NFL Games On Thanksgiving

If you love NFL Thanksgiving games, 2026 might require a bigger television, a more comfortable recliner, and an understanding family.

The NFL is expanding its holiday football tradition with five nationally featured games over three days, beginning Wednesday, November 25, and continuing through Black Friday, November 27.

The centerpiece remains Thanksgiving Day’s traditional tripleheader, but this year’s lineup has something for every football fanatic: bitter division rivalries, superstar quarterback duels, intriguing coaching matchups, and potential playoff implications.

Patrick Mahomes versus Josh Allen? Check. Cowboys versus Eagles? Naturally. A Thanksgiving Eve game featuring Matthew Stafford and Jordan Love? That’s a new wrinkle worth celebrating.

Here’s your complete guide to the 2026 Thanksgiving NFL schedule, including kickoff times, television coverage, key players, rivalry history, and the tactical battles that could decide each game.

2026 NFL Thanksgiving Football Schedule: Dates, Times, and TV Channels

All times are Central Standard Time (CST).

Date	NFL Matchup	Kickoff	TV/Streaming
Wed., November 25	Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams	7:00 p.m.	Netflix
Thu., November 26	Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions	Noon	CBS, Paramount+
Thu., November 26	Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys	3:30 p.m.	FOX, FOX One
Thu., November 26	Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills	7:20 p.m.	NBC, Peacock
Fri., November 27	Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers	2:00 p.m.	Prime Video

The NFL’s official Week 12 schedule confirms all five matchups.

Now, let’s break down the football.

Thanksgiving Eve: Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams

Wednesday, November 25 | 7:00 p.m. CST | Netflix

Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

The NFL’s inaugural Thanksgiving Eve showcase features two franchises that know a little something about January football.

Green Bay has made three consecutive playoff appearances, while Los Angeles reached the NFC Championship Game following the 2025 season.

And the quarterback matchup is terrific.

Play the Thanksgiving Football Trivia Challenge: 100 Questions and Answers with supporting fun facts.

Jordan Love vs. Matthew Stafford: Two Different Generations

Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, enters this contest with an impressive résumé and a throwing arm that apparently hasn’t received the memo about aging.

In 2025, Stafford led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes.

At 38, he remains capable of attacking every level of the field, particularly when Sean McVay creates favorable matchups through motion and formation changes.

Love represents Green Bay’s younger generation of quarterback talent. His 2025 campaign included 23 touchdown passes against just six interceptions.

His combination of mobility, arm strength, and willingness to attack downfield makes him dangerous against aggressive defenses.

The Matchup Within the Matchup

Los Angeles boasts one of football’s most dangerous receiving combinations in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Nacua led the NFL in receptions in 2025, while Adams remains one of the sport’s finest route runners. Add running back Kyren Williams, and McVay has several ways to attack an opposing defense.

Green Bay’s defensive answer could begin with Micah Parsons, whose recovery from a December 2025 ACL injury is a major storyline. His health and availability will matter enormously against Stafford.

Meanwhile, Rams pass rusher Jared Verse and cornerback Trent McDuffie give Los Angeles formidable defensive weapons.

Explore our funny team names for Thanksgiving football.

The Coaching Chess Match

McVay and Packers coach Matt LaFleur share an offensive coaching background, having worked together with the Rams.

Both understand the value of pre-snap movement, play-action passing, and creating defensive confusion.

Here’s another interesting detail: both teams have a Week 11 bye, giving their coaching staffs additional preparation time.

Three Things to Watch

• Can Green Bay generate consistent pressure on Stafford without exposing its secondary?
• Will the Rams’ defensive front force Love into hurried throws and difficult third downs?
• Which coach does a better job disguising familiar offensive concepts with new formations?

Why this game matters: An important NFC measuring stick that could influence playoff positioning and postseason tiebreakers.

And for football fans, it’s an excellent excuse to start Thanksgiving festivities a day early.

Turkey Day (Thanksgiving Day): Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

Thursday, November 26 | Noon CST | CBS and Paramount+

Location: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

There’s something reassuring about Detroit playing football on Thanksgiving.

The Lions established the tradition in 1934, when team owner George A. Richards arranged a holiday matchup to build interest in his franchise.

More than nine decades later, Detroit remains the unofficial capital of Thanksgiving football.

This year’s opponent brings history, rivalry, and a fascinating coaching subplot.

Ben Johnson Returns to Detroit

Chicago head coach Ben Johnson spent several seasons orchestrating Detroit’s potent offense before taking over the Bears in 2025.

His arrival transformed Chicago’s fortunes.

The Bears finished 11-6, captured the NFC North championship, and won their first playoff game since the 2010 season.

But there’s a catch.

Detroit swept the Bears in their two meetings in 2025.

Johnson now gets another opportunity to defeat the organization where he established his reputation as one of football’s most inventive offensive minds.

Caleb Williams vs. Jared Goff

Williams enters his third NFL season with considerable expectations.

The former No. 1 overall draft choice demonstrated impressive fourth-quarter playmaking in 2025, engineering six comeback victories.

His ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and throw accurately outside the pocket makes him difficult to defend.

Goff offers a contrasting style.

Detroit’s veteran quarterback thrives through timing, anticipation, and precision. When he’s protected and operating within the offense’s rhythm, the Lions are exceptionally difficult to stop.

Can Chicago Contain Detroit’s Offensive Weapons?

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is a matchup nightmare. He can create explosive gains from conventional rushing formations or become a receiving threat.

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, meanwhile, remains one of the NFL’s most productive and reliable targets.

Chicago must also account for defensive star Aidan Hutchinson, whose pass-rushing ability can disrupt the Bears’ timing on offense.

One particularly important tactical question: Can Williams exploit Detroit’s aggressiveness without surrendering unnecessary sacks or turnovers?

Thanksgiving History Adds Another Layer

Remember the Bears’ disastrous finish on Thanksgiving in 2024?

Chicago rallied from a 23-7 deficit before late-game clock mismanagement helped Detroit escape with a 23-20 victory.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus was fired the following day.

Johnson eventually replaced him.

You couldn’t script a much better coaching backstory.

Three Things to Watch

• Can Chicago protect Williams against Hutchinson and Detroit’s pass rush?
• Will Gibbs create explosive plays against the Bears’ front seven?
• Can Detroit control possession and keep Williams from improvising big plays?

Why this game matters: This NFC North rivalry could carry substantial division and wild-card implications.

No Thanksgiving leftovers here. These teams genuinely dislike losing to each other.

Thanksgiving Day: Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

Thursday, November 26 | 3:30 p.m. CST | FOX and FOX One

Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

If family arguments seem inevitable on Thanksgiving, the NFL might as well provide a professional demonstration.

Welcome to Eagles-Cowboys.

Few football rivalries combine championship expectations, enormous fan bases, and such a consistently generous supply of bad feelings.

The Cowboys began hosting Thanksgiving games in 1966, and the annual appearance has become one of the franchise’s defining traditions.

Dallas Seeks Revenge for Its Thanksgiving History

Surprisingly, the Eagles and Cowboys have met only twice on Thanksgiving.

Philadelphia won both games.

• 1989: Eagles 27, Cowboys 0
• 2014: Eagles 33, Cowboys 10

Dallas would dearly love to reverse that trend.

The Cowboys also have more immediate motivation following their disappointing 7-9-1 finish in 2025.

An outstanding offense wasn’t enough to overcome a struggling defense.

That imbalance prompted significant offseason changes.

Dak Prescott and Dallas’ Offensive Firepower

Prescott threw for more than 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025.

Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens each surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, giving the Cowboys an outstanding pair of playmakers.

Running back Javonte Williams also rushed for more than 1,200 yards.

The offensive formula is simple: Create enough rushing success to keep defenses honest, then allow Prescott to attack favorable matchups.

Dallas offered a preview of that approach on October 26, 2026, defeating Philadelphia 38-21.

Prescott threw three touchdowns, while Williams rushed for 155 yards. It was an important early-season victory that gives the Thanksgiving rematch added significance.

Can Philadelphia Reestablish Its Dominance?

The Eagles won consecutive NFC East championships in 2024 and 2025, but their offense became frustratingly inconsistent during the latter campaign.

When healthy, quarterback Jalen Hurts provides a powerful dual-threat dimension.

Saquon Barkley remains capable of turning routine runs into highlight-reel touchdowns, while Philadelphia’s offensive line has long been central to the team’s success.

Defensively, the Eagles have excellent young talent, including defensive tackle Jalen Carter and defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.

The challenge will be limiting Dallas’ explosive passing plays while preventing Williams from repeatedly reaching the second level.

Dallas has also invested in its own defense, adding rookie safety Caleb Downs and hiring former Eagles assistant Christian Parker as defensive coordinator.

That creates another intriguing subplot: Parker knows the tendencies of several Philadelphia players exceptionally well.

Three Things to Watch

• Can Philadelphia slow Dallas’ rushing attack after the Cowboys’ dominant October performance?
• Which secondary handles the opposing receiving weapons more effectively?
• Will red-zone execution or turnovers decide another NFC East confrontation?

Why this game matters: Beyond the rivalry, Thanksgiving could play a major role in determining whether Dallas challenges Philadelphia’s recent division supremacy.

For pure football theater, this is difficult to beat.

Thanksgiving Night: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills

Thursday, November 26 | 7:20 p.m. CST | NBC and Peacock

Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Save room for dessert.

The NFL’s Thanksgiving night game features arguably the most compelling quarterback rivalry of the modern era.

Patrick Mahomes versus Josh Allen.

Kansas City versus Buffalo.

Andy Reid versus an ambitious new head coach.

And perhaps another chapter in one of football’s most remarkable recent rivalries.

Mahomes vs. Allen: A Rivalry Defined by January

Since 2020, Kansas City and Buffalo have played 10 times, including postseason meetings.

The results tell a fascinating story.

• Regular season: Buffalo holds a 5-1 advantage.
• Postseason: Kansas City has won all four meetings.
• Recent competitiveness: Six of their previous seven matchups were decided by seven points or fewer.

That remarkable split creates an obvious question.

Why has Allen enjoyed regular-season success against Kansas City while Mahomes keeps delivering when elimination is on the line?

One explanation involves Kansas City’s ability to execute under extreme postseason pressure.

Another involves Mahomes’ uncanny ability to extend plays and produce crucial conversions when the defense appears to have done everything right.

The legendary playoff meeting following the 2021 season, often remembered for its astonishing final 13 seconds of regulation, remains one of the greatest postseason games ever played.

Both Teams Have Something to Prove

Kansas City’s remarkable championship run encountered a serious setback in 2025.

The Chiefs finished 6-11, and Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL injury in December.

Kansas City responded by strengthening its roster, signing running back Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl LX MVP, and rebuilding portions of its secondary.

Walker adds an explosive rushing dimension that could reduce the offense’s dependence on Mahomes.

Buffalo, meanwhile, entered a new era after parting ways with longtime coach Sean McDermott.

Former offensive coordinator Joe Brady took over as head coach.

The Bills also acquired receiver DJ Moore, giving Allen an additional weapon to stretch defenses.

The Battle Between Andy Reid and Joe Brady

Reid brings decades of coaching experience, championship success, and one of football’s most extensive offensive playbooks.

Brady represents a younger generation of offensive strategists.

The contrast could be fascinating.

Buffalo will try to take advantage of Allen’s exceptional rushing ability and arm strength.

Kansas City must generate pressure without allowing Allen to break containment and turn broken plays into huge gains.

On the opposite side, Buffalo needs to prevent Mahomes from extending third-down plays until a receiver comes open.

The Hidden Key: Red-Zone Efficiency

Both quarterbacks are exceptionally dangerous between the 20-yard lines.

But touchdowns, rather than field goals, frequently determine games between evenly matched opponents.

Short-yardage defense, third-down execution, and fourth-quarter possession could prove decisive.

Three Things to Watch

• Can Buffalo contain Kenneth Walker without sacrificing pass coverage?
• Will Kansas City’s revamped secondary handle Allen’s deep passing attack?
• Which quarterback produces the decisive drive in the fourth quarter?

Why this game matters: Potential AFC playoff seeding, another chapter in a terrific rivalry, and perhaps a preview of a January rematch.

If you’re a serious NFL fan, this is the Thanksgiving game to circle.

Black Friday Bonus: Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers

Friday, November 27 | 2:00 p.m. CST | Prime Video

Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Just when you’ve finished digesting Thanksgiving dinner, the NFL serves another course.

Denver visits Pittsburgh in the league’s fourth annual Black Friday showcase.

Denver’s Championship Aspirations

The Broncos emerged as legitimate AFC contenders in 2025, finishing 14-3 and advancing to the conference championship game.

Quarterback Bo Nix gives Denver an athletic and increasingly experienced leader.

The Broncos also possess one of the NFL’s most imposing defensive combinations.

Cornerback Patrick Surtain II can neutralize elite receiving threats, while edge rusher Nik Bonitto provides disruptive pressure.

For Denver, the formula often starts with defense and field position.

See how many teams make the NFL playoffs?

Pittsburgh Enters a New Coaching Era

The Steelers are undergoing one of the franchise’s most significant transitions in decades.

Mike Tomlin stepped aside following the 2025 season, ending an extraordinary coaching tenure.

Former Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy took over.

The presence of pass-rushing star T.J. Watt ensures Pittsburgh remains dangerous defensively.

But the major strategic question concerns the Steelers’ offense: Can McCarthy produce enough consistency to complement that defense?

Three Things to Watch

• Can Pittsburgh protect its quarterback against Denver’s pressure packages?
• Will the Broncos successfully attack the Steelers’ defensive weaknesses?
• Which team controls field position and avoids costly turnovers?

Why watch: Two franchises with proud defensive traditions and significant postseason ambitions.

Besides, watching football beats fighting for parking spaces at the mall.

The History of NFL Thanksgiving Football

Thanksgiving football has evolved from a clever marketing experiment into one of America’s greatest sporting traditions.

Here’s how the holiday schedule developed.

• 1934: The Detroit Lions begin their Thanksgiving tradition.
• 1966: The Dallas Cowboys join the holiday lineup.
• 2006: The NFL establishes a regular Thanksgiving night game, creating the modern tripleheader.
• 2023: The league introduces its Black Friday showcase.
• 2026: The NFL adds its first dedicated Thanksgiving Eve game.

Detroit’s holiday tradition has continued annually since 1945, following an interruption during World War II.

The Cowboys have become almost equally synonymous with holiday football.

And the recent additions reflect the NFL’s ambition to turn Thanksgiving week into a multi-day national sporting event.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 NFL Thanksgiving Games

How Many NFL Games Are Played on Thanksgiving in 2026?

Three games are scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Including Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday, there are five featured games across three days.

What NFL Game Is Played the Night Before Thanksgiving?

The Green Bay Packers visit the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, November 25, at 7:00 p.m. CST. The game streams on Netflix.

What NFL Teams Always Play on Thanksgiving?

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys traditionally host Thanksgiving games. The remaining Thanksgiving night participants change annually.

Where Can I Watch Thanksgiving NFL Games Without Cable?

CBS, FOX, and NBC carry Thursday’s three games over the air. Streaming options include Paramount+, FOX One, and Peacock. Wednesday’s game is on Netflix, while Friday’s game is on Prime Video. Availability depends on subscriptions and local broadcast access.

Which Thanksgiving NFL Game Has the Biggest Rivalry?

All three Thursday games have compelling rivalries, but Chiefs-Bills arguably features the most dramatic recent postseason history. Eagles-Cowboys offers the most intense traditional divisional rivalry.

Thanksgiving Day Football Fun Facts

1.) The Detroit Lions have a record of 37-43-2 when playing on Thanksgiving in their franchise history.

2.) The Lions have lost their last six Thanksgiving games in a row. Lions head coach Dan Campbell will have lots to motivate his squad.

3.) The Dallas Cowboys’ record is better than the Lions’. They’re 31-22-1 since they started the tradition in 1966.

4.) How popular is watching NFL games on Thanksgiving? Very popular. Some of the best-watched games have generated over 40 million viewers.

5.) What NFL team has never played on Thanksgiving? Answer: The Jacksonville Jaguars.

6.) What year did the Detroit Lions begin hosting their games on Thanksgiving Tradition? Answer: 1934. (Learn more about the Lions’ Thanksgiving Tradition)

7.) What Thanksgiving dish did former NFL coach and commentator John Madden popularize on Thanksgiving broadcasts? Answer: The turducken. The turducken features a deboned chicken stuffed into a deboned duck, which is stuffed into a deboned turkey. On one televised broadcast, Madden used his hands to peel through the meats to show the three primary ingredients.

Final Thoughts: The NFL’s Biggest Thanksgiving Football Feast Yet

For serious football fans, the 2026 Thanksgiving schedule is an unusually attractive collection of matchups.

Packers-Rams delivers offensive sophistication. Bears-Lions combines history and coaching intrigue. Eagles-Cowboys brings bitter rivalry drama. Chiefs-Bills offers an elite quarterback showdown.

And Broncos-Steelers provides a Friday bonus for anyone who hasn’t watched quite enough football.

Five games. Three days. Multiple playoff contenders.

Thanksgiving may still be about gratitude, family, and sharing a meal.

But with this NFL schedule, somebody had better make sure the television remote is fully charged.

By Mike O’Halloran

Founder and Editor, Sports Feel Good Stories

Mike O’Halloran founded Sports Feel Good Stories in 2009. He has authored three books on sports jokes, co-authored four trivia books, and authored three books on basketball coaching. Mike has also written a book on sports slogans and captions. He coached youth basketball for 15 seasons, taught tennis, and was a contributing writer for USA Football, the youth arm of the NFL.

Mike is the publisher of the Well-Prepared Coach line of coaches’ practice plans and editable award certificates. He is the founder of the Fantasy Football Team Names Hall of Fame. Mike is married with four children.

You are on our NFL Games page for Thanksgiving 2026.

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