NFL Thanksgiving brings its ultimate tradition back on November 27. The Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers at 1 p.m. ET on FOX. The Dallas Cowboys face the Kansas City Chiefs at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. A triple-header rounds out the evening with playoff intrigue.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Lions vs Packers kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on FOX at Ford Field in Detroit
- Jack White, newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, headlines the Lions halftime show
- Cowboys vs Chiefs plays at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS from AT&T Stadium
- Post Malone performs at the Cowboys halftime show and Lil Jon entertains during the third game
- Lions have hosted Thanksgiving games since 1934 excluding 1939-1944 due to World War II
What’s Happening on Thanksgiving Day
The Detroit Lions own the longest Thanksgiving Day tradition in the NFL, stretching back 91 years. When they take the field against Green Bay, it marks another chapter in this legendary rivalry. The NFC North showdown promises intensity as both teams battle for playoff positioning.
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Following the early afternoon matchup comes the Dallas Cowboys showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. This game carries major playoff implications. The Cowboys have hosted a Thanksgiving game annually since 1966 (with two exceptions). The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and their prolific offense, provide a formidable test at AT&T Stadium.
A third game completes the triple-header later in the evening. This NFL Thanksgiving schedule showcases the sport’s most meaningful matchups during America’s most important holiday.
“The Detroit Lions have played at home on Thanksgiving every year since 1934 — except when games were paused from 1939 to 1944 during World War II.”
Why This Year Matters
The 2025 Thanksgiving slate features marquee talent and playoff races heating up. For Detroit, hosting Green Bay represents critical divisional positioning. For Dallas, home-field advantage against a championship contender carries weight. These games determine seeding and momentum heading into the final regular-season stretch.
The entertainment value reaches new heights this year. Jack White, the Detroit-native rocker and newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, delivers the Lions halftime performance. Post Malone commands the Cowboys stage with his superstar presence. Lil Jon energizes the third game.
For fans, Thanksgiving NFL football means quality time bonding over the sport. The tradition unites families across America year after year. These games anchor the holiday itself into sports culture.
Complete Game Schedule and Details
Here’s the full breakdown of the November 27 triple-header:
| Game | Time (ET) | Location | Channel | Halftime Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Packers vs Lions | 1:00 p.m. | Ford Field, Detroit | FOX | Jack White |
| Chiefs vs Cowboys | 4:30 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Arlington | CBS | Post Malone |
| Bengals vs Ravens | 8:20 p.m. | M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore | NBC | Lil Jon |
All three games stream online through official broadcast apps and services. Fans can watch the Lions-Packers game free on Tubi or FOX One. Streaming numbers continue climbing as more viewers cut cable.
What to Watch For This Year
Several storylines dominate the holiday action:
- Lions playoff seeding hinges on divisional performance versus Green Bay
- Cowboys need a statement win against Kansas City‘s elite defense
- Jack White’s Rock Hall induction brings cultural significance to Detroit
- Mahomes versus Dallas’s secondary shapes the afternoon’s narrative
- Third-game AFC North match carries playoff ramifications for Cincinnati and Baltimore
The November 27 schedule delivers drama, tradition, and elite football. Whether you’re watching at home or the stadium, these games embody everything special about Thanksgiving sports.
The Tradition That Never Stops
Why do these two teams always host on Thanksgiving? The Lions started playing Thanksgiving games back in 1934 to draw fans and attract national attention. The strategy worked spectacularly. The Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966, establishing their own holiday legacy.
For over 90 years, millions of Americans gather to watch these NFL matchups. The ritual feels as important as the turkey itself. These games connect generations and define how families spend Thanksgiving afternoon and evening together.
This year marks another chapter in this unbreakable tradition. Will your family make it a Thanksgiving game day tradition?
Sources
- NFL.com – Official NFL Thanksgiving schedule and halftime performer announcements
- ESPN – NFL Thanksgiving history and tradition details
- FOX Sports – Game times, channels, and broadcast information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.