Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a Thanksgiving that doesn't involve the smell of roasting turkey and the sound of shoulder pads clashing on a TV in the living room. For most of us, football is the background noise of the holiday. But if you’re trying to plan your dinner around the best matchups, you need the actual timing.
The 2025 holiday slate is a massive one. We’ve got the usual suspects in Detroit and Dallas, but the primetime slot is a nasty division rivalry that could decide a lot in the AFC North.
Basically, you have three NFL windows and one lone college football game to keep you occupied while the stuffing is in the oven.
What Football Games Are On Thanksgiving Day?
The NFL doesn't mess with the formula much because it works. You have the early game in Detroit, the late afternoon game in Dallas, and the "nightcap" which rotates teams.
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions Time: 1:00 PM ET
Channel: FOX
This is a rematch of the 2023 Thanksgiving game where the Packers actually pulled off an upset. By late November, the NFC North is usually a dogfight. Detroit has transformed from the "lovable losers" into a legitimate powerhouse under Dan Campbell, so expect Ford Field to be incredibly loud. If you’re a fan of Jared Goff or Amon-Ra St. Brown, this is your noon-ish entertainment.
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Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys Time: 4:30 PM ET
Channel: CBS
This is the big one. Patrick Mahomes versus Dak Prescott. It’s rare we get a matchup this heavy on star power for the afternoon slot. Usually, the Cowboys play a divisional rival like the Giants or Commanders, but bringing in the Chiefs is a ratings dream for CBS. Expect a lot of Taylor Swift cutaway shots and a high-scoring game.
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens Time: 8:20 PM ET
Channel: NBC
By the time this kicks off, most people are in a food coma. But don't sleep on this one. Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson have one of the best quarterback rivalries in the league right now. These two teams genuinely seem to dislike each other, which makes for great holiday viewing.
Is there any College Football on Thanksgiving?
Kinda. While Friday (Black Friday) is the real massive day for college ball—think the Egg Bowl and the Iron Bowl—Thursday usually has one or two games.
For 2025, the primary matchup is Navy at Memphis. It kicks off at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. It’s a great alternative if you’re burnt out on the NFL by then or if you just prefer the triple-option offense of a service academy.
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Why the Lions and Cowboys Always Play
It feels like a rule written in stone, right? Every year, without fail, we see the Honolulu Blue and the Star.
The Lions started this back in 1934. George A. Richards, who owned the team back then, wanted to boost attendance. He also happened to own a radio station with massive reach, so he used that leverage to get the game broadcast nationally. It worked so well that it just... never stopped. Well, except for a brief hiatus during World War II.
Dallas joined the party much later, in 1966. Tex Schramm, the legendary Cowboys GM, saw what Detroit was doing and wanted that same national spotlight for "America’s Team." He basically guaranteed the NFL that he’d fill the stadium even on a holiday. He was right. Now, these two teams are essentially the anchors of the entire Thanksgiving tradition.
Streaming and Watching Without Cable
You don't need a traditional cable box to catch these. Since the games are on major networks, you’ve got options:
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- Paramount+: This is where you’ll find the Chiefs vs. Cowboys game since it’s on CBS.
- Peacock: This is the home for the Bengals vs. Ravens night game (NBC).
- Tubi / FOX Sports App: You can usually catch the Lions game here, often for free or with a basic login.
- NFL+: If you’re okay watching on a phone or tablet, this is the cheapest way to see all three.
Honestly, the best "hack" is still a cheap digital antenna. Since the three NFL games are on local broadcast channels (FOX, CBS, NBC), an antenna gets you the highest quality signal with zero lag—usually better than a stream.
Actionable Tips for the Gameday
If you're hosting, the timing of these games is actually a nightmare for the cook. Here is how to handle it:
- The 1:00 PM Window: This is for appetizers. Don't try to serve the turkey yet. Set out the dips and the wings while the Lions are playing.
- The 4:30 PM Window: This is the "Danger Zone." Most families try to eat right when the Cowboys kick off. If you want people to actually talk to each other, aim to have the meal finished by halftime of this game.
- The 8:20 PM Window: This is for leftovers and pie. The Ravens and Bengals game is the perfect "sit on the couch and don't move" event.
- Check the Weather: If you’re lucky enough to be at the games, remember that while Detroit (Ford Field) and Dallas (AT&T Stadium) are indoors, Baltimore (M&T Bank Stadium) is not. If you're heading to the night game, it’s going to be freezing.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson as the date gets closer. Those two are the engine of that primetime game, and if either is sidelined, the vibe of the whole night changes.
Enjoy the games, eat too much, and hopefully, your team doesn't ruin your appetite.