NFL Games On Thanksgiving: History & Schedule

NFL Games on Thanksgiving: History & Schedule

Thanksgiving and football go hand in hand in the United States. The tradition of watching NFL games on Thanksgiving Day dates back to the league's earliest days, providing a day-long feast of football action for fans to enjoy. This article dives into the history of NFL Thanksgiving games, the traditional teams that play, the full 2023 schedule, and frequently asked questions about this beloved American tradition.

A Turkey Day Tradition: The History of NFL Thanksgiving Games

The NFL's connection to Thanksgiving began in 1934 when the Detroit Lions, then a relatively new franchise, played their first Thanksgiving game. The Lions' owner, G.A. Richards, wanted to boost the team's popularity and thought a Thanksgiving game would be a perfect draw. The game was a success, and the Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year since, with a few exceptions during World War II.

The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving tradition in 1966 and have hosted a game almost every year since. The Lions and Cowboys Thanksgiving games have become a staple of the NFL schedule, providing fans with a consistent slate of football action to enjoy while they celebrate the holiday.

Traditional Teams: Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are the two traditional teams that play on Thanksgiving. The Lions always host the early game, while the Cowboys typically host the late afternoon game. This tradition has created a sense of continuity and familiarity for NFL fans, making these games a must-watch every year.

The Lions' Thanksgiving Day record is 37-46-2, while the Cowboys are 32-22-1 on Thanksgiving. Despite their long history of playing on Thanksgiving, neither team has a particularly dominant record on the holiday. This adds to the excitement and unpredictability of these games. — Roman Anthony Injury: Updates And Analysis

2023 Thanksgiving NFL Schedule

Here's the complete schedule for the 2023 NFL Thanksgiving Day games:

• Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions | 12:30 PM ET on FOX
• Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys | 4:30 PM ET on CBS
• San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks | 8:20 PM ET on NBC

The 2023 Thanksgiving schedule features three compelling matchups, offering fans a full day of exciting NFL action.

Key Matchups and Storylines

• Packers at Lions: A classic NFC North rivalry, this game will feature two teams battling for division supremacy. The Lions are looking to continue their strong start to the season, while the Packers are hoping to rebound after a Week 1 loss.
• Commanders at Cowboys: This NFC East showdown is always a heated affair. The Cowboys are looking to defend their home turf, while the Commanders are looking to prove they can compete with the best teams in the league.
• 49ers at Seahawks: A late-night NFC West clash, this game could have major playoff implications. Both the 49ers and Seahawks are expected to be contenders in the NFC this season.

Expert Analysis and Predictions

According to ESPN's NFL experts, the Lions are favored to beat the Packers, the Cowboys are favored to beat the Commanders, and the 49ers are favored to beat the Seahawks. However, Thanksgiving games are known for their unpredictability, and any of these games could go either way. As an expert, I would agree with these predictions but also emphasize the importance of strong defensive performances for the Cowboys and the Seahawks to potentially upset the favored teams.

How to Watch NFL Thanksgiving Games

NFL Thanksgiving games are broadcast on national television networks, making them easily accessible to fans across the country. The early game is typically broadcast on CBS or FOX, the late afternoon game is on FOX, and the primetime game is on NBC. Games are also available to stream through various online platforms, including NFL+, the streaming service that gives access to live local and primetime games on mobile and tablet devices, live out-of-market preseason games, and live game audio. — Abigail Spanberger Election Results & Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?

The Detroit Lions have played on Thanksgiving since 1934, a tradition started by then-owner G.A. Richards to boost the team's popularity. The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966. Their consistent presence on Thanksgiving has made them synonymous with NFL football on the holiday. — J.T. Realmuto: Stats, Career, & More

Q: How many NFL games are played on Thanksgiving?

Typically, three NFL games are played on Thanksgiving Day. The Detroit Lions host an early game, followed by the Dallas Cowboys in the afternoon, and a primetime game concludes the day.

Q: What is the history of Thanksgiving Day football?

The tradition began in 1934 with the Detroit Lions. The NFL recognized the holiday as an opportunity to showcase football, and it has grown into a significant part of American Thanksgiving celebrations.

Q: What are some memorable NFL Thanksgiving Day games?

Some memorable games include the Lions' upset victory over the Packers in 2013, the Cowboys' last-second win against Washington in 2016, and the Patriots-Jets "Butt Fumble" game in 2012. These games are examples of the high drama that NFL Thanksgiving games often deliver.

Q: How can I attend an NFL Thanksgiving Day game?

Tickets for Thanksgiving Day games are highly sought after. You can purchase tickets through the NFL Ticket Exchange, Ticketmaster, or other secondary ticket markets. Planning in advance is essential due to the high demand.

Q: What is the significance of the NFL playing on Thanksgiving?

The NFL on Thanksgiving has become a cultural tradition, blending America's favorite sport with a major national holiday. It provides a shared experience for families and friends, adding to the festive atmosphere of Thanksgiving Day.

Conclusion: A Thanksgiving Tradition Worth Celebrating

Watching NFL games on Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition for millions of Americans. The history, the rivalries, and the excitement of the games make it a perfect complement to the holiday festivities. This article has covered the history, the teams, the 2023 schedule, and frequently asked questions about this beloved tradition. So, gather your family and friends, prepare your Thanksgiving feast, and settle in for a day of football action. Don't forget to check out streaming options via NFL+ if you're on the go! Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the games!