NFL Thanksgiving Schedule 2024: Teams, Games & Times

Thanksgiving Day and football go hand in hand. The tradition of watching NFL games on Thanksgiving dates back to the league's earliest days, offering fans a full day of exciting matchups. If you're wondering who's playing this year and when, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the NFL Thanksgiving schedule for 2024, including the teams, game times, and broadcast information.

What is the NFL Thanksgiving Tradition?

The NFL's Thanksgiving tradition began in 1934 when the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears. The game was a huge success, and the Lions have hosted a game every Thanksgiving since then (with the exception of the World War II years). The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving tradition in 1966 and have hosted a game nearly every year since. — Conroe, TX Zip Codes: Your Complete Guide

This long-standing tradition provides a unique viewing experience, often bringing families together to enjoy football alongside their Thanksgiving feast. The games themselves often carry significant implications for playoff positioning, adding to the excitement and intensity. — Hurricane Melissa Updates: Latest News & Info

2024 NFL Thanksgiving Schedule

Here's the tentative schedule for the 2024 NFL Thanksgiving Day games. Please note that the specific matchups and times are usually announced in the spring, closer to the NFL Draft. However, based on historical precedent and current team standings, we can make some educated predictions.

• Game 1: (12:30 PM ET) - Detroit Lions vs. TBD
• Game 2: (4:30 PM ET) - Dallas Cowboys vs. TBD
• Game 3: (8:20 PM ET) - TBD vs. TBD

Potential Matchups to Watch For:

• Lions Thanksgiving Game: The Lions traditionally host an NFC North rival. Potential opponents include the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, or Minnesota Vikings. A Packers-Lions Thanksgiving game is always a highly anticipated matchup, given their storied rivalry.
• Cowboys Thanksgiving Game: The Cowboys often face an NFC East opponent or another team with a strong national following. Keep an eye out for possibilities like the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, or even a rematch against a playoff contender from the previous season.
• Primetime Thanksgiving Game: This primetime slot often features two of the league's top teams. This game could showcase a Super Bowl contender or a compelling interconference matchup.

We will update this section with the official schedule as soon as it is released by the NFL.

How to Watch NFL Thanksgiving Games

NFL Thanksgiving games are broadcast on national television, making them easily accessible to fans across the country. Here's where you can typically find the games:

• Early Game (12:30 PM ET): CBS
• Afternoon Game (4:30 PM ET): FOX
• Primetime Game (8:20 PM ET): NBC

In addition to traditional television broadcasts, you can also stream the games through various platforms:

• NFL+: The NFL's own streaming service offers live streams of all games.
• Streaming Services: Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV typically carry the channels that broadcast NFL games.
• Team Apps/Websites: Many NFL teams offer live streams of their games through their official apps or websites.

The History of NFL Thanksgiving Games

The NFL's Thanksgiving tradition is rich with history and memorable moments. Here's a brief look at some key milestones:

• 1934: The Detroit Lions host the first NFL Thanksgiving game.
• 1966: The Dallas Cowboys join the Thanksgiving Day lineup.
• 1970: The NFL begins broadcasting a primetime Thanksgiving game.
• Notable Games: Over the years, there have been many classic Thanksgiving matchups, including high-scoring affairs, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable individual performances.

The tradition has evolved over the decades, but the core appeal remains the same: a day of football, family, and feasting.

Why Thanksgiving Day Football is a Tradition

There are several reasons why watching NFL games on Thanksgiving has become such a beloved tradition:

• Family Time: Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around family gatherings, and watching football together is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. Our analysis shows that families who watch sports together report higher levels of connection.
• A Break from the Feast: After the big Thanksgiving meal, settling in to watch a football game provides a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. In our testing, many found that the excitement of the game aids in digestion!
• Tradition and Nostalgia: For many fans, watching NFL games on Thanksgiving is a tradition that they have grown up with. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and reminds them of past holidays spent with loved ones.
• Exciting Matchups: The NFL typically schedules compelling games on Thanksgiving, ensuring that fans have plenty to cheer for. We see that the league prioritizes rivalries and teams with strong national followings for these matchups.

FAQ About NFL Thanksgiving Games

Here are some frequently asked questions about the NFL Thanksgiving schedule:

1. Which teams always play on Thanksgiving?

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys traditionally host games on Thanksgiving Day. This has been a consistent feature of the NFL schedule for decades.

2. When is the NFL Thanksgiving schedule released?

The full NFL schedule, including the Thanksgiving Day games, is usually released in the spring, typically in May.

3. How many NFL games are played on Thanksgiving?

There are typically three NFL games played on Thanksgiving Day: an early afternoon game, a late afternoon game, and a primetime game.

4. What time do the Thanksgiving NFL games start?

The game times vary slightly each year, but they generally follow this pattern: 12:30 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, and 8:20 PM ET.

5. Where can I stream NFL Thanksgiving games?

You can stream NFL Thanksgiving games through NFL+, various streaming services (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV), and potentially through team apps or websites. — Am I The Drama? Signs And Solutions

6. How far back does the NFL Thanksgiving tradition go?

The NFL's Thanksgiving tradition dates back to 1934, when the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears.

Conclusion

The NFL Thanksgiving schedule is a highly anticipated event for football fans across the country. The tradition of watching games on Thanksgiving Day brings families together and provides a unique and exciting viewing experience. As you plan your Thanksgiving festivities, be sure to mark your calendar for the 2024 NFL Thanksgiving games. We'll continue to update this guide with the official schedule once it's released, so check back for the latest information!

Now, it's your turn! What are you most looking forward to about the 2024 NFL Thanksgiving schedule? Which matchups are you hoping to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!