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The NFL’s annual Thanksgiving Day tradition returns once again this Thursday, bringing with it a full slate of three nationally televised matchups. For football fans, the holiday has long been about more than turkey and family gatherings—it's also a day built around rivalries, playoff implications, and historic hosting traditions.
This year marks the 20th consecutive season in which the NFL has scheduled three games on Thanksgiving Day. The league’s tradition of holiday football dates back many decades, especially for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, who have been almost permanent fixtures on Thanksgiving since the mid-20th century. Both teams continue their roles as hosts for the holiday’s daytime matchups, while a primetime showdown closes out the evening.
Below is a full breakdown of what fans can expect from each of the Thanksgiving Day games, including start times, broadcast channels, and special halftime performances.
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
1:00 p.m. ET | FOX
Ford Field, Detroit
Thanksgiving Day kicks off with a classic NFC North rivalry as the Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers. This matchup has become a familiar holiday sight, and this year’s meeting brings added interest as both teams come in with momentum from recent strong seasons.
Detroit, who has held control of the NFC North for the past two years, looks to continue asserting dominance in the division. Under their refreshed coaching leadership and high-energy offense, the Lions have emerged as one of the conference’s more consistent teams.
Green Bay, meanwhile, continues to push for playoff contention after back-to-back postseason appearances. Although the Lions swept the Packers in the 2024 regular season, memories of the Packers’ Thanksgiving win in 2023 add extra motivation for both sides in this rematch. Halftime & National Anthem
Detroit’s halftime show keeps things rooted in local talent.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys
4:30 p.m. ET | CBS & Paramount+
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
The second game of the day features one of the NFL’s most exciting cross-conference matchups as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys.
For Kansas City, this marks the franchise’s first Thanksgiving appearance since 2006. The Chiefs, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, enter the holiday slate looking to continue their success as defending AFC champions. The game also represents Mahomes’ first time playing in Arlington and just his second career meeting with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dallas looks to bounce back after missing the postseason last year. Playing at home on Thanksgiving is essentially an annual tradition for the Cowboys, and the energy at AT&T Stadium is always high. With their offense and defense both looking to re-establish consistency, Dallas aims to deliver a strong performance in front of the national audience. Halftime & National Anthem
Cowboys fans will get a fun halftime treat:
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Thanksgiving concludes with a heated AFC North rivalry as the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals in primetime. With both teams fighting for position in one of the league’s toughest divisions, this game promises intensity from start to finish.
Baltimore has spent recent years building toward another deep playoff run, relying on a balanced attack and strong coaching. The Ravens have shown resilience throughout their season, including late-game comebacks that have become a hallmark of their style.
Cincinnati enters the matchup hungry to return to postseason relevance after posting identical 9–8 records in the past two seasons. The rivalry with Baltimore has only intensified recently, especially following the Bengals’ Wild Card victory three years ago and the Ravens’ dramatic late-game wins in 2024.
With both teams featuring strong quarterback play, physical defenses, and passionate fanbases, this night game could become one of the day's highlights. Halftime & National Anthem
The primetime entertainment lineup includes:
A Thanksgiving Tradition That Keeps Growing
Thanksgiving football has grown far beyond a simple holiday custom. For many families, the games serve as a centerpiece of the day—something people plan their meals and gatherings around. With three games now firmly established each year, the NFL has expanded the tradition into an all-day celebration of sports, entertainment, and American culture.
This year’s matchups offer a mix of historic rivalries, superstar showdowns, and playoff-impacting storylines. From Detroit’s early-afternoon kickoff to the intense AFC North battle under the lights, the 2025 Thanksgiving slate brings excitement no matter which teams fans support.
Whether you’re watching for the football, the halftime shows, or simply enjoying the tradition with family, this year's Thanksgiving games promise to deliver a full day of entertainment.
This year marks the 20th consecutive season in which the NFL has scheduled three games on Thanksgiving Day. The league’s tradition of holiday football dates back many decades, especially for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, who have been almost permanent fixtures on Thanksgiving since the mid-20th century. Both teams continue their roles as hosts for the holiday’s daytime matchups, while a primetime showdown closes out the evening.
Below is a full breakdown of what fans can expect from each of the Thanksgiving Day games, including start times, broadcast channels, and special halftime performances.
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
1:00 p.m. ET | FOX
Ford Field, Detroit
Thanksgiving Day kicks off with a classic NFC North rivalry as the Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers. This matchup has become a familiar holiday sight, and this year’s meeting brings added interest as both teams come in with momentum from recent strong seasons.
Detroit, who has held control of the NFC North for the past two years, looks to continue asserting dominance in the division. Under their refreshed coaching leadership and high-energy offense, the Lions have emerged as one of the conference’s more consistent teams.
Green Bay, meanwhile, continues to push for playoff contention after back-to-back postseason appearances. Although the Lions swept the Packers in the 2024 regular season, memories of the Packers’ Thanksgiving win in 2023 add extra motivation for both sides in this rematch. Halftime & National Anthem
Detroit’s halftime show keeps things rooted in local talent.
- Jack White, a Detroit native and rock icon, will perform during halftime.
- CeCe Winans, the highly acclaimed gospel singer, is scheduled to deliver the national anthem.
- Eminem is serving as executive producer for the halftime performance, adding extra anticipation for fans.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys
4:30 p.m. ET | CBS & Paramount+
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
The second game of the day features one of the NFL’s most exciting cross-conference matchups as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Texas to take on the Dallas Cowboys.
For Kansas City, this marks the franchise’s first Thanksgiving appearance since 2006. The Chiefs, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, enter the holiday slate looking to continue their success as defending AFC champions. The game also represents Mahomes’ first time playing in Arlington and just his second career meeting with Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dallas looks to bounce back after missing the postseason last year. Playing at home on Thanksgiving is essentially an annual tradition for the Cowboys, and the energy at AT&T Stadium is always high. With their offense and defense both looking to re-establish consistency, Dallas aims to deliver a strong performance in front of the national audience. Halftime & National Anthem
Cowboys fans will get a fun halftime treat:
- Post Malone, a well-known Cowboys supporter, headlines the Red Kettle Kickoff show, an annual Thanksgiving tradition in partnership with The Salvation Army.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC
M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Thanksgiving concludes with a heated AFC North rivalry as the Baltimore Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals in primetime. With both teams fighting for position in one of the league’s toughest divisions, this game promises intensity from start to finish.
Baltimore has spent recent years building toward another deep playoff run, relying on a balanced attack and strong coaching. The Ravens have shown resilience throughout their season, including late-game comebacks that have become a hallmark of their style.
Cincinnati enters the matchup hungry to return to postseason relevance after posting identical 9–8 records in the past two seasons. The rivalry with Baltimore has only intensified recently, especially following the Bengals’ Wild Card victory three years ago and the Ravens’ dramatic late-game wins in 2024.
With both teams featuring strong quarterback play, physical defenses, and passionate fanbases, this night game could become one of the day's highlights. Halftime & National Anthem
The primetime entertainment lineup includes:
- Lil Jon, who will perform during halftime.
- Renée Elise Goldsberry, Tony Award–winning actress and singer, slated to perform the national anthem.
A Thanksgiving Tradition That Keeps Growing
Thanksgiving football has grown far beyond a simple holiday custom. For many families, the games serve as a centerpiece of the day—something people plan their meals and gatherings around. With three games now firmly established each year, the NFL has expanded the tradition into an all-day celebration of sports, entertainment, and American culture.
This year’s matchups offer a mix of historic rivalries, superstar showdowns, and playoff-impacting storylines. From Detroit’s early-afternoon kickoff to the intense AFC North battle under the lights, the 2025 Thanksgiving slate brings excitement no matter which teams fans support.
Whether you’re watching for the football, the halftime shows, or simply enjoying the tradition with family, this year's Thanksgiving games promise to deliver a full day of entertainment.