The NFL is going all out for Thanksgiving Week in 2026, serving up a feast of football that starts early and doesn't let up. With the full schedule set to drop on Thursday, May 14, we already know three marquee matchups that will have fans glued to their screens from Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon.
First up, on Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 25), the Los Angeles Rams will host the Green Bay Packers in a showdown that pits two NFC heavyweights against each other. This game also features a compelling coaching rivalry: Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur are longtime friends and protégés, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already loaded contest. The game will be broadcast on Netflix, marking a major step for streaming in live sports, a move that has generated some backlash from traditionalists who worry about the league's growing greed.
Then, on Thanksgiving Day itself, the Lions will welcome the Packers to Detroit for a classic NFC North battle. This is a rivalry that always brings intensity, and with both teams expected to contend, it could have major playoff implications. Later that afternoon, the Dallas Cowboys will host the Philadelphia Eagles in a matchup that needs no introduction—two of the NFL's most passionate fanbases colliding in a divisional grudge match that's sure to be a ratings bonanza.
There's also speculation that the New England Patriots could face the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving Night, though that hasn't been confirmed yet. If it happens, it would give fans a full day of football from morning to night.
The NFL's decision to expand Thanksgiving Week beyond the traditional Thursday games reflects the league's hunger for more prime-time slots and revenue. But for fans, it's a win: more high-stakes football during a holiday already synonymous with the sport. The potential addition of a Wednesday game has some purists upset, but the matchups are undeniably strong.
Beyond Thanksgiving, Christmas Week games are also expected to be announced soon, continuing the league's trend of dominating the holiday calendar. For now, though, the focus is on a Thanksgiving Week slate that includes three of the most storied franchises in the NFL. Whether you're a fan of the Packers, Lions, Cowboys, or Eagles—or just love good football—mark your calendars. This is going to be a week to remember.
The full 2026 schedule release on May 14 will confirm all the details, including kickoff times and broadcast networks. But one thing is already clear: the NFL is betting big that fans want more football during Thanksgiving Week, and they're delivering with some of the best matchups imaginable.
