Professional football has been played on Thanksgiving since 1920. Currently, three NFL games are played every Thanksgiving.
We’ve included not only information about the upcoming big games, but some interesting facts about Thanksgiving football so that you can prepare for all of the upcoming action.
Interesting Facts
- Until 2006 Thanksgiving Day games were only played in Dallas and Detroit. Since 2006, games have been played at a variety of different cities and evening games have been added as well.
- One team has never played in a Thanksgiving Day game: the Jacksonville Jaguars
- With the exception of 1941-1944, when no football games were played because of WWII, the Detroit Lions have played in every Thanksgiving Day game. Coincidentally they have the most wins and losses on Thanksgiving Day. Detroit goes into this year with a 33-36-2 record & Dallas at 30-19-1.
- Since 1966 the Cowboys have played in every Thanksgiving Day game and have the second-most wins. They current Thanksgiving record is 30-21-1.
- The Cowboys have won 20 times by 10 or more points and lost 11 times by 10 or more points.
- Four teams have never lost on Thanksgiving: Ravens, Texans, New Orlean Saints & Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay have never won a Thanksgiving Day game.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars are the only team that have never played on Thanksgiving.
Football Games to Watch Thanksgiving Day
Put down the turkey leg, save the dishes for later and let’s get ready for some football!
- The Las Vegas Raiders play the Dallas Cowboys at 12:30 p.m. (FOX)
- Chicago Bears vs. the Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 p.m. (FOX)
- Buffallo Bills vs. the New Orleans Saints at 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
College Football Games on Thanksgiving
- Ole Miss Rebels vs Mississippi State Bulldogs at 7:30 pm (ESPN)
Of course there will be plenty of college games on Saturday and NFL on Sunday.
If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, you may want to read our blog on Travel Anxiety During COVID-19.
Other Thanksgiving posts that may interest you:
Thanksgiving Cruise Line Recipes
If Thanksgiving Dishes Were Family Members
How The World Celebrates Thanksgiving
