Thanksgiving and Football: A Changing Tradition

For years, Thanksgiving and football have been inseparable.

This year, however, the tradition is evolving.

Back in 2006, when the NFL added a third game to its Thanksgiving lineup and introduced a prime-time match, many thought that would mark the limit of its expansion. Yet, the league surprised fans by also adding games on Black Friday, a major shopping day. And, it seems, the growth is not stopping here.

Because this year, the NFL has something fresh planned.

The night before Thanksgiving, known as Thanksgiving Eve, is one of the biggest nights for bars.

As the league gears up for its 2026 regular season, we’ll be closely watching every game, including the revamped Thanksgiving offering.

Thanksgiving Eve Game

Reports are indicating that the NFL intends to announce a game on Thanksgiving Eve, the Wednesday night before the holiday. Many will probably agree that this night is one of the most significant for social gatherings, with people flocking to local bars to enjoy time together before the family festivities.

Also, it’s said that the Thanksgiving Eve game will be included in the slate of NFL games available on Netflix this season.

Thanksgiving Day Games for 2026

Staying true to both old and new traditions, the NFL will host three games on Thanksgiving Day, featuring a doubleheader in the afternoon and a night match.

The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will serve as the home teams for the initial contests, a practice that goes back to 1934 when the Lions first hosted a Thanksgiving game, followed by the Cowboys joining in 1966.

The league will then schedule a third game for the evening, which involves rotating teams for prime-time appearances, although the Lions and Cowboys tend to have first dibs on those early matches.

Another fresh addition to the Thanksgiving festivities is the branding of the games. Beginning in 2001, the NFL called it the Thanksgiving Classic, only to rename it in 2022 to honor John Madden, incorporating his legacy into the Thanksgiving celebrations.

The Cowboys’ first Thanksgiving Day game for the season is set to welcome the Philadelphia Eagles to AT&T Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Black Friday Game for 2026

Starting in 2023, the league initiated Black Friday games as part of its agreement with Amazon Prime Video.

The inaugural Black Friday matchup featured the Miami Dolphins battling the New York Jets, and in 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Las Vegas Raiders. Last season, the Chicago Bears came out victorious against the Philadelphia Eagles in a road game.

This year, there’s talk of introducing a second Black Friday game.