Packers vs. Lions Thanksgiving Opener Sets Record with 47.7 Million Viewers
The Thanksgiving Day face-off between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions has set a remarkable viewership record. A staggering 47.7 million viewers tuned in to witness the game, making it the most-watched regular-season game in history, according to Fox.
Record-Breaking Viewership
The previous single-game record was 42.1 million, established during the 2022 matchup between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. This new benchmark was highlighted following the game, with viewership peaking at 57.957 million between 4:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time.
Comparison with Recent Games
- Packers vs. Lions: 47.7 million viewers
- Previous record (Giants vs. Cowboys in 2022): 42.1 million viewers
- Peak viewership during Packers vs. Lions: 57.957 million
This impressive figure surpasses any regular-season game airing on all networks, except for the Chiefs-Cowboys match, which began shortly after the Packers-Lions concluded.
Future Matchup Considerations
The NFL now faces pressure to maintain high viewership in future games. Meeting the excitement generated by the Packers-Lions game is essential for the upcoming Thanksgiving Day contests in 2026.
The Detroit Lions may play against several strong contenders, including their NFC North rivals, as well as teams like the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If both the Lions and the Eagles finish at the top of their divisions, a matchup may also occur.
For the Dallas Cowboys, potential opponents could include traditional NFC East rivals, with additional suitability seen in matchups with the San Francisco 49ers or teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals. These selections will depend heavily on the teams’ standings as the season progresses.
As the NFL prepares for future Thanksgiving matchups, the Packers vs. Lions game serves as a benchmark for ratings and excitement, emphasizing the league’s popularity.
