Thanksgiving just got a whole lot more electric. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Detroit, Arlington, and Baltimore will host the NFL’s annual holiday tripleheader — three high-stakes games that could reshape playoff races before the season’s final stretch. The Green Bay Packers kick things off against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field at 12:00 PM CT, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, and capped by the Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens under the lights. This isn’t just tradition — it’s tension. And for fans, it’s the closest thing to a football feast.
Thanksgiving Rivalries: NFC North on Fire
The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions haven’t just played on Thanksgiving — they’ve built a legacy on it. This year, both sit behind the Chicago Bears in the NFC North, making this a de facto division title decider. The Packers, led by Jared Goff, are trying to claw back into contention after a sluggish start. The Lions, two-time defending division champs, are under pressure to prove they’re still the team to beat. Simulated projections suggest a 31-24 Packers win, with Goff throwing for 256 yards. But stats don’t capture the grit. The crowd at Ford Field will be loud, the cold will bite, and the rivalry — dating back over 90 years — will feel as raw as ever.
Passing Titans Collide in Texas
If you love fireworks, the Chiefs-Cowboys game is your main course. Both teams rank among the league’s top three in passing yards. Dallas, under Dak Prescott, comes in fresh off a statement win over Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City, meanwhile, survived an overtime thriller against the Indianapolis Colts. Projections point to a 31-28 Cowboys win, with CeeDee Lamb hauling in 112 yards. But here’s the twist: Jerry Jones’s Cowboys have struggled to close out tight games this season. Can Prescott deliver again? Or will Patrick Mahomes’ ghost haunt AT&T Stadium one more time? The game airs on CBS at 3:30 PM CT — don’t walk away from the table.
Baltimore’s Rise, Cincinnati’s Return
Turns out, the most compelling game might be the last one. The Baltimore Ravens, once written off as a 1-5 afterthought, now lead the AFC North on a five-game win streak. They’re top-10 in both scoring and rushing. Their defense? Suffocating. Their quarterback, Lamar Jackson, is playing like a MVP candidate again. Meanwhile, the Bengals are 3-8. But here’s the emotional hook: Joe Burrow is back from injury. After missing six weeks, he’s stepping into the cold of M&T Bank Stadium — not for glory, but for pride. Projections say Cincinnati wins 32-14. That’s unlikely. But Burrow’s presence changes everything. It’s not about the record anymore. It’s about proving he’s still the guy who can carry a team. The Ravens know it. The league knows it. And the fans? They’ll be holding their breath.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
Thanksgiving football isn’t just about who scores the most points. It’s about identity. The Lions and Packers are tied to this day like turkey and gravy. The Cowboys have hosted since 1966 — a tradition as American as apple pie. And now, the Ravens are stepping into that legacy, turning a holiday game into a statement. For viewers, it’s family, food, and football — all in one. For the teams? It’s playoff positioning. For the Bengals, it’s hope. For the Ravens, it’s validation.
What’s Next? Christmas Day on Streaming
Don’t think the NFL’s done. Just a month after Thanksgiving, the league is flipping the script. On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, , three games will stream exclusively on digital platforms: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders on NETFLIX, Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings on NETFLIX, and Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs on Prime Video. No network TV. No commercials. Just pure, uncut football. It’s a bold move — and a sign that the NFL is betting big on streaming. If these games draw big numbers, don’t be surprised if holiday games become digital-only by 2027.
Behind the Scenes: Where the Teams Call Home
The Green Bay Packers operate from 1265 Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay, Wisconsin — a place where the snow falls early and the fans never forget. The Detroit Lions are based at 2645 West Long Lake Road in Detroit, a city that’s rebuilt itself around football. The Dallas Cowboys are headquartered in Frisco, Texas, at 2000 Avenue of the Stars — a corporate empire wrapped in cowboy boots. And the Baltimore Ravens call 1 Winning Drive home, a nod to their 2000 Super Bowl run. These aren’t just addresses. They’re shrines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the Thanksgiving NFL games start, and which channels are they on?
The three Thanksgiving games kick off at 12:00 PM CT (FOX) with the Packers-Lions, followed by the Chiefs-Cowboys at 3:30 PM CT (CBS), and the Bengals-Ravens at 8:20 PM ET (NBC). All times are Eastern Standard Time. FOX broadcasts the early game nationally, CBS handles the afternoon clash, and NBC airs the primetime showdown — the traditional Thanksgiving night slot.
Why is the Bengals-Ravens game so significant despite Cincinnati’s 3-8 record?
Joe Burrow’s return from injury transforms this game from a mismatch into a symbolic moment. The Ravens, now AFC North leaders on a five-game streak, are playing for playoff seeding. The Bengals, though struggling, are fighting for relevance — and Burrow’s presence gives them a chance to prove they’re not done. This isn’t just about wins; it’s about legacy and resilience.
How do these games affect playoff chances?
The Packers need a win to stay within striking distance of the Bears in the NFC North. The Cowboys’ victory over the Eagles keeps them in the NFC’s top wild-card conversation. The Ravens’ win streak puts them in firm control of the AFC North, and a win over the Bengals could seal their playoff berth early. Every game this week is a potential tiebreaker decider.
Are there any new trends in how NFL Thanksgiving games are broadcast?
Yes. The NFL’s Christmas Day slate on Netflix and Prime Video signals a major shift. For the first time, holiday games are moving away from traditional networks to streaming platforms. This test run could mean future Thanksgiving games follow suit, especially as younger audiences cut cable. The league is testing viewer loyalty — and the results may redefine how we watch football on holidays.
What’s the historical significance of the Lions and Cowboys hosting Thanksgiving games?
The Lions have hosted since 1934 — a tradition started to boost attendance during the Great Depression. The Cowboys began in 1966, turning the holiday into a national spectacle. Both franchises are now synonymous with Thanksgiving football. No other teams have held this role for so long. It’s not just scheduling — it’s cultural DNA.
Who are the key players to watch in these matchups?
Jared Goff (Packers) needs to outplay Detroit’s secondary to keep Green Bay alive. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) are the engine of one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Joe Burrow (Bengals) is playing for redemption after injury. And Lamar Jackson (Ravens) is on the verge of a comeback MVP season. All four are pivotal — but Burrow’s return may be the most emotionally charged moment of the day.