When you think of Thanksgiving, you probably picture turkey, stuffing, and football. That tradition has been a cornerstone of the NFL for decades, and it just keeps getting bigger. This year, the league is serving up a feast of football that stretches from Wednesday all the way through Black Friday. With five games packed into three days, you might want to reconsider those family plans—because this lineup is absolutely stacked.
For years, Thanksgiving meant two games during the day, until 2006 when a prime-time third game joined the party. Then, in 2023, the NFL added a Black Friday game, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Now, the league is introducing a "Thanksgiving Eve" game on Wednesday, giving us a new reason to gather around the TV before the big day. Sure, "Thanksgiving Eve" isn't exactly a household term yet, but the matchup is impossible to ignore.
Kicking things off on Wednesday night, we have the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Green Bay Packers. Both teams are fresh off playoff runs, and the Packers—led by defensive superstar Micah Parsons—looked like Super Bowl contenders early last season. The Rams were right there with them, dominating for most of the year. This isn't just a warm-up act; it's a heavyweight clash that sets the tone for the holiday weekend.
Then comes Thursday, with the traditional tripleheader. The Detroit Lions have become a Thanksgiving staple, and for good reason. As the Lions have risen to prominence over the past few seasons, the calls to move them off the opening slot have faded. They're now a must-watch attraction, and the NFL has leaned into that by scheduling divisional matchups for them in four of the last five years. Expect another heated battle as the Lions look to defend their home turf.
Rounding out the holiday, Black Friday delivers another can't-miss game. The NFL has found a sweet spot with this new tradition, and this year's slate proves it. Whether you're recovering from Thursday's feast or shopping for deals, you'll want to carve out time for the action.
From the first snap on Wednesday to the final whistle on Friday, this is arguably the best Thanksgiving lineup the NFL has ever put together. So grab your jersey, settle in, and get ready for a weekend of football that's as memorable as the turkey dinner.
