Honestly, it wouldn't feel like Thanksgiving without the smell of turkey, the inevitable political debate with your uncle, and the Detroit Lions losing—or, lately, actually winning—on a Thursday afternoon. It is the one day of the year where even people who don't know a "safety" from a "touchback" find themselves glued to the television. But why? Why these specific teams? And more importantly for your fantasy bracket, who is actually suiting up this year?
If you’re wondering who plays on thanksgiving day football, the answer is a mix of "the usual suspects" and a rotating door of primetime heavyweights. It’s a three-course meal of pigskin that starts while you’re prepping the stuffing and ends while you’re passed out in a food coma.
The 2025 Holiday Slate: Who’s On the Field?
The NFL doesn't leave the Thanksgiving schedule to chance. They want eyeballs, and in 2025, they’ve leaned heavily into rivalries and superstar power. If you’re planning your day around the couch, here is how the triple-header shakes out.
The Appetizer: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET | Network: FOX
It’s a classic NFC North grudge match. For the 23rd time in history, the Packers are heading to Ford Field to try and ruin Detroit’s appetite. This isn't just a "tradition" game anymore; both teams are currently neck-and-neck in the division race. The Lions have historically held a slight edge on Turkey Day against Green Bay (12-9-1), and after their overtime thriller against the Giants recently, they’re coming in hot. Watch out for Jared Goff trying to out-maneuver Jordan Love in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair.
The Main Course: Kansas City Chiefs at Dallas Cowboys
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET | Network: CBS
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This is the big one. Patrick Mahomes is finally making his Thanksgiving debut in Dallas, playing in the stadium of the team he actually rooted for as a kid. Talk about a full-circle moment. The Cowboys are fresh off a wild 21-point comeback win against the Eagles, and Dak Prescott looks like he’s playing with something to prove. This game is basically a "must-win" for both squads to keep their playoff hopes alive. Plus, expect the cameras to find Taylor Swift in the stands roughly every four minutes.
The Dessert: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET | Network: NBC
The nightcap features two AFC North powerhouses. The big storyline here? Joe Burrow’s potential return. He’s been out for months with a turf toe injury, but word on the street is he’s aiming for this primetime slot to make his comeback. They’ll be facing a Ravens team led by Lamar Jackson, who is currently riding a five-game winning streak. It’s the perfect game to watch while you’re picking at the leftover pie.
Why Is It Always Detroit and Dallas?
You've probably asked this every single November. It feels a bit unfair, right? Why do the Lions and Cowboys get the home-field advantage every single year while the rest of the league has to travel?
It basically boils down to a 1934 marketing gimmick. George A. Richards, who had just bought the Detroit Lions, realized nobody was coming to the games. Detroit was a baseball town. To get people to care, he scheduled a game on Thanksgiving and used his connections as a radio station owner to get NBC to broadcast it across 94 stations. It worked. The game sold out, the tradition stuck, and the NFL hasn't looked back since.
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Dallas joined the party much later, in 1966. Tex Schramm, the Cowboys’ general manager at the time, saw how much national attention Detroit was getting and wanted in. He basically volunteered the Cowboys for the slot to boost their popularity. The NFL was actually worried people wouldn't show up, but 80,000 fans proved them wrong.
Pro Tip: There was a brief period in the 70s where the NFL tried to give the St. Louis Cardinals the Thanksgiving slot instead of Dallas. It was a total flop. Fans hated it, and the games were boring. The NFL quickly gave the slot back to Dallas on the condition that they keep it forever.
The "Black Friday" Expansion
If three games on Thursday aren't enough for you, the NFL has officially made "Black Friday" a thing too. In 2025, we’re getting the Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles at 3:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video.
It’s a clever move by the league. Since everyone is already home nursing a hangover or hiding from the mall crowds, why not throw a high-stakes NFC battle on the screen? The Bears have been the "surprise" team of the season, and facing the defending Super Bowl champs (Philly) makes this arguably a better matchup than some of the Thursday games.
What Most People Get Wrong About Turkey Day Football
A common misconception is that the "night game" is a fixed tradition. It isn't. While the Lions and Cowboys are locked into their time slots, the 8:20 p.m. game was only added in 2006. This "Prime Time" slot is the NFL’s "flex" spot—they use it to highlight the best possible matchups, which is why we’re seeing Bengals/Ravens this year instead of a fixed host.
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Another myth? That the home teams always win. Actually, the "short week" advantage is real, but it’s not a guarantee. Visiting teams have become much better at managing the travel and recovery time, making these games some of the most unpredictable on the betting lines.
How to Watch (Without Losing Your Mind)
Streaming has made this a bit of a headache lately. You can't just flip the channel and find everything in one place anymore. Here is the breakdown for 2025:
- Lions Game: You’ll need FOX or a digital antenna.
- Cowboys Game: This one is on CBS (and Paramount+).
- Night Game: Head over to NBC or Peacock.
- Black Friday: This is an Amazon Prime exclusive.
If you’re a cord-cutter, a simple HD antenna is your best friend for Thursday, as three of the games are on local broadcast networks for free.
Actionable Steps for Your Thanksgiving Weekend
- Check the Injury Report: If you're betting or playing fantasy, keep a close eye on Joe Burrow's status for the night game. A "game-time decision" on a Thursday is a nightmare for rosters.
- Set Your Lineups Early: Remember, your Thursday players lock early. Don't be the person who leaves a star on the bench because you were too busy carving the bird.
- Sync the Apps: Ensure your Paramount+ and Peacock logins actually work before kickoff. There is nothing worse than missing a touchdown because of a "forgot password" loop.
- Plan the Black Friday Stream: If you aren't a Prime member, you might need a free trial to catch the Bears/Eagles game on Friday.
Thanksgiving football is about more than just the score. It’s the background noise to our lives once a year. Whether the Lions win or Mahomes breaks another record, it's the one time the whole country is watching the same thing at the same time. Grab a plate, find a spot on the rug, and enjoy the chaos.