NFL Thanksgiving 2024: A Feast of Football Tradition and Excitement
The NFL’s Thanksgiving tradition continues in 2024 with an exciting game lineup that promises to deliver thrilling action for football fans nationwide. As families gather around their tables for turkey and stuffing, they’ll also be treated to a full day of gridiron battles featuring some of the league’s most storied franchises.
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears: A Classic Rivalry Renewed
The day starts at 12:30 p.m. ET, with the Detroit Lions hosting the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. This matchup marks the 85th Thanksgiving Day game for the Lions, a tradition dating back to 1934.
The Lions, boasting an impressive 10-1 record, are looking to break their seven-year Thanksgiving Day losing streak. Their last victory on this holiday came in 2016, and they’re eager to change their fortunes against a Bears team they’ve struggled against in recent years.
David Montgomery, the Lions’ star running back, will be a pivotal player to watch as he faces his former team. The Lions’ stellar run game will be tested against a Bears defense desperate to end their five-game slide.
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants: America’s Team Seeks Home-Field Redemption
At 4:30 p.m. ET, the Dallas Cowboys will welcome the New York Giants to AT&T Stadium for their 57th Thanksgiving Day game. Despite their overall solid performance this season, the Cowboys have surprisingly struggled at home, going 0-5 at AT&T Stadium. They’ll be looking to reverse this trend and build on the momentum from their recent victory over the Washington Commanders.
The Giants enter the game with uncertainty at the quarterback position. Tommy DeVito, who has become a fan favorite, is questionable for Thursday due to a sore throwing arm. If he’s unable to play, Drew Lock might get his first start of the season.
Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins: Prime Time Showdown
The Thanksgiving football feast concludes with an 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff as the Green Bay Packers host the Miami Dolphins. This prime-time matchup is only the second time the Packers have played at home on Thanksgiving since 1923, adding a fresh element to the holiday tradition.
The Tradition Behind the Games
The Lions and Cowboys playing on Thanksgiving has become as much a part of the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie. But why these two teams? The answer lies in a combination of tradition and savvy marketing.
- Detroit’s Thanksgiving Legacy
The Lions’ Thanksgiving tradition began in 1934 when team owner George Richards, looking to boost ticket sales, scheduled a holiday game. The strategy worked brilliantly, more than doubling attendance from their previous game. Since 1945, the Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game every year without interruption.
- Dallas Joins the Tradition
The Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving lineup in 1966 when general manager Tex Schramm saw an opportunity to increase the team’s national profile. The move paid off, with over 80,000 fans packing the Cotton Bowl that year. This tradition has helped cement the Cowboys’ status as “America’s Team.”
Expanding the Tradition
I006, the NFL added a third Thanksgiving game, rotating the host yearly. This addition has allowed more teams and fans to participate in the holiday football festivities.
As families across America settle in for Thanksgiving meals, they’ll enjoy a full day of football. From the Lions’ quest to end their holiday losing streak to the Cowboys’ attempt to right their home-field woes and the Packers’ rare Thanksgiving home game, the 2024 NFL Thanksgiving schedule offers something for every football fan. It’s a day that combines the best of American traditions: family, food, and football.