Thanksgiving football games 2025: Full NFL schedule today, start times, and how to watch

Turkey, pie, and a triple-header. Thanksgiving football games 2025 deliver three marquee matchups across the day, anchored by the traditional Detroit and Dallas home dates and capped with a primetime showdown. Below is the definitive game-day guide with kickoff times, basic viewing info, and quick storylines for fantasy and casual fans alike.

NFL Thanksgiving schedule today (Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025)

*Network TV listed; live streams are available through the corresponding network apps and most major live-TV streaming providers in your area. Local blackout and authentication rules may apply.

What time does football start on Thanksgiving?

Kickoff arrives at 1:00 p.m. ET in Detroit and runs wall-to-wall through the 8:20 p.m. ET nightcap in Baltimore. If you’re planning your meal around the games, the longest break between whistles is roughly one hour between the early and middle game; expect a shorter reset between the afternoon finish and the primetime warm-ups.

Quick storylines and viewing tips

Packers at Lions — Early window (1:00 p.m. ET)

Detroit’s annual home game opens the holiday slate with a divisional tilt that always carries playoff implications. Expect a lively Ford Field atmosphere, pregame pageantry, and a halftime performance. For fantasy players, early kickoffs are ideal for pivoting your lineups before the late games—set contingency options at flex in case of any surprise inactives.

Chiefs at Cowboys — Afternoon showcase (4:30 p.m. ET)

Dallas hosts a star-studded showdown in the middle slot. This is typically the most watched game of the day, featuring high-octane offenses and a big-stage halftime show. If you’re channel-surfing from a crowded living room, program your DVR for a 30-minute overrun—halftime and late-game clock stoppages can push the end past dinner.

Bengals at Ravens — Primetime cap (8:20 p.m. ET)

The nightcap features an intense AFC rivalry under the lights. Expect defensive adjustments, mobile quarterback moments, and a playoff-style tempo. UK viewers: this one starts after midnight; set an alarm or a recording if you’re catching it on Friday morning.

Where to watch Thanksgiving football (without the guesswork)

• Over-the-air: If you have an antenna, you can watch on your local FOX, CBS, and NBC affiliates in HD for free.

• Cable/satellite: Tune to the national network channel number for your market.

• Streaming: Most live-TV streaming services carry the three national networks; network apps typically offer authenticated streams. Check your ZIP code and plan details to confirm carriage.

Fantasy and betting housekeeping (checklists you can do in 60 seconds)

• Confirm actives/inactives 90–60 minutes before each kickoff.

• Use late-game flexibility: Place players from the primetime game in the flex spot when possible.

• Weather and stadiums: All three games are in venues with either a roof or temperate conditions; wind is usually the bigger factor than temperature for passing/kicking.

Thanksgiving football traditions at a glance

• Detroit at home: A staple since the 1930s, the Lions open the festivities every year.

• Dallas at home: The Cowboys anchor the afternoon window, a tradition dating to the 1960s.

• A rotating night game: The modern triple-header format adds a marquee primetime matchup to finish the day.

Planning your day around the games

• Meal timing: A late-lunch plate during halftime of the early game keeps you clear for the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff; dessert can land at the second-half two-minute warning.

• Recording safety: Add 30–45 minutes of extra recording time to each game.

• Household harmony: Use picture-in-picture or a tablet stream if the kitchen TV is claimed for parade replays.

Three nationally televised games—Packers–Lions (1:00 p.m. ET), Chiefs–Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET), Bengals–Ravens (8:20 p.m. ET)—make up the NFL Thanksgiving schedule 2025. Grab the remote, top off the gravy, and enjoy a full day of holiday football.