It is a tradition as deep-rooted as the cranberry sauce and the inevitable family argument over the thermostat. Every year, like clockwork, the Dallas Cowboys take the field on the fourth Thursday of November. It doesn't matter if they are 10-0 or 0-10. They're playing. But as the 2025 season hits its stride, fans are already looking at the calendar to ask: who are the Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving?
For the 2025 holiday slate, the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This isn't just another game. It’s a matchup that carries a lot of weight, especially given the recent history between these two franchises in the post-Tom Brady era. Kickoff is set for the standard late-afternoon window, roughly 4:30 PM ET, broadcasting live from the massive "Jerry World"—AT&T Stadium in Arlington. If you've been following the NFL for more than a week, you know the vibes. The stadium roof might be open, the Salvation Army red kettle will be sitting in the end zone, and millions of people will be watching while slipping into a turkey-induced coma.
Why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a Sneaky Good Choice
NFL schedule makers are smart. They don't just throw darts at a map. When they decided who the Cowboys would be playing on Thanksgiving this year, they looked for a team that could actually pull numbers and provide a competitive game. Tampa Bay has transitioned into a gritty, high-flying offense under Baker Mayfield.
Remember the 2022-2023 playoffs? The Cowboys went into Tampa and essentially ended the Tom Brady era with a dominant wild-card win. The Bucs haven't forgotten that. Even though the rosters have churned since then, the organizational memory remains.
Expect a lot of points.
Dallas historically thrives in this window, but the Buccaneers have become a "giant killer" of sorts in recent seasons. They play a style of football that travels well—aggressive defense and a quarterback who isn't afraid to take shots downfield. This isn't the "gimme" game that some Cowboys fans might have hoped for back in the summer. Honestly, it’s probably one of the most balanced Thanksgiving matchups we've seen in the last five years.
The History of the Cowboys on Thanksgiving
Why do they always play? It’s a question younger fans ask every single November.
The tradition started back in 1966. Tex Schramm, the legendary Cowboys general manager, wanted to boost the team's national profile. He saw what the Detroit Lions were doing with their morning game and decided Dallas should own the afternoon. The NFL was worried people wouldn't show up. They were wrong. Over 80,000 fans packed the Cotton Bowl, and a national TV monster was born.
✨ Don't miss: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
Except for a brief two-year stint in the mid-70s where the NFL tried to give the St. Louis Cardinals the game, Dallas has been the permanent fixture.
They’ve played almost everyone. From the "Leon Lett" snow game against the Dolphins in 1993 to the absolute shredding of the Washington Commanders in 2023, the memories are baked into the league's DNA. When you look at who the Cowboys are playing on Thanksgiving, you aren't just looking at a game; you're looking at the most-watched regular-season window in professional sports. Last year, the Cowboys' Thanksgiving game drew over 40 million viewers. That is a staggering number. It’s more than most World Series games or NBA Finals matchups.
Breaking Down the Matchup: Key Factors
If you’re planning on betting some of your holiday cash or just want to sound smart at the dinner table, keep an eye on these specific dynamics.
First, the Cowboys' pass rush vs. the Bucs' offensive line. Micah Parsons is usually a terror on short weeks. Players often complain about the physical toll of playing on Thursday after a Sunday game, but high-motor edge rushers seem to feast on tired offensive tackles.
Then there's the CeeDee Lamb factor.
Tampa Bay’s secondary has been hit-or-miss over the last season. If Dallas can establish the run early—which has been a struggle for them at times—it opens up those deep crossing routes that Mike McCarthy loves to call on national TV.
On the flip side, watch the Buccaneers' wideouts. Mike Evans has been a model of consistency for a decade. He’s the kind of receiver who can ruin a holiday for a defensive coordinator. If the Cowboys' secondary is playing "bend but don't break" defense, Evans will eat them alive in the red zone.
The Logistics: What Time and What Channel?
Nobody wants to miss kickoff because they were stuck mashing potatoes.
🔗 Read more: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
- Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
- Time: 4:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM CT
- Network: CBS (Usually rotates, but check your local listings as the holiday approaches)
The "tripleheader" format means the Lions play first, then the Cowboys, then a rotating night game. Dallas is the anchor. They are the bridge between the early appetizers and the main course dinner.
Common Misconceptions About the Thanksgiving Game
People think the Cowboys always win because they are at home. That's a myth.
While they have a winning record on the holiday, they've had some absolute stinkers. They lost to the Raiders in a penalty-filled mess a few years back. They got embarrassed by the Bills in 2019. The "home field advantage" is slightly mitigated by the fact that the visiting team is also hyper-motivated. Everyone's family is watching. Every player knows this is the game that determines Pro Bowl votes and national narratives.
Another misconception: the short week favors the home team.
Actually, many coaches argue it favors the team with the simpler playbook. When you only have three days to prepare, you can't install a complex "Scheme of the Century." You run what you know. This often leads to "ugly" football in the first half until the players find their rhythm. Expect some dropped passes and maybe a few botched snaps early on as both teams shake off the fatigue.
How to Watch If You Don't Have Cable
It’s 2025. You don't need a massive satellite dish on your roof to figure out who the Cowboys are playing on Thanksgiving and actually see the game.
Most people are pivoting to streaming. If the game is on CBS, it’ll be on Paramount+. If it’s on FOX, the FOX Sports app is your go-to. If you’re a "cord cutter," services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV are the most reliable ways to catch it without lag. Just a heads up: the delay on streaming can be up to 30 seconds. If your brother is in the other room watching on a literal antenna, he’s going to spoil the touchdowns before you see them.
Buy a cheap digital antenna. It’s the secret weapon for NFL fans. You get the game in uncompressed HD, and it’s usually faster than the cable feed.
💡 You might also like: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
What This Game Means for the NFC Playoff Race
By late November, the "pretenders" have usually been weeded out.
Both Dallas and Tampa Bay are expected to be in the hunt for their respective divisions—the NFC East and the NFC South. A win on Thanksgiving isn't just about a trophy shaped like a turkey leg; it’s about tiebreakers.
If the Cowboys are neck-and-neck with the Eagles, they cannot afford a conference loss to the Bucs. Conversely, Tampa Bay often finds themselves in a dogfight for the 4th or 5th seed. A "signature win" in Dallas on national television is exactly the kind of thing that sways the selection committee and builds momentum for a December run.
Actionable Tips for the Ultimate Viewing Experience
Don't just sit there and watch. Make it an event.
Check the Injury Report on Wednesday: Because it’s a short week, the "active/inactive" list is usually finalized by Wednesday afternoon. If a star offensive lineman is out, the game plan changes entirely. Use the NFL app to track the "DNP" (Did Not Participate) tags.
Sync Your Fantasy Lineup: Thanksgiving games are notorious for "boom or bust" performances. If you have Dak Prescott or Baker Mayfield, you’re playing them. But be wary of third-string tight ends or "goal-line specialists" who might not see the field if the game becomes a track meet.
Set the DVR for the Halftime Show: The Cowboys' Thanksgiving halftime show is usually a massive musical production (often tied to the Salvation Army kickoff). Even if you aren't a fan of the performer, the production value is usually wild.
Plan Your Meal Around the Third Quarter: Statistically, the third quarter is when the game either tightens up or blows open. That’s when you want to be on the couch with a full plate, not in the kitchen carving the bird.
Knowing who the Cowboys are playing on Thanksgiving is the first step in planning your holiday. This year, the clash with the Buccaneers promises to be a high-stakes, high-scoring affair that reminds everyone why the NFL owns this holiday. Whether you're a die-hard member of the "Star" faithful or just someone who wants to see Dallas lose, it’s going to be mandatory viewing.
Keep an eye on the local weather reports as the date gets closer. Even though AT&T Stadium has a roof, the temperature affects how the ball travels if they decide to open the massive end-zone glass doors. It’s the little details that make Thanksgiving football the best day on the sports calendar.