Who Plays on Thanksgiving NFL Game? Full Schedule and Kickoff Times Explained

The Thanksgiving NFL lineup is locked in, and fans are ready for a full day of football. The main question everyone asks each year is simple: Who plays on Thanksgiving NFL game? This year’s schedule features three major matchups, including the Lions, Cowboys, and a primetime AFC North showdown. The games take place on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.

The holiday continues its decades-long tradition of Detroit and Dallas hosting. The NFL confirmed the full slate earlier this season. Each matchup features playoff implications, star quarterbacks, and high-stakes division battles.

Thanksgiving NFL Schedule and Kickoff Times

For the 20th straight year, the NFL will feature a tripleheader. The day begins in Detroit and ends under the lights in Baltimore. The full schedule provides fans with wall-to-wall action and several playoff-impact games.

The Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers at 1 p.m. ET. This NFC North rivalry opens the holiday slate. Detroit enters the week with a 7-4 record. Green Bay sits at 7-3-1 and continues its push toward the postseason. Ford Field is expected to be sold out for the matchup.

The second game puts the Dallas Cowboys at home against the Kansas City Chiefs at 4:30 p.m. ET. The Cowboys sit at 5-5-1 heading into the holiday. The Chiefs come in at 6-5 after a narrow overtime win in Week 12. AT&T Stadium will host one of the most watched games of the season.

The night concludes with the Cincinnati Bengals traveling to face the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. ET. The Ravens are 6-5 and riding a five-game win streak. The Bengals welcome back Joe Burrow for his first game since his turf toe surgery. This matchup features major AFC playoff consequences.

Major outlets like AP and Reuters highlighted the importance of these matchups earlier this month. The historic tradition dates back to 1934 when the Lions first hosted a Thanksgiving game. Dallas later joined as a permanent host in the 1960s.

This season continues the legacy with three games that matter for both conferences. Fans will have clear playoff standings movement by the end of Thursday night.

How These Thanksgiving Games Shape the NFL Picture

The Lions and Packers game carries major weight in the NFC North. A Detroit win keeps them in position to battle Chicago for the division crown. Green Bay needs a victory to stay above the wild card pack.

The Cowboys host Kansas City in a cross-conference matchup that both teams need. Dallas fights to stay in the NFC playoff race. Kansas City aims to keep pace with Denver and Indianapolis in the AFC.

The Bengals and Ravens matchup may be the most important. Baltimore tries to hold its lead in the AFC North. Cincinnati wants momentum with Burrow back for the final stretch. The division remains unpredictable with several teams grouped closely in the standings.

Thanksgiving remains one of the biggest days on the NFL calendar. The full schedule answers the main question fans ask every year: Who plays on Thanksgiving NFL game? The three matchups offer rivalry energy, playoff stakes, and primetime excitement.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who plays on Thanksgiving NFL game this year?

The Lions, Cowboys, and Ravens each host games. The Packers, Chiefs, and Bengals are the opponents.

Q2: What time do the Thanksgiving NFL games start?

Kickoff times are 1 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. ET, and 8:20 p.m. ET. All three games air on national TV.

Q3: Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?

Detroit started the tradition in 1934. Dallas joined in the 1960s and became a holiday staple.

Q4: Will Joe Burrow play on Thanksgiving?

Yes. Burrow returns for the Bengals after recovering from turf toe surgery.

Q5: Which game is expected to be the most watched?

The Cowboys vs. Chiefs matchup typically draws the largest audience due to market size and star power.