All three games will air on national television, with Westwood One and SiriusXM carrying the radio calls. Peacock will feature a special Madden NFL Cast for the Bengals–Ravens matchup, incorporating data-driven visuals and a unique “hi-sky” behind-the-quarterback viewing angle familiar to Madden gamers.
Below is a full preview of every game on the Thanksgiving slate.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 23: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on November 23, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Packers vs. Lions – 1 p.m. ET on FOX
Detroit and Green Bay open the Thanksgiving action in what has become a tightly contested NFC North race. The Lions enter the holiday riding the emotional high of a 34–27 overtime thriller against the Giants, while the Packers are fresh off a convincing 23–6 win over Minnesota.
Both teams sit just one game behind the streaking Chicago Bears, turning this matchup into a pivotal moment for the division’s December outlook. Detroit’s offense remains explosive when it’s in rhythm, but its inconsistency has created week-to-week volatility. Green Bay, meanwhile, has leaned heavily on its defensive playmakers, who continue to develop in a high-pressure playoff chase. Offensively, the Packers have also fought through injuries to keep the ship afloat.
Whichever version of these teams shows up will shape not only Thursday’s result, but the direction of the NFC North as the final stretch of the season approaches.
This marks Green Bay’s third straight Thanksgiving appearance and another chance for the Lions to prove they can hold serve in one of the league’s spotlight holiday windows.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 23: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass the ball in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Chiefs vs. Cowboys – 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS
The middle game features two teams that engineered dramatic Week 12 comebacks to keep postseason hopes alive. Dallas stormed back from a 21-point deficit to stun the Philadelphia Eagles, while Kansas City rallied late to beat the Indianapolis Colts in a physical AFC showdown.
This will be the Cowboys’ 58th Thanksgiving game and their 48th straight appearance on the holiday. It’s also their first Thanksgiving opponent from outside the NFC East since 2021.
Patrick Mahomes continues to operate at an MVP-caliber level, buoyed by a Kansas City offense that is slowly regaining its spark. On the other side, Dallas’ offense ranks among the league’s most dangerous when Dak Prescott, offseason addition George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb get rolling, but the quieter story is the improvement on defense. The Cowboys have tightened up significantly over the past month, stringing together some of their most disciplined football of the season.
With both teams soaring into a short week with momentum, this matchup has a lot to look forward to.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 23: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Bengals vs. Ravens – 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
The nightcap features two AFC North rivals trending in opposite directions. Baltimore enters Thanksgiving as one of the hottest teams in football, having extended its winning streak to five with last week’s 23–10 victory over the Jets. Lamar Jackson is playing efficient, controlled football, and the Ravens’ defense has hardened into form after starting the season at the bottom of the NFL barrel.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, has been fighting uphill since Joe Burrow’s early-season injury. The Bengals’ offense has lacked continuity, their defense has been putrid, and critical injuries have exposed roster depth issues across all levels. Joe Flacco has provided moments of stability in the absence of Burrow, but at 3–8, Cincinnati has an offseason worth of work to figure it all out.
Instead, the Bengals enter Thanksgiving with an opportunity to play spoiler — a role they may embrace given the stakes for Baltimore and Pittsburgh at the top of the division. With massive long-term salary commitments to Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati faces a crucial offseason ahead to rebuild a defense that has regressed significantly.
Still, rivalry games on prime time have a way of tightening the margins, and the Bengals would love nothing more than to derail Baltimore’s late-season push.
John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration
The NFL will once again honor Madden’s profound connection to Thanksgiving with custom game coins, sideline stencils, uniform patches, and a Madden MVP award presented in each broadcast. The celebration continues to highlight everything Madden loved about the holiday — football, family, food, and fun.
Thanksgiving football remains one of the NFL’s most iconic traditions — and this year delivers a slate worthy of the stage. Three rivalry games with real playoff stakes, three unique atmospheres, and a day-long tribute to a legend who helped define the holiday for generations of fans.
Whether you’re watching Lions–Packers, Chiefs–Cowboys, or Ravens–Bengals, Thursday offers a full menu of games that will help shape the stretch run of the 2025 season.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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