NFL Thanksgiving Games 2023: Thrilling Matchups, Times, and Viewing Guide

The NFL Thanksgiving Day in 2023 promises an exciting lineup of games, featuring historic rivalries and fierce competition. Here"s a detailed schedule:

• Game 1: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions
• Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Ford Field, Detroit
• TV Channel: Fox
• Highlights: The Lions host the Packers, a game with a rich history and significant implications for both teams" standings.
• Game 2: Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Location: AT&T Stadium, Dallas
• TV Channel: CBS
• Highlights: A classic NFC East rivalry, the Cowboys host the Commanders in a game that"s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Game 3: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• Location: Lumen Field, Seattle
• TV Channel: NBC
• Highlights: The day concludes with a clash of NFC West titans, as the 49ers take on the Seahawks in what"s expected to be a thrilling game.

These matchups not only showcase the best of the NFL on a cherished holiday but also hold crucial implications for the season"s playoffs race. Be sure to catch the action live on TV or through various streaming options!

The 2023 NFL Thanksgiving schedule features exciting matchups with significant implications for the season"s playoffs race. Let"s dive into the highlights and key matchups of each game:

• Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions:
• This classic NFC North rivalry sees a resurgent Lions team facing the Packers, who are adjusting to life without Aaron Rodgers. Key to watch will be the performance of Green Bay"s new quarterback, Jordan Love, against Detroit"s strong team, which is aiming to end their Thanksgiving game drought.
• Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys:
• An NFC East showdown in Dallas, where the Cowboys" potent offense, led by Dak Prescott, takes on the struggling Commanders. The key matchup will be the Commanders" defense trying to contain the Cowboys" high-flying attack.
• San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks:
• A prime-time NFC West clash in Seattle, with both teams vying for division dominance. Watch for 49ers" quarterback Brock Purdy"s return from injury and how he handles the Seahawks" improved defense. This game could be crucial in determining the NFC West standings.

These games not only promise thrilling football action but also have the potential to shape the playoff landscape in the NFC. Each matchup brings its unique storylines and strategic battles, making this Thanksgiving"s NFL games a must-watch for football fans.

The 2023 NFL Thanksgiving games showcase teams with varied performances and expectations. Here"s an insight into each team"s performance:

• Green Bay Packers:
• The Packers, post-Aaron Rodgers era, are undergoing a significant transition with Jordan Love at quarterback. Their performance has been unpredictable, making their matchup against the Lions critical for their season"s trajectory.
• Detroit Lions:
• The Lions have shown potential this season and are favorites to win their division. However, their Thanksgiving game performance has been lacking in recent years, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their game against the Packers.
• Washington Commanders:
• Washington"s performance has been underwhelming, with a record reflecting struggles, especially in key game moments. Their Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys will be a test of their ability to turn the tide.
• Dallas Cowboys:
• After a strong previous season, the Cowboys are looking to maintain their momentum. They have a robust offense and defense, positioning them as a formidable opponent for the Commanders.
• San Francisco 49ers:
• Despite quarterback challenges, the 49ers have managed to remain competitive, reaching close to the Super Bowl previously. Their Thanksgiving game against the Seahawks is crucial for their position in the NFC West.
• Seattle Seahawks:
• Seattle, with a quality offseason and solid draft, has emerged as a strong competitor in the NFC West. Their Thanksgiving clash with the 49ers is expected to be pivotal in the division race.

These insights into the teams" performances provide context for the excitement and stakes of the 2023 NFL Thanksgiving games. Each game not only offers thrilling football action but also plays a significant role in the teams" season prospects.

The tradition of NFL games on Thanksgiving dates back to 1934, with the Detroit Lions playing on this holiday since their inaugural season in Detroit. Originally known as the Portsmouth Spartans, the team was bought by radio executive George A. Richards and moved to Detroit. Richards, recognizing the need to distinguish the Lions from the baseball-dominant Tigers, chose to play a game on Thanksgiving. This decision was a success, with the first game against the Chicago Bears selling out two weeks in advance.

The Dallas Cowboys started their Thanksgiving tradition in 1966. Cowboys" General Manager Tex Schramm saw the opportunity to gain publicity for his team by playing on Thanksgiving. This decision proved successful both on the field and in ticket sales, helping to build the Cowboys" reputation as "America"s Team". The Cowboys have hosted Thanksgiving games almost every year since then, with a brief interruption in 1975 and 1977 when the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the games.

Since 2006, a third NFL game has been added to the Thanksgiving lineup. This primetime game does not have a fixed hosting team and has been a part of NBC"s Sunday Night Football package since 2012. These games have often featured divisional matchups and do not have specific conference tie-ins.

In 2020, the Thanksgiving schedule was disrupted due to COVID-19, leading to the postponement of the primetime game. This was the first time since 2005 that a primetime game was not held on Thanksgiving.

A significant tradition that coincides with the Dallas Cowboys" Thanksgiving game is the kickoff of the Salvation Army"s Christmas Kettle campaign during the game"s halftime since 1997.

Another interesting aspect of the NFL Thanksgiving tradition is the wearing of throwback uniforms by the teams. This practice started in 2001 and has included various special jerseys and classic field logos, celebrating the rich history of the teams and the league.

In a tribute to the late John Madden, a prominent figure in NFL broadcasting, the league announced in 2022 that the Thanksgiving games would be branded as the "John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration". Madden, renowned for his broadcasting career, had called 20 Thanksgiving games.

The 2023 NFL Thanksgiving Day games can be watched through various channels and streaming services, catering to a wide range of viewers across different platforms.

Game Schedule and Channels

• Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions: This game will start the day’s events at 12:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on FOX.
• Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders: The second game of the day, starting at 4:30 p.m. ET, will be aired on CBS.
• San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: Wrapping up the Thanksgiving football schedule, this game begins at 8:20 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

Streaming Options

For those who prefer to stream the games, there are several options available:

• FOX: The Packers vs. Lions game can be streamed on FoxSports.com or through the Fox Sports App with a valid subscription.
• CBS: The Cowboys vs. Commanders game can be streamed via NFL+ (subscription) or Paramount+ (subscription). It"s also available on fuboTV, which offers a free trial.
• NBC: The 49ers vs. Seahawks game can be streamed on the Peacock app, as well as fuboTV and Sling.

Additionally, for viewers outside the United States and China, all NFL games including the Thanksgiving Day games are available on DAZN. DAZN supports a variety of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, TVs, and game consoles.

For those who prefer traditional TV viewing, the games can also be accessed via over-the-air antennas for their respective channels.

The NFL has become an integral part of Thanksgiving celebrations in the United States, contributing significantly to the holiday"s atmosphere and festivities. The tradition of NFL games on Thanksgiving dates back to 1934 with the Detroit Lions and was later joined by the Dallas Cowboys in 1966. This tradition has grown to include a full day of football, making it a key part of the holiday for many families.

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey and pumpkin pie but also about enjoying football games with family and friends. It has become a day when people gather around televisions, celebrating with food and the excitement of football. This ritual has made NFL games an inseparable part of the holiday experience.

• The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are traditional hosts, playing in the early and late afternoon slots respectively.
• A third primetime game was added in 2006, featuring different teams each year.
• Memorable moments, such as the “Butt Fumble” in 2012 and standout performances by players, have become a part of Thanksgiving lore.
• The games also serve as a communal activity, often bringing families and friends together, sometimes even creating lighthearted rivalries.
• Additionally, the Thanksgiving halftime shows provide entertainment beyond football, featuring A-list performers and elaborate presentations.
• In stadiums like Ford Field in Detroit, Thanksgiving-themed foods and festivities add to the holiday spirit for attending fans.

Moreover, NFL games on Thanksgiving have impacted local traditions as well. Many communities and families host their own “Turkey Bowl” football games, adding to the day"s celebration of football and community.

Overall, NFL games have become a hallmark of Thanksgiving Day, contributing to the holiday"s spirit of family, community, and celebration.

The NFL Thanksgiving games of 2023 are marked by significant player injuries, influencing the strategies of various teams. For instance, the New York Giants face challenges with key players out or questionable, including OL Evan Neal (ankle), DL Dexter Lawrence (hamstring), and WR Darius Slayton (neck). The team"s strategy may need to adapt to these absences, potentially focusing on alternative strengths and tactics.

Similarly, the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans face their own injury challenges. The Panthers will be without TE Hayden Hurst (concussion) and other key players, while the Titans" strategy will have to compensate for the absence of WR Treylon Burks (concussion). These injuries could lead to adjustments in their game plans, perhaps focusing more on their defensive strategies or relying on less-utilized players.

The Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals are not exempt from these challenges. The Rams have S Quentin Lake (hamstring) out, and the Cardinals are dealing with multiple injuries including CB Antonio Hamilton (groin) and WR Michael Wilson (shoulder). These injuries may necessitate shifts in team dynamics and strategies, potentially leading to a more conservative game plan or innovative plays to leverage their available roster.

Moreover, the match between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders is expected to be influenced by the injuries and the performance of key players. The Cowboys, known for their strong defensive line, could capitalize on the Commanders" challenges, including the high sack rate against their quarterback Sam Howell. This strategic advantage could be pivotal in the outcome of their game.

Finally, the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks game is also shaped by injuries. With the Seahawks" Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III facing injuries, the 49ers" strategy might involve exploiting these weaknesses. This situation presents an opportunity for the 49ers to dominate, especially considering their strong performance against the Seahawks in previous encounters.

In conclusion, the 2023 NFL Thanksgiving games are heavily influenced by player injuries, leading teams to adapt their strategies. These adaptations could range from focusing on defensive strengths to leveraging the depth of their rosters, making each game an unpredictable and exciting event.

As the excitement for the 2023 NFL Thanksgiving games builds, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups and strategic plays. Don"t miss out on this blend of tradition, rivalry, and football spectacle. Join the celebration and witness history in the making!