thanksgiving and NFL football, it’s as American as it gets. Football and Thanksgiving have gone hand in hand for about a century, as the Detroit Lions’ tradition of playing on this special Thursday began in 1934, while the Dallas Cowboys began their Thanksgiving tradition in 1966. according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This year, we once again have a Turkey Day tripleheader, starting at 12:30 pm ET on Thursday, November 28 (with one game on CBS) and continuing all night with the final kickoff scheduled for 8:20 pm Eastern Time. Below, we’ll break down the three Thanksgiving matchups happening in 2024.
12:30 pm ET on CBS, live broadcast Supreme+
The Lions have a division rival again on Thanksgiving Day, as they host Caleb Williams and the Bears. There’s a new energy in Chicago, and it’s not just because of their new quarterback. The Bears also drafted former Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, traded for former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen, and signed Pro Bowl running back D’Andre Swift. It’s been a pretty solid situation for the number one overall pick in the draft.
As for the Lions, they are coming off winning their first NFC North title after losing 13 games just two years ago. Detroit lived up to preseason expectations last year and came very close to reaching Super Bowl LVIII. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell were paid this offseason, while general manager Brad Holmes brought in even more talent to spark what the Lions hope will be a special 2024. The Lions are 37-45-2 all-time. on Thanksgiving Day, and in fact were upset by the rival Green Bay Packers last year when Jordan Love threw three touchdowns.
Last time these two teams played: Bears 28, Lions 13, Week 14 (2023) – Justin Fields and the Bears stunned the Lions in Chicago, as Goff fumbled three times as the Lions failed to score a single point in the second half.
4:30 pm ET on Fox, live broadcast fubo
Just like last year, “America’s Team” will host a division rival at 4:30 pm ET on Thanksgiving Day. However, instead of the Washington Commanders, this time it’s the New York Football Giants. The Cowboys didn’t have the sexiest offseason ever, but they did bolster the trenches with draft picks Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, and they may have found a steal in Western Michigan pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland.
As for the Giants, they’re running it with Daniel Jones, who now has a fun target to throw at: No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers. The offense may have lost Saquon Barkley, but the defense added an important piece in star pass rusher Brian Burns.
Last time these two teams played: Cowboys 49, Giants 17, Week 10 (2023) – The Cowboys outscored the Giants, 89-17, in their two meetings last year. Tommy DeVito made his first official NFL start in Week 10 and threw for 86 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Prescott threw for 404 yards, scored five total touchdowns and threw one interception. Brandin Cooks and CeeDee Lamb both surpassed 150 receiving yards.
8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, broadcast on fubo
Our Thanksgiving Cup will take place in Green Bay as the Packers host the Dolphins. This matchup features two quarterbacks hoping to get paid as soon as possible: Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa.
Love has high expectations heading into 2024, with a young, talented receiving corps led by Christian Watson and a backfield that added Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd. Green Bay used two of its first three draft picks to address the defensive end, adding linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Javon Bullard in the second round. Both players are expected to play immediate roles for Jeff Hafley.
As for the Dolphins, Tagovailoa and company have a lot to prove. It’s fun to watch the Dolphins crush teams like the Denver Broncos, 70-20, but the fact of the matter is that Miami went 1-5 against playoff teams last year, and they were quickly ousted from the postseason for the eventual Super Bowl champion. Kansas City Chiefs in Super Wild Card weekend, 26-7. Mike McDaniel has one of the best wide receiver trios to work with in Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr., and he added more speed at running back with Jaylen Wright. The Dolphins traded defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for Anthony Weaver, who will lead a revamped secondary that lost Xavien Howard but added Kendall Fuller and Jordan Poyer.
Last time these two teams played: Packers 26, Dolphins 20, Week 16 (Christmas Day 2022) – Miami blew a 20-13 halftime lead against Aaron Rodgers when Tagovailoa threw three interceptions on the Dolphins’ final three possessions. He entered concussion protocol the next day.
