While traditions come and go, there may be none so lasting as watching the Detroit Lions play on Thanksgiving. Every year of the team’s existence—with the exception of 1939 to 1944, when the world was preoccupied with World War II—the Lions have been a part of Thanksgiving games.
And since 2016, they’ve lost every single time.
That could change this year, though, as Detroit has one of the best records in the NFL and has been consistently commanding on the field.
While you wait for the turkey to finish cooking and steer clear of any political debate that might be happening at your house this year, find a comfortable spot on the couch and enjoy some football. You’ve got three games to enjoy this year.
Keep in mind, though, that unlike a normal Thursday, none of today’s games will air on Amazon. That streaming service, instead, will have an exclusive game on Friday.
Here’s how to watch this Thanksgiving’s matchups.
Which NFL teams are playing on Thanksgiving?
If you’re an NFL super fan, this is one of the best days to watch, since no games overlap. As always, the home team is listed second.
Thursday, Nov. 28
Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions, 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS
New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys, 4:30 p.m. ET on Fox
Miami Dolphins vs Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Can I watch NFL games for free on broadcast television?
On Thanksgiving? It’s simpler than pumpkin pie. The best way to do that (and watch any sort of network programming) for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. To ensure you're getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I stream 2024’s Thanksgiving NFL games live online if I don't have a cable subscription?
Yep! Try one of these.
Paramount+
CBS’s streaming service will give you a one-week free trial, followed by a $8 or $13 monthly charge. (An annual plan is as low as $30 right now.)
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including all upcoming Sunday night matchups. It carries a $8 or $14 monthly charge—and the service has recently done away with its free trial. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney's bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network's Sling lower-tiered "Orange" plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive "Blue" plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option. (The package that includes NFL Network will run you $99 per month.)
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There's a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch Thanksgiving’s NFL games on Amazon?
No. While it normally hosts Thursday games, Amazon does not do so on Thanksgiving, though it will air a game on Black Friday. The next Thursday night matchup on Amazon this year will be the Green Bay Packers facing the Detroit Lions on Dec. 5.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
A trio.
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an "out of market" game, you've got two choices.
NFL+
Watch live local and out of market games and (with the premium subscription) replays. You're looking at a $50 charge per season. ($100 for premium.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube once again is the home for this channel. Prices this year start at $73 per month for Sunday Ticket and YouTubeTV or $449 for just Sunday Ticket (spanning the entirety of out-of-market games this season).
