Caleb Harris
Thanksgiving and NFL football, is as American as possible. 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 Day tradition in 1966, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This year, we once again have a Turkey Day tripleheader, starting at 12:30pm ET on Thursday, November 28th and continuing through the night with the final kickoff scheduled for 8:20pm ET. Below, we’ll break down the three Thanksgiving matchups taking place in 2024.
12:30 p.m. ET on CBS, broadcast on Paramount+
The Lions will once again have a division rival on Thanksgiving 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 signed former Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, traded for former Los Angeles Chargers Keenan Allen and signed Pro Bowl running back D’Andre Swift. It’s a pretty solid situation for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
As for the Lions, they are coming off their first NFC North title after losing 13 games just two years ago. Detroit lived up to the preseason hype last year and came so close to reaching the 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. on Thanksgiving, and 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 defeated the Lions in Chicago when Goff turned the ball over three times while the Lions failed to score a single point in the second half.
4:30 p.m. ET on Fox, broadcast on fubo
Just like last year, “America’s Team” will host a division rival at 4:30 pm ET on Thanksgiving. 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 bolstered the trenches with the selections of Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe, and may have found a steal in West Michigan pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland.
As for the Giants, they are returning Daniel Jones, who now has a fun target to throw to in No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers. The offense may have lost Saquon Barkley, but the defense added a big 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 officially debuted in the NFL 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 each surpassed 150 receiving yards.
8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, broadcast on fubo
Our Thanksgiving nightcap takes place in Green Bay as the Packers host the Dolphins. This matchup features two quarterbacks hoping to get paid as quickly as possible: Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa.
Love has high expectations for 2024, with a young, talented receiving corps led by Christian Watson, and a backfield that has 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 fill immediate roles for Jeff Hafley.
As for the Dolphins, Tagovailoa and Co. have a lot to prove. It’s fun to see the Dolphins crushing teams like the Denver Broncos, 70-20, but the fact is that Miami went 1-5 against playoff teams last year and was quickly eliminated from the postseason by the eventual Super Bowl champion. Kansas City Chiefs on Super Wild Card Weekend, 26-7. Mike McDaniel has one of the best receiving trios to work with with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham Jr., and has 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 to Aaron Rodgers, with Tagovailoa throwing three interceptions on the Dolphins’ final three possessions. He entered concussion protocol the next day.
