As the leaves fall, and the weather gets colder, it can only mean one thing: Thanksgiving is here. While the roast turkeys, mashed potatoes, and apple pies are staples of the fall holiday season, one thing has become even more synonymous with Thanksgiving, and that is American Football. Starting in 1934, the NFL has annually hosted games every November, and since then it has become a sports tradition across millions of American households across the nation.
This year, there are three star-studded games lining up this Thursday afternoon, so here’s what you need to know about each one, as we wait to see which winners will get chosen to take a bite out of the MVP Turkey legs this Thanksgiving season!
The first game of the day is between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions at 1:00 p.m. on FOX. Coming into this Week 13 game, the Packers currently sit at (7-3-1), while the Lions stand at (7-4).
Starting in Green Bay, they began their season red hot after acquiring Micah Parson from the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, the Packers have been one of the best defensive teams in the NFL, allowing the fourth least yards per game so far. For the Green Bay offense, they have been dangerous all year with Josh Jacobs, who rushed for 648 yards and 11 touchdowns. But recently they took a big hit with Tucker Kraft exiting the season with an ACL injury. Despite this, with Jordan Love at the helm of the team, who’s thrown for 2,560 yards, the Packers still have the pieces to be a competitive team coming into this match-up despite the setbacks.
In Detroit, their offense has been elite all season long. Led by Jarred Goff, he and Amon-Ra St. Brown have been one of the best dynamic duos in the whole league, connecting for 884 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns together this season. On the ground, there’s not many players better than Jahmyr Gibbs, whose speed has been his biggest strength, reaching highs of 20 MPH multiple times this season, allowing him to score 10 touchdowns this season. But like the Packers, the Lions are also dealing with some injuries, specifically Sam LaPorta, who’s now out for the season with a back injury. Regardless, the Lions aim to take back the NFC North title with a win this Thursday against their division rival.
The second game of the day is between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 p.m. on CBS. Coming into this Week 13 game, the Chiefs are standing at (6-5), while the Cowboys are sitting at (5-5-1).
After making their third straight Super Bowl appearance last season, the Chiefs are now on the outside looking in as their playoff chances are hanging in the balance. Despite the efforts of Patrick Mahomes, who’s thrown for 18 touchdowns and 2,977 yards this year, Kansas City has had trouble making it over the finish line. For the Chiefs, they need their players to step up, specifically Travis Kelce, who’s had himself a good season with 674 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, and Rashee Rice, who started the season suspended for the first six games. While this is not the team we are accustomed to seeing, don’t be surprised if they are able to make a late push for a playoff seed. Coming into this Thursday game, they look to make a statement as they try to stay alive in the competitive AFC.
The Cowboys have also been fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot. For Dallas, Dak Prescott has played great after coming back from a season ending hamstring injury he suffered last season, as he’s thrown for 23 touchdowns so far. His favorite targets, Ceedee Lamb, and George Pickens have both had good seasons as well, combining for 1,686 receiving yards together. But for the Cowboys, their breakout star has been Javonte Williams, who’s on pace for the best season of his career with 896 rushing yards. While a lot of things have not gone right for the Cowboys this season, they are trying to turn it all around starting with this game.
The third, and final, game of the day is the prime time match-up between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. on NBC. Coming into this Week 13 game, the Bengals are at (3-8), while the Ravens are at (6-5).
At the beginning of this season, the Bengals were rolling on all cylinders, until Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury, which unfortunately sidelined him for the majority of the football season. But he is expected to make his return for this Thanksgiving game, his first in 10 weeks. In his absence Joe Flacco has taken the reigns for Cincinnati. His top target has been Ja’Marr Chase who’s recorded 861 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s also coming back after the one game suspension he faced last week. Alongside him has been Tee Higgins, who’s totaled 575 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns this season, but he’ll miss this game as he’s in concussion protocol. While we are seeing the return of two of the best players in the NFL, it might not be enough to propel the Bengals into the playoffs, but if they want ever a sliver of a chance, it needs to start now.
The Ravens have also had their fair share of injuries as well. Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury early into the season, and now an apparent ankle injury. Despite this, he has toughed them out, winning Baltimore 6 straight games, throwing for 1,595 yards and 15 touchdowns. In his absence, a few players have stepped up huge for the Ravens. While he is having a down year compared to last year, Derrick Henry has rushed for 871 yards so far, still showing he’s a force to be reckoned with. Alongside him, Mark Andrew is having himself a redemption season after his heartbreaking drop in the divisional round last season, catching 4 touchdowns. For Baltimore, they look to increase their win streak as they are trying to claw their way back up the AFC North in order to clinch a playoff spot after such a rough start.
As the NFL season is winding down, every game is becoming more competitive than the last as teams are still fighting to stay alive in the playoff picture. While these match-ups still capture that energy, these Thanksgiving games are also a reminder that it’s more than just football, it’s about the togetherness of the fall season. So make sure to relax this holiday season with family and friends, and don’t forget to tune into some great NFL action this Thanksgiving!