NFL Thanksgiving Games 2024: Which teams are playing on November 28th?
The NFL Thanksgiving Day schedule on the 28th November features the Lions vs. Bears, the Cowboys vs. Giants, and the Packers vs. Dolphins.
Follow Us
Jordan Love, Cooper Rush (Top), Jared Goff, Caleb Williams (Middle), Tua Tagovailoa, Tommy DeVito (bottom) (images via AP Photo)
Turkey on the table, the family gathered around, and NFL on every screen—it’s the perfect Thanksgiving trifecta. This year, the NFL serves up a feast of action with three can’t-miss games on November 28th, ensuring fans have plenty to be thankful for.
The jam-packed schedule starts with the Detroit Lions (9-1) hosting division rivals Chicago Bears (4-7) at 12:30 p.m. ET. Following the Lions’ game, the Dallas Cowboys (4-7) play the Big Blue New York Giants (2-9) in hunt of their first home win this season. The day will conclude as the Miami Dolphins (5-6) take on NFC’s Green Bay Packers (8-3) in a road game.
Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated festivals in the United States of America. The tradition of hosting Thanksgiving games pre-dates the Super Bowl era and even the predecessors of the current league. In the early 1870s, Ivy League colleges Yale and Princeton used to play games on Thanksgiving. The tradition soon followed to other colleges as well as the NFL.
Detroit Lions have been a constant feature in the NFL Thanksgiving Games since 1934, when their first owner George A. Richards started the tradition to bring in more spectators. Although the Lions suffered a defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bears on that day, the tradition continued with some spectacular games played on the auspicious holiday. Dallas Cowboys also entered the consistency fray in 1966 with two exceptions. Since 1978, Thanksgiving football has become a cherished tradition, with Detroit hosting the early game and Dallas taking the spotlight in the late afternoon slot every year.
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: Where to watch, bets and preview
The Detroit Lions in stunning red-hot form will be looking forward to this specific game with eager anticipation. They haven’t won a Thanksgiving game since 2016, handing out wins to opponents in the past seven seasons. In the span, the Bears have defeated the Lions thrice, the last being 2021.
- Where to watch: CBS
- Game Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Bets: DET -10 (48.5 O/U) according to ESPN BET
The Detroit Lions are off to their best start in 90 years following the magical and disappointing playoff run last year. The Bears, on the other hand, have lost their last five games falling into last place in the NFC North. However, they have been looking a bit dangerous in the last two weeks following the firing of their OC Shane Waldron. The loss against the Minnesota Vikings saw the Bears in their best offensive form since the beginning of the league. DJ Moore, one of their strongest elements in the roster, could be used to target the not-so-perfect Lions secondary.
Nevertheless, the question remains if it would be enough to stop the rampant Lions. QB Jared Goff has racked up 2,761 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions with an impressive 72.9% completion rate and a 109.9 passer rating through 11 games. The backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has combined for 2,024 scrimmage yards and 22 touchdowns. The Lions would be missing Amon-Ra St Brown on the day though.
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys: Where to watch, bets and preview
Dallas Cowboys are fresh off a bounce-back victory over the Washington Commanders last week. The Cooper Rush-led offense put up 24 points in the fourth quarter to pull off the impressive feat. The win has definitely boosted the atmosphere in Texas. The players and the management were happy to see them snapping a five-game losing streak.
- Where to watch: FOX
- Game Time: 04:30 p.m. ET
- Bets: DAL -4 (37.5 O/U) according to ESPN BET
The Cowboys have the most to lose in the holiday special. They are returning to AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys haven’t won a game at their home since the playoff loss last year to the Green Bay Packers. They also need the win if they intend to stage a comeback since they have no intentions to tank at this point. The New York Giants are one of the worst-performing teams with just two wins so far. They parted ways with their starting QB Daniel Jones and third-string Tommy DeVito is the new starter. The first game with DeVito didn’t go all so well either. The Big Blue was humiliated mercilessly 30-7 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers: Where to Watch, bets, and preview
The Green Bay Packers are hosting the Thanksgiving game for the third time in history. The Packers seem to have ironed out their issues in the run game as they dominated the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday.
- Where to watch: NBC/Peacock/Universo
- Game Time: 08:20 p.m. ET
- Bets: GB -3.5 (46.5 O/U) according to ESPN BET
The Green Bay Packers hold a great upper hand in hosting. Green Bay located in Wisconsin receives freezing temperatures in the winter months recording, dropping below zero on the Celsius scale. The Dolphins haven’t won a single game under Mike McDaniel when the temperature dropped below 40F. They have a serious disadvantage when it comes to adverse weather.
Green Bay Packers hold an 8-3 record with losses against formidable foes who combined hold 28-5 through Week 12. Josh Jacobs gaining more ground, especially in the game against the 49ers with 3 TDs and 106 rush yards spelling a disaster for the Dolphins. Although they are coming off a three-game winning streak, the Dolphins are 2-3 away from Hard Rock. The Thanksgiving game would be a test to the two teams: whether the Packers really ironed out their run game issues and can the Dolphins brave the cold.
Related: Those who compared Aaron Rodgers to Tom Brady, apologize now
Stay Updated!
Mohammed Bazim
(431 Articles Published)