NFL Thanksgiving 2025 schedule: Chiefs vs Cowboys and more must-watch matchups set for the holiday

Thanksgiving and the NFL have long shared a bond that’s almost as iconic as turkey and pumpkin pie. What started in 1934 with Detroit Lions' former owner George A. Richards hosting the Chicago Bears has evolved into a national tradition. And in 2025, that tradition gets another thrilling chapter as the NFL sticks to its festive tripleheader format, bringing a mix of historical rivalry, emerging storylines, and MVP-worthy showdowns to fans across the country.Tradition meets rivalry: Lions vs. PackersThe day kicks off, as always, in Detroit. The Lions, who’ve hosted Thanksgiving games every year since 1934—with the exception of 1939 to 1944 due to World War II—will face their age-old rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Slated for a 12:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Fox at Ford Field, this matchup carries rich historical weight. The Lions and Packers have squared off 22 times on Thanksgiving, with Detroit holding a slight edge at 12-9-1.Interestingly, Detroit has won six of their last seven encounters with Green Bay. However, it’s worth noting that the only loss in that stretch came on Thanksgiving in 2023, proving that this rivalry continues to deliver drama regardless of trends. The Packers may have the historical upper hand in their overall series, but the Lions' recent form and home-field advantage will give them hope for a strong holiday performance.Star power in the afternoon: Cowboys vs. ChiefsWhen the clock strikes 4:30 p.m. ET, attention shifts to Arlington, Texas, where the Dallas Cowboys will host the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium. Airing on CBS, this game may break from traditional rivalries, but it brings a compelling narrative of its own.The Cowboys have been synonymous with Thanksgiving since 1966, having missed the holiday game only twice in nearly six decades. They’re 34-22-1 in these contests—proof of how much they thrive under the national spotlight.This game, however, adds a unique layer of emotion and excitement. Patrick Mahomes, who grew up cheering for the Cowboys, will be playing his first Thanksgiving game—and his first-ever matchup in Dallas. The only previous meeting between Mahomes and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was back in 2021, where Mahomes led the Chiefs to a 19-9 win. With Mahomes now firmly established as one of the NFL’s brightest stars, the matchup has the makings of a holiday classic.Primetime fireworks: Ravens vs. BengalsClosing out the night at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, the Baltimore Ravens will host the Cincinnati Bengals in a prime-time divisional duel at M&T Bank Stadium. While these two teams have limited Thanksgiving experience—the Ravens are 2-0 and the Bengals 0-1—their recent head-to-head battles have been electric. Four of their last five matchups have ended in one-score games, offering a taste of the fireworks fans can expect on Thanksgiving night.This clash also features two marquee quarterbacks: Joe Burrow and two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. Both signal-callers are capable of turning any play into a highlight reel moment, and their showdown promises to be a fitting finale to a day filled with high-stakes football.With a schedule that blends tradition, rivalry, and star power, the NFL's 2025 Thanksgiving Day lineup is primed to deliver entertainment from noon to night. Whether it’s a historic divisional showdown or a new chapter in quarterback duels, football fans are in for a feast they won’t forget.Also Read: "The Taylor Swift effect": Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 schedule fuels Swiftie buzz with must-watch primetime clashes early in the season