Thanksgiving Day NFL Games: More Than Just Football – They're Iconic Moments That Live in Infamy! From unbelievable blunders to heartwarming traditions, these are the plays that have defined the holiday for football fans. Get ready to relive the glory, the gaffes, and the greatness! And if you're looking for live updates on today's games, including Packers vs. Lions, you can follow along with The Athletic's live coverage.
Sports, at their best, transcend mere games. Sure, die-hard fans revel in the intricacies – the draft dramas, the free agency frenzy, and those blockbuster trades. And of course, the games themselves are the main event. But sports seep deeper into our collective consciousness; they're woven into the very fabric of our culture.
Think about it: Baseball is practically synonymous with Fourth of July celebrations. The NBA owns Christmas Day. And what better way to usher in the New Year than with a slate of marquee college football matchups?
But while all these cultural crossovers hold a special place, I'd argue – with a healthy dose of personal bias, of course – that the NFL on Thanksgiving reigns supreme. The sheer number of games, perfectly timed to match the day's rhythm, is a recipe for holiday bliss.
The Dallas Cowboys, affectionately (or not-so-affectionately) known as "America's Team," are a Thanksgiving fixture. You either love 'em, or you love to hate 'em. And the Detroit Lions, another Turkey Day staple, have added a serious dose of excitement to the mix, especially since they've become a force to be reckoned with in recent years. This year's matchups – Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs and Lions vs. division rival Green Bay Packers – are poised to be ratings goldmines. And let's not forget the AFC North showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens, marking Joe Burrow's highly anticipated return. It's a feast for football fans!
Beyond the gridiron, the temperatures are dropping, and the holiday season is officially in full swing. It's simply a magical time of year. So, let's kick off this week's "What's Trending in the NFL" with a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the most unforgettable NFL Thanksgiving moments.
5. Randy Moss's Revenge Game: Just utter the name "Randy Moss" on Thanksgiving, and an iconic image instantly pops into your head: Moss, perched on the bench, donning a hat, gazing back at the camera with that Fox graphic plastered across his chest, highlighting his jaw-dropping stats. Three catches. 163 yards. Three touchdowns. All courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings' rookie phenom against none other than the Dallas Cowboys. The backstory? Even sweeter. Earlier that year, the Cowboys had the chance to draft Moss at No. 8 overall but passed, citing "character concerns," and instead opted for Greg Ellis. Moss landed with the Vikings at No. 21, and the rest, as they say, is history. This game was the ultimate "I told you so" moment. Was it a mistake for the Cowboys to pass on Moss? Let us know what you think in the comments!
4. Mike Tomlin Becomes a Meme: Timing is everything, and this one is a perfect example. Flashback to 2013, when Twitter was exploding and social media was rapidly transforming how we consumed entertainment as a unified online community. Memes were being born and spreading like wildfire. During a Ravens-Steelers clash, Baltimore returner Jacoby Jones was blazing down the left sideline on a kickoff return. As he sprinted downfield, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin inadvertently crossed the white boundary line and found himself on the field of play. Tomlin executed a peculiar little jump-scoot, narrowly avoiding contact with Jones. However, the return man was tackled right there, and Tomlin's awkward maneuver instantly became an internet sensation. He was also slapped with a hefty $100,000 fine for his sideline shuffle. Did Tomlin intentionally interfere, or was it an honest mistake? The debate rages on!
3. Leon Lett's Monumental Miscue: Brace yourselves, Cowboys fans; this list is quickly becoming a collection of painful Dallas memories. But this one is simply too iconic to leave out. If you're too young to have witnessed it live or have simply blocked it from your memory, do yourself a favor and watch the replay of this play. The scene: a snow-covered field in Dallas on a late November day in 1993. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is overcome with pure elation as Dallas blocks Miami's game-winning field goal attempt. The camera cuts to Troy Aikman and Michael Irving, locked in a celebratory embrace. Then comes the replay, where three Cowboys players frantically signal for no one to touch the ball. Enter Leon Lett, clearly exhausted, lumbering toward the pigskin and… slipping into it. The collective "No!" from the broadcast booth when they realize it's Lett – the same Lett who had a costly fumble in the Super Bowl earlier that year – is pure gold. While Lett's Super Bowl blunder ultimately didn't impact the outcome, this Thanksgiving gaffe cost the Cowboys the game. Was this the worst play in Cowboys history?
2. The Butt Fumble: Leon Lett's Thanksgiving blunder was undoubtedly embarrassing. But it doesn't even come close to claiming the title of the most embarrassing play on Thanksgiving Day. That honor belongs to New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, who, in 2012, ran smack-dab into the backside of his own lineman against the New England Patriots. The result? A fumble, recovered and returned to the end zone by New England. The full context of the play only amplifies the embarrassment. It was part of a 52-second stretch where the Jets coughed up three fumbles, and the Patriots scored three touchdowns. Of course, no one remembers the other two fumbles; the Butt Fumble is what remains. What's your favorite Butt Fumble meme?
1. John Madden's Turkey Tradition: The game that birthed this legendary tradition was actually a 27-0 snoozefest in 1989, with the Philadelphia Eagles dismantling the Cowboys. Legendary Hall of Fame announcer John Madden, who was on the call for that game, decided to reward the game's MVP with a turkey leg. Eagles pass rusher Reggie White was the inaugural recipient, and that was just the beginning of this iconic tradition. It eventually evolved beyond a single turkey leg, and Madden even popularized the turducken in the late '90s. Madden's infectious enthusiasm for this extra element, coupled with the images and videos of football players – fresh off a grueling three-hour battle on the gridiron – gleefully devouring turkey legs, is perhaps the quintessential image of the NFL on Thanksgiving.
Honorable Mentions: Tony Romo's Thanksgiving Debut and Tom Brady the Bully – The ranking above showcases some of the most universally recognized memories. But we all have our own personal favorites, too. For me, two games immediately spring to mind. In 2006, the post-Aikman quarterback drought had taken its toll but there was a buzz in Dallas because Bill Parcells had finally entrusted the offense to a young Tony Romo. That Thanksgiving game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was only Romo's fifth start. On the national stage, he threw for five touchdowns, including one to Terrell Owens. Owens celebrated by running straight to the Salvation Army kettle behind the end zone and making a donation. A memorable performance, to say the least.
Then there was the 2010 matchup between the Patriots and the Lions, where Tom Brady put on an absolute clinic. He achieved his second career game with a perfect 158.3 passer rating. But beyond the impressive stats, what I remember most about that game was how Brady ruthlessly identified Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith as the weak link in the Detroit secondary and relentlessly targeted him in the passing game. It was a masterclass in dissecting an opponent.
Road to Santa Clara: Super Bowl Contenders
Here are the five teams with the best shot at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy:
5. Seattle Seahawks: I'm still hesitant to fully trust Sam Darnold in high-stakes situations. However, the Seahawks have a strong supporting cast around him, including arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL this year, a reliable running game, and a formidable defense. Their remaining schedule offers a good mix of manageable opponents and challenging matchups to prepare them for the playoffs.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: While they're in a favorable position in the standings, there's a noticeable dip in confidence regarding their offense. The passing game showed some early promise on Sunday, but the Eagles' offense struggled to generate much against a Cowboys defense that, while improved, is still considered subpar. Saquon Barkley made some plays as a receiver, but his struggles on the ground are becoming a legitimate concern after a mere 22 yards on 10 carries. The proven track records of Barkley, Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith have earned them some patience, but that patience is wearing thin.
3. Denver Broncos: Their defense is legitimate and will soon be bolstered by the return of their star cornerback, Patrick Surtain II. Running back R.J. Harvey is a bit of a wild card here. If he can step up and capitalize on the opportunity created by J.K. Dobbins' absence, it could significantly impact what the Broncos ask of Bo Nix.
2. New England Patriots: The Patriots' relatively easy schedule will undoubtedly be cited as a major factor in their success. And it's undeniable that they've had it easier than most. But they can only control what's in front of them, and they've been taking care of business. The next three weeks, with games against the desperate Buffalo Bills and Ravens, should provide a clearer picture of their true potential.
1. Los Angeles Rams: Right now, the Rams have it all. A top-tier defense, an elite offense led by a veteran MVP candidate quarterback with a proven track record of postseason success, a stellar supporting cast, and a fantastic coaching staff. They have quality wins on their resume, and their two losses were incredibly close – one by a single point and the other in overtime by just three points. They are currently the most complete team in the NFL.
Not Ranked: Kansas City Chiefs: After trailing the Indianapolis Colts 20-9 on Sunday, things looked grim for the Chiefs. But an overtime victory has kept their playoff hopes alive. They're either going to miss the playoffs altogether or emerge as one of the most feared teams in the postseason. The margin for error is slim, and they have several challenging opponents remaining on their schedule.
Bottom Five: Race for the #1 Pick
These are the five teams with the highest probability of landing the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft:
5. New York Giants: The Giants are the first team this season to be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. But there's reason for optimism about their future, primarily due to Jaxson Dart. Their offense could improve significantly next year with a fully healthy lineup featuring Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, Theo Johnson, and Cam Skattebo.
4. New Orleans Saints: It was super worth it to give Justin Tucker a tryout. We've all watched the Saints this year and thought, "You know what? They're just a kicker away!"
3. New York Jets: It's just refreshing to glance at a Jets box score and see a quarterback's stat line that actually looks like it belongs in the NFL.
2. Las Vegas Raiders: If it weren't for their two wins (including one against the team below them) and the established criteria, the Raiders would be strong contenders for the top spot here. There's a compelling argument to be made that they're the worst team in the league, which is surprising considering the amount of individual talent they possess, at least on paper, compared to the actual worst team. Perhaps gutting the coaching staff midseason isn't the worst idea.
1. Tennessee Titans: They're the only one-win team in the NFL, and it's difficult to envision them securing a second victory this season. Their best chance might be Week 17 against the Saints, but it's highly likely that the Titans will finish with a 1-16 record.
Not Ranked: Cleveland Browns: Cleveland's victory over Las Vegas moved them out of the two-win cluster and earned Shedeur Sanders another start. While Sanders is the most intriguing storyline in Cleveland, the best storyline is the dominance of Myles Garrett. He's an absolutely dominant player at the peak of his powers and well worth the price of admission.
