Turkey, Touchdowns, and the Tea: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Thanksgiving NFL Games

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and football—and let’s be honest, the drama that comes with it. Whether you’re hosting the big meal, showing up late with a store-bought pie, or just here to judge who wore what to the pre-game tunnel walk, the NFL’s Thanksgiving lineup has something for everyone. From buzzer-beater plays to sideline memes and a sprinkle of celebrity gossip, here’s everything you need to know to make this Turkey Day unforgettable.

Game Day Lineup: The Must-Watch Matchups

1. Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (12:30 PM ET, FOX)
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the Lions kicking things off. Detroit’s having a breakout year (finally!), led by Jared Goff and their gritty defense. Meanwhile, the Packers are still figuring out if Jordan Love is the real deal or just a rebound QB. Expect classic NFC North physicality—and at least one questionable ref call to set X (or whatever social media platform you moved to) on fire.

2. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders (4:30 PM ET, CBS)
The Cowboys are always in the spotlight, and this matchup against Washington will have all the drama you’d expect from a divisional rivalry. Dak Prescott is in MVP form, but can Ron Rivera’s squad ruin the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving feast? Oh, and keep an eye on Jerry Jones—this man loves a good camera pan, usually while sipping tea from a glass mug.

3. San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:20 PM ET, NBC)
Cap off your turkey coma with this NFC West thriller. The 49ers are stacked with stars like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, but Geno Smith and the Seahawks are ready to spoil the party. This game promises big plays, high stakes, and at least one “How did he catch that?” moment that’ll dominate highlight reels—and your group chats—for days.

Off-the-Field Buzz: The Lifestyle Side of Thanksgiving Football

Turkey, Tea, and Tunnel Walks
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the action on the field; it’s a full-on production. Players know they’re the center of attention, and the pre-game fashion parade will be worth the watch. Dallas’ Micah Parsons teased a Thanksgiving-themed fit on IG, and if it’s anything like last year’s Gucci overload, it’ll be a feast for the eyes. Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr. is always good for an accessory flex—maybe he’ll debut another watch worth more than your house.

Family Ties (and Feuds)
Thanksgiving also means NFL players bringing the family vibes. Last year, Stefon Diggs’ TikTok touchdown reenactments with his nephews went viral, and we’re already hoping for a sequel. But not every family moment is sweet—remember when Aaron Rodgers skipped Thanksgiving with his family? Yikes.

Social Media Drama Incoming
Thanksgiving games are a meme goldmine. From questionable coaching decisions to sideline meltdowns (looking at you, Pete Carroll), you can count on X (Twitter) and TikTok to keep you entertained. Don’t miss hashtags like #NFLThanksgiving or the inevitable trending topic of “Cowboys fans in shambles.” And if you’re live-tweeting, prepare for Stephen A. Smith to pop up with a mid-game roast of Jerry Jones or a “How ‘bout them Cowboys?” meme.

Amazon Picks: Game Day Essentials

• NFL Team Hoodies and Jerseys: Look fly while you snack. Shop here.
• Fire TV Stick 4K: Stream all the games without a hitch. Buy now.
• NFL Monopoly Game: Because trash-talking during board games is a family tradition. Grab it here.

*Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re tuning in for the touchdowns, the drama, or the social media chaos, Thanksgiving football is the perfect mix of tradition and entertainment. Bring the snacks, pour the drinks, and get ready for a day of big plays and even bigger laughs. And remember: No matter what happens on the field, the real MVP is whoever brought the mac and cheese.

Let the games—and the memes—begin!