving. Like the Lions, the Cowboys have been a fixture of the Thanksgiving football lineup for many years. Their game is always a popular event, and their opponents always present exciting football.
Who the Dallas Cowboys Are Playing This Thanksgiving
The Dallas Cowboys are set to play the Washington Commanders this Thanksgiving! This NFC East battle is sure to draw a large crowd. With lots of history between these two franchises, this will be a fun game. Don’t miss this mid-day kickoff, and plan the perfect time to tune in!
The Prime Time Thanksgiving Game
In recent years, the NFL has added a prime time game to the Thanksgiving schedule. This allows fans to watch another exciting game in the evening. This is a great addition for those who love to watch as much football as they can during the holiday. Let’s explore which teams are part of this highly-watched event this year.
The Thanksgiving Night Game
The prime time game always gives fans something to look forward to after the feast is over. This game is usually between two highly-rated teams, and always brings excitement. It’s the perfect way to finish up a long day of food, family and football!
Who is playing in Prime Time This Year
This year, the prime-time Thanksgiving game will feature the Seattle Seahawks playing against the San Francisco 49ers! This is a big NFC West rivalry game, which promises a lot of action and excitement. Make sure you are ready to go for this evening game after you’ve eaten all the food you can!
A Quick Look at the Thanksgiving NFL Schedule
To make it easy to follow along, here’s a quick look at the full schedule of NFL games for this Thanksgiving:
- Early Game: Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
- Mid-Day Game: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
- Prime Time Game: Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
Why These Thanksgiving Games are Special
Thanksgiving NFL games are not just about the football itself; they are about tradition and family. They’ve become an essential part of the holiday celebration. Let’s take a look at some reasons why these games are so important to football fans.
A Longstanding Tradition
The tradition of playing NFL games on Thanksgiving dates back decades. It provides a sense of consistency and predictability to the holiday. For many families, watching football on Thanksgiving has become a ritual that they always do.
Family Time
These games give families a chance to gather around the television and enjoy a shared experience. Whether you are die-hard football fans or just casual viewers, the Thanksgiving Day games bring people together. They offer a moment of fun and excitement amidst the other parts of the holiday.
Rivalries and Excitement
Many of the games played on Thanksgiving are between rivals, which adds to the excitement. The intense matchups create a fun and interesting atmosphere for those watching. There is always the chance for a great play or a major upset, which keeps everyone engaged and excited.
Great Football Atmosphere
With a captive audience, Thanksgiving games provide an incredible atmosphere for fans and players. The stadiums are always packed, and the energy is always high. Being part of this tradition makes these games something special.
How to Watch the Thanksgiving Day Games
Getting ready to watch the games? Here’s how you can make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action.
Television Coverage
The games will be broadcast on major networks, including FOX, CBS, and NBC, or ESPN. Check your local listings to confirm which channel is carrying each game in your area. Often, the early game is shown on one station, the mid-day game is shown on another, and the night game has its own network as well. So, ensure you’ve got the right channel tuned up for every game.
Streaming Options
If you prefer to stream games, you have many options. You can use services like NFL+, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, or FuboTV. The choice depends on the options that suit your needs, and what is available in your area.
Using the NFL App
The official NFL app is also a great way to follow the game. You can keep up with live scores, play-by-play action, and highlights. This is a perfect option for fans who are on the move but still want to stay connected to the action.
Planning Your Thanksgiving Day Around the Games
Many people make plans around the Thanksgiving football schedule. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the games while you celebrate the holiday:
Plan your Cooking Around the Games
Timing your cooking and meal prep around the game schedule can help keep the holiday stress down. For example, you might cook your turkey while the first game is playing, and have things ready for the second game. Make sure to plan to have food ready during halftime and before the games start.
Football Food Ideas
Why not make some traditional football foods while you watch the games? Wings, sliders, and dips are great options for snacking. You can even make a friendly competition to see who has the best snacks. Make it fun for everyone, and enjoy all the food.
Create a Viewing Party
Invite some friends and family over for a Thanksgiving game watch party! You can have each person bring a dish, and create a fun and festive atmosphere. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday and the football games with others.
Don’t Forget the Halftime Shows
Some people love the games, while others love the halftime shows. Make sure to check out the halftime shows to be part of the conversation and tradition. Sometimes the best action is not on the field, and some people enjoy the show at halftime more than the games.
A Deeper Look at Each Matchup
Now, let’s take a little closer look at each individual game to see what kind of action we might expect.
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
This NFC North matchup is always full of excitement. The rivalry between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers is intense. This year, both teams are looking to improve. The Lions, with their tradition on Thanksgiving, want to make a big statement, while the Packers want to beat their rivals on this holiday. It could be a high scoring game or a defensive battle, but it should be good!
Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
The NFC East always brings a lot of excitement and tension. The Dallas Cowboys, playing at home on Thanksgiving, will want to put on a show. The Washington Commanders have also been improving and will look to upset their rivals. With both teams being quite evenly matched this should be a very close and tense game to watch.
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
This prime time game between the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers is one of the most awaited of the Thanksgiving schedule. With both teams being playoff contenders, it promises to be a high-intensity game. This NFC West matchup will be a hard hitting game and an exciting one for sure. Make sure to tune in as this one is bound to be exciting.
Looking Ahead to Thanksgiving Football
These Thanksgiving Day NFL games are a big part of the holiday tradition for many. This year’s lineup of games offers a variety of intriguing matchups and compelling storylines. Get ready for a day of great football and fun with family and friends. The combination of food, family, and football is what makes Thanksgiving so special for so many people.
So, as you plan your Thanksgiving Day, remember to keep the NFL schedule in mind. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just enjoy watching the games casually, these matchups are bound to bring excitement and entertainment to your holiday celebration. Get ready for another year of great football action on Thanksgiving Day! With so many great games, the day is set to be full of football.
Top 10 Thanksgiving Games!
Final Thoughts
The NFL Thanksgiving lineup features three exciting matchups. The Green Bay Packers play the Detroit Lions in the early game. Next, the San Francisco 49ers will face the Seattle Seahawks. Finally, the Dallas Cowboys host the Washington Commanders to finish out the day.
These contests are a must-watch for fans. These three games offer plenty of holiday football action. So, what NFL games are on Thanksgiving this year? That’s the schedule!
