NFL

Thanksgiving football feast: The NFL matchups you can’t miss in 2025

It’s Thanksgiving, which means we’re in for a full slate of not only food and family, but football too. Here are the can’t-miss games for this week.

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Jennifer Bubel
Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.
Update:

It’s that magical time of year again...Thanksgiving Day is here! And that means a full NFL feast for football fans. With triple headers on Thursday, the Black Friday showdown, Sunday’s packed slate, and Monday Night Football to close things out, we’re looking at four days of non-stop action.

Whether you’re watching with family, stuffing your face, or just keeping an eye on playoff implications, there’s a lot to get excited about. Let’s break down the full schedule and the games that should be on every fan’s radar.

Thanksgiving triple header (Thursday, Nov. 27)

  • Packers @ Lions: Both NFC North rivals are coming off wins in Week 12, but the Packers have struggled on the road this season. Expect a high-energy start to the holiday slate.
  • Chiefs @ Cowboys: After Dallas’ stunning comeback over the Eagles in Week 12, all eyes turn to Jerry World. Kansas City brings its Super Bowl-caliber offense, but the Cowboys’ home-field magic makes this a must-watch showdown.
  • Bengals @ Ravens: Baltimore leads the AFC North, but Joe Burrow will be back for Cincinnati. A rematch of last year’s hard-fought battles, this one has playoff implications written all over it.

Black Friday standalone game (Friday, Nov . 28)

  • Bears @ Eagles: Chicago is coming off a big win, and Philadelphia is looking to bounce back after a tough Week 12 loss to the Cowboys. Expect intensity, physicality, and some fireworks as these teams face off in Philly.

Sunday slate highlights (Sunday, Nov. 30)

  • Cardinals @ Buccaneers: With Baker Mayfield sidelined, Teddy Bridgewater steps in, giving Arizona a chance to shake things up. Tampa Bay will look to protect home turf, making for a compelling contest.
  • Texans @ Colts: An AFC South clash with playoff positioning on the line. The Texans, led by the recently returned C.J. Stroud, will face a tough road test in Indianapolis.
  • Rams @ Panthers: Matthew Stafford and the Rams are playing at a high level, but the Panthers at home are always dangerous. Look for big plays and high scoring.
  • Vikings @ Seahawks: The Seahawks are a powerhouse at home, while Minnesota has struggled at quarterback. This could be a dominant performance or a surprising upset if the Vikings find a spark with Max Brosmer under center.
  • Bills @ Steelers: Both teams are chasing playoff spots, and a clash between Josh Allen and the Steelers’ defense always delivers excitement. Keep an eye on key player matchups and momentum swings.

Monday Night Football (Monday, Dec. 1)

  • Giants @ Patriots: The Patriots come off a dominant Week 12 win, while the Giants have shaken things up with a recent coaching move. Monday night will feature drama, big plays, and plenty of storylines to follow.

Why this week is special

Thanksgiving week is filled with football, but it’s also a marathon of high-stakes games. Between division rivalries, playoff implications, and players returning from injury, nearly every matchup carries drama.

Key storylines to watch:

  • Cowboys vs Chiefs: Can Dallas build on their miraculous comeback win?
  • Bengals vs Ravens: Will Joe Burrow’s return lead Cincinnati to a road upset?
  • Eagles vs Bears: Philadelphia looking to rebound from Week 12 collapse.
  • Texans vs Colts: AFC South playoff stakes in play.

Full Thanksgiving Week Schedule

DateGameTime (ET)
Thursday, Nov 27Packers @ Lions1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov 27Chiefs @ Cowboys4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov 27Bengals @ Ravens8:20 p.m.
Friday, Nov 28Bears @ Eagles3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Cardinals @ Buccaneers1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Falcons @ Jets1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Texans @ Colts1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Jaguars @ Titans1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Rams @ Panthers1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Saints @ Dolphins1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 3049ers @ Browns1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Vikings @ Seahawks4:05 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Bills @ Steelers4:25 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Raiders @ Chargers4:25 p.m.
Sunday, Nov 30Broncos @ Commanders8:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec 1Giants @ Patriots8:15 p.m.

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