Thanksgiving football is one of the NFL’s biggest annual traditions, bringing three exciting games, historic rivalries, and holiday entertainment to millions of fans. In 2026, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, giving football fans another full day of NFL action alongside the traditional holiday celebrations.
Thanksgiving NFL Games 2026 Schedule
The NFL has announced its 2026 Thanksgiving schedule, featuring three traditional Thanksgiving Day games and two additional holiday matchups. The action stretches across Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, creating a five-game Thanksgiving Week celebration.
Here is the complete schedule, including kickoff times and broadcast networks.
| Date | Matchup | Kickoff (ET) | TV / Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 25 | Packers vs. Rams | 8:00 PM | Netflix |
| Nov. 26 | Bears at Lions | 1:00 PM | CBS, Paramount+ |
| Nov. 26 | Eagles at Cowboys | 4:30 PM | FOX, FOX One, Tubi |
| Nov. 26 | Chiefs at Bills | 8:20 PM | NBC, Peacock |
| Nov. 27 | Broncos at Steelers | 3:00 PM | Prime Video |
All kickoff times are Eastern Time (ET). Matchups and broadcast details are based on the announced 2026 schedule.
Thanksgiving Day NFL Games – November 26, 2026
NFL
•
2026 season
Schedule
Bears
Vs
Lions
Nov 26
11:00 PM
Eagles
Vs
Cowboys
Nov 27
2:30 AM
Chiefs
vs
Bills
Nov 27
6:20 AM
The traditional Thanksgiving tripleheader features six NFL franchises. Each matchup offers a different storyline, from an NFC North rivalry to a major NFC East showdown and an exciting AFC contest under the lights.
1. Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET
- Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
- TV Channel: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
The Thanksgiving football tradition begins with an NFC North rivalry as the Chicago Bears travel to Detroit to face the Lions.
Detroit has a particularly strong connection with Thanksgiving football. The Lions have played on the holiday for generations, making their annual appearance one of the most recognizable traditions in American sports.
The Bears-Lions matchup adds another layer of excitement because both teams compete in the same division. Divisional games carry additional importance because they can influence standings, playoff positioning, and tiebreakers.
What makes this game interesting?
- A historic NFC North rivalry.
- Detroit’s traditional Thanksgiving home game.
- Important divisional competition.
- An opportunity for both teams to strengthen their playoff position.
The matchup takes place at Ford Field, where Lions fans will welcome one of their oldest rivals for the opening game of Thanksgiving Day.
2. Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Kickoff: 4:30 PM ET
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- TV Channel: FOX
- Streaming: FOX One and Tubi
Few NFL rivalries attract as much attention as the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Dallas Cowboys.
This NFC East showdown is the second game of the Thanksgiving tripleheader and brings two of the league’s most recognizable franchises into the holiday spotlight.
Both teams have passionate fan bases, major national followings, and a history of competitive divisional battles.
Why fans should watch:
- One of the NFL’s biggest divisional rivalries.
- Important NFC East standings implications.
- A nationally televised holiday matchup.
- Star players and high-pressure football.
The game will be broadcast on FOX, with streaming available through FOX One and Tubi. FOX Sports+1
3. Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills
- Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:20 PM ET
- Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
- TV Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
The Thanksgiving night game features the Kansas City Chiefs visiting the Buffalo Bills in one of the NFL’s most anticipated modern matchups.
The rivalry has become a major attraction for football fans, particularly because of the high-profile quarterback competition involving Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Both teams have frequently competed at the highest level of the AFC, making their meetings especially interesting when playoff positioning is involved.
What makes this matchup special?
- A high-profile AFC rivalry.
- Patrick Mahomes versus Josh Allen.
- National primetime coverage.
- A major opportunity to strengthen AFC playoff positioning.
NBC and Peacock will carry the Thanksgiving night contest, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 PM ET.
Thanksgiving Eve NFL Game – November 25, 2026
Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams
- Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Streaming: Netflix
The Thanksgiving football celebration begins one night early with the Green Bay Packers visiting the Los Angeles Rams.
This Wednesday night matchup adds another major attraction to the NFL holiday schedule. Green Bay and Los Angeles are two established NFC franchises, and their meeting gives fans an additional opportunity to enjoy football before Thanksgiving Day.
Netflix will exclusively stream the Thanksgiving Eve game, making it an important part of the NFL’s expanding holiday programming. NFL Fantasy+1
NFL Black Friday Game – November 27, 2026
Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Date: Friday, November 27, 2026
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Streaming: Prime Video
The Thanksgiving Week celebration continues on Black Friday as the Denver Broncos visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Black Friday football gives the NFL another opportunity to attract viewers during one of America’s busiest shopping weekends.
The Broncos-Steelers matchup brings together two historic AFC franchises. Both teams have passionate supporters and rich football traditions, making this an appealing way to extend the holiday weekend.
Prime Video will exclusively stream the game, continuing the NFL’s partnership with Amazon for Thursday and special holiday football coverage. NFL Fantasy+1
How to Watch Thanksgiving NFL Games 2026
Fans in the United States will have several ways to watch the 2026 Thanksgiving football schedule.
| Game | TV Channel | Streaming Service |
|---|---|---|
| Packers vs. Rams | Netflix | Netflix |
| Bears vs. Lions | CBS | Paramount+ |
| Eagles vs. Cowboys | FOX | FOX One, Tubi |
| Chiefs vs. Bills | NBC | Peacock |
| Broncos vs. Steelers | — | Prime Video |
The broadcast arrangements differ depending on the game. Some matchups are available through traditional television networks, while others require a streaming subscription or supported streaming service. NFL Football Operations+1
Can You Watch Thanksgiving NFL Games for Free?
Some games may be available through free, over-the-air local television broadcasts.
For example:
- Bears vs. Lions: Available on local CBS stations.
- Eagles vs. Cowboys: Available on local FOX stations and Tubi.
- Chiefs vs. Bills: Available on local NBC stations.
Availability depends on your location, television provider, and streaming access. Netflix and Prime Video games require access to their respective services.
Thanksgiving NFL Games 2026: Pakistan Time
For international fans watching from Pakistan, the American kickoff times fall on different local dates because Pakistan is 10 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in late November.
| Matchup | US Kickoff (ET) | Pakistan Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|
| Packers vs. Rams | Nov. 25, 8 PM | Nov. 26, 6 AM |
| Bears vs. Lions | Nov. 26, 1 PM | Nov. 26, 11 PM |
| Eagles vs. Cowboys | Nov. 26, 4:30 PM | Nov. 27, 2:30 AM |
| Chiefs vs. Bills | Nov. 26, 8:20 PM | Nov. 27, 6:20 AM |
| Broncos vs. Steelers | Nov. 27, 3 PM | Nov. 28, 1 AM |
These are converted kickoff times, not separate broadcast schedules.
Why Does the NFL Play Games on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving football is one of the oldest and most recognizable traditions in professional American sports.
The connection between Thanksgiving and football goes back more than a century. The NFL adopted the holiday as a regular showcase, helping establish a tradition that generations of families have enjoyed.
Two franchises have particularly strong connections to Thanksgiving:
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions began their Thanksgiving Day tradition in 1934. The franchise has played on the holiday almost every year since, with the exception of the World War II seasons from 1939 through 1944.
Detroit’s Thanksgiving game has become a defining part of the NFL calendar.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving tradition in 1966. Their holiday appearances helped establish the franchise as another regular feature of Thanksgiving football.
Over time, the Lions and Cowboys became closely associated with the holiday, even as the NFL expanded its schedule to include a third primetime game. NFL Fantasy+1
How Many NFL Games Are Played on Thanksgiving 2026?
There are three NFL games on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026.
However, the complete Thanksgiving Week schedule features five games across three consecutive days:
- Wednesday: One Thanksgiving Eve game.
- Thursday: Three Thanksgiving Day games.
- Friday: One Black Friday game.
This expanded schedule gives fans more football throughout the holiday period.
What Makes Thanksgiving NFL Games Special?
Thanksgiving football is about more than wins and losses. It combines sports, family traditions, rivalries, and holiday entertainment.
Here are some reasons the games attract so much attention.
1. Historic NFL Rivalries
The Thanksgiving schedule frequently features established franchises and divisional matchups. These games give fans an opportunity to watch familiar opponents compete on a national stage.
2. A Full Day of Football
The three-game Thursday schedule covers afternoon, late afternoon, and evening windows. Fans can enjoy football throughout the holiday without waiting for the regular Sunday schedule.
3. Family and Holiday Traditions
For many American families, watching football is as important as Thanksgiving dinner. Friends and relatives gather around televisions to support their favorite teams.
4. Playoff Implications
Thanksgiving takes place during the second half of the NFL regular season. Teams are often fighting for division leads, playoff positions, and postseason opportunities.
A victory can provide valuable momentum heading into December.
What to Expect From the 2026 Thanksgiving NFL Schedule
The 2026 schedule offers an attractive combination of historic traditions and modern rivalries.
The Bears-Lions game maintains Detroit’s traditional Thanksgiving appearance, while Eagles-Cowboys provides a major NFC East contest.
The Chiefs-Bills matchup brings a high-profile AFC rivalry to primetime.
Beyond Thursday, the Packers-Rams game adds a Wednesday night attraction, and Broncos-Steelers extends the celebration into Black Friday.
Together, these five games create one of the most extensive Thanksgiving football schedules in NFL history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Thanksgiving NFL games in 2026?
Thanksgiving NFL games will take place on Thursday, November 26, 2026. The NFL will feature three games throughout the day, beginning at 1:00 PM ET.
Which NFL teams are playing on Thanksgiving 2026?
Six teams will participate in the Thanksgiving Day tripleheader:
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Dallas Cowboys
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Buffalo Bills
What time do the Thanksgiving NFL games start in 2026?
The three Thanksgiving Day games begin at:
- 1:00 PM ET: Bears at Lions
- 4:30 PM ET: Eagles at Cowboys
- 8:20 PM ET: Chiefs at Bills
What channel is the NFL Thanksgiving game on?
The Thanksgiving games will air across three major networks:
- CBS: Bears vs. Lions
- FOX: Eagles vs. Cowboys
- NBC: Chiefs vs. Bills
Streaming options include Paramount+, FOX One, Tubi, and Peacock.
Is there an NFL game on Wednesday before Thanksgiving 2026?
Yes. The Green Bay Packers will visit the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, November 25, at 8:00 PM ET. Netflix will stream the game.
Is there an NFL game on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Denver Broncos will play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, November 27, at 3:00 PM ET. The game will stream exclusively on Prime Video.
Why do the Detroit Lions always play on Thanksgiving?
The Detroit Lions began their Thanksgiving football tradition in 1934. Their annual holiday appearance helped establish Thanksgiving as a major NFL football day.
Do the Dallas Cowboys play on Thanksgiving every year?
The Dallas Cowboys have been a regular Thanksgiving host since 1966. However, their 2026 Thanksgiving matchup is an away game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
How many games are on Thanksgiving Day in 2026?
There are three games on Thanksgiving Day itself. Including Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday, the NFL has five holiday-week games scheduled.
Who plays the night game on Thanksgiving 2026?
The Kansas City Chiefs will visit the Buffalo Bills in the Thanksgiving night matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
What date is Thanksgiving in 2026?
Thanksgiving in the United States falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Final Verdict
The Thanksgiving NFL Games 2026 schedule brings five exciting matchups across three days, combining historic football traditions with some of the league’s biggest rivalries.
The Thanksgiving Day tripleheader features Bears vs. Lions, Eagles vs. Cowboys, and Chiefs vs. Bills. Before Thursday, Packers vs. Rams opens the holiday celebration on Netflix, while Broncos vs. Steelers closes the extended schedule on Black Friday.
Whether you’re following your favorite franchise, watching with family, or looking forward to important playoff races, Thanksgiving Week offers plenty of football to enjoy.
Mark November 26, 2026, on your calendar because the NFL’s Thanksgiving tripleheader is ready to make the holiday even more exciting.
Key Schedule Takeaways
- Thanksgiving date: November 26, 2026.
- Thanksgiving Day games: 3.
- Total Thanksgiving Week games: 5.
- Opening game: Bears vs. Lions.
- Afternoon rivalry: Eagles vs. Cowboys.
- Thanksgiving night: Chiefs vs. Bills.
- Thanksgiving Eve: Packers vs. Rams.
- Black Friday: Broncos vs. Steelers.
