Cowboys17
Eagles14Thanksgiving Football Games 2026
Thanksgiving football games 2026: the NFL plays 3 games on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Bears at Lions, Eagles at Cowboys, Chiefs at Bills). Thanksgiving week starts the night before with Packers at Rams. On Black Friday, Broncos visit Steelers. Every kickoff is in Eastern Time with the TV channel, and scores update live.
NFL Thanksgiving Games 2026: Schedule and TV
31 days to go- Thanksgiving Day
- UTC12000000, Nov 262026
- Games that day
- 3NFL tripleheader
- First kickoff
- 1:00 PM ETBears at Lions
- Holiday week
- 5 gamesWednesday to Black Friday
Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday Games
Lions Thanksgiving Game
In 2026 the Lions host the Bears at 1:00 PM ET on CBS, Paramount+. Detroit started the tradition: owner G.A. Richards scheduled a Thanksgiving game in 1934, the Bears won it 19-16, and the Lions have played on Thanksgiving every year since, apart from 1939 to 1944 during World War II. They usually have the early game.
Cowboys Thanksgiving Game
In 2026 the Cowboys host the Eagles at 4:30 PM ET on FOX. Dallas joined in 1966, beating the Cleveland Browns 26-14 at the Cotton Bowl, and has played on Thanksgiving every year since except 1975 and 1977, when the league gave the date to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cowboys usually have the late-afternoon game; the third game, at night, rotates between teams.
Thanksgiving 2025 Results
Thanksgiving Football FAQ
What football games are on Thanksgiving?
On Thursday, November 26 the NFL plays 3 games: Bears at Lions (1:00 PM ET, CBS, Paramount+); Eagles at Cowboys (4:30 PM ET, FOX); Chiefs at Bills (8:20 PM ET, NBC, Peacock).
What time do the Thanksgiving football games start?
The first game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET and the last at 8:20 PM ET.
What channel are the Thanksgiving NFL games on?
Bears at Lions on CBS, Paramount+; Eagles at Cowboys on FOX; Chiefs at Bills on NBC, Peacock.
When is Thanksgiving football in 2026?
Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2026, always the fourth Thursday of November.
Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?
Tradition: the Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game since 1934 (except 1939 to 1944) and the Cowboys since 1966 (except 1975 and 1977). Both use the holiday as a national showcase, and the league keeps them as hosts every year.
Is there an NFL game on Black Friday?
Yes: Broncos at Steelers (3:00 PM ET, Prime Video) on Friday, November 27.
When was the first NFL Thanksgiving game for the Lions?
November 29, 1934, when the Chicago Bears beat the Lions 19-16 in Detroit.
How many NFL games are on Thanksgiving?
Three on Thanksgiving Day itself (early, late afternoon and night), plus, in recent seasons, a game on Thanksgiving Eve and one on Black Friday.