2021 Thanksgiving Day football schedule

While a turkey on the table on Thanksgiving day has been a staple during the holidays, so is the tradition of Thanksgiving football. Though this has been a part of the American culture that started 87 years ago, it came to an abrupt stop during World War II.

As everyone looks forward to the upcoming holiday, everyone’s almost ready to binge-watch the 6-hour Thanksgiving football while munching on the remains of the Thanksgiving food, even the side dishes. Similar to the previous schedules, this year 2021 is no different.

The games of Thanksgiving Football will be on screen nationwide for Week 12 of the regular season. Just like before, the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions will be playing in two of the games on Thanksgiving Day.

On Sunday, it’s not too early to look ahead to Thursday: pic.twitter.com/RchfY9n0aG

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2021

Moreover, the NFL enters its 16th season of holding three games on Thanksgiving Day. Though there’s only two games played last year due to the pandemic. Last year’s match between the Ravens and the Steelers was postponed because of COVID-19 issues. While the Cowboys and the Lions were able to play their decades-long tradition of playing during the holidays.

In 1934, the Lions were the team that marked the beginning of Thanksgiving football culture. The owner George A. Richards planned that game to attract more attendees and it worked. The Thanksgiving football was only halted once but they have continued to do their usual game streak. Their stoppage was from 1939-1944 due to the insurgence of World War II.

The Dallas Cowboys have their fair share of contributions to the Thanksgiving football tradition. They joined the games in 1966 and have since hosted some of the Thanksgiving football games. It was in the first years of their franchise history. Though they passed a bit from 1975-1977. The NFL wanted the St.Louis Cardinals to play Thanksgiving football to gain more popularity.

This year, the mostly-awaited Thanksgiving day event will grace your TV screens once again. First off, the Lions will be playing against the Bears then the Cowboys at the Raiders. While the Bills will have the chance to get a square-off match with the Saints on the night game.

Jonathan Taylor looking UNSTOPPABLE as we head into Thanksgiving week pic.twitter.com/F7nJeh6RaC

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 22, 2021

Itching to know what the NFL has got in store for you? Here’s the full Thanksgiving Day schedule:

12:30 p.m. – Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (FOX)
4:30 p.m. – Las Vegas Raiders at Dallas Cowboys (CBS)
8:20 p.m. – Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints (NBC)

While the Lions are looking forward to hosting their 82nd Thanksgiving football game this 2021, they were also hoping to get Dan Campbell his first win. Though the Lions had already lost it against the Bears in the earlier season (24-14), they could still have their edge on the game. If they can slow down Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense, they could possibly grind a sure win.

On the other hand, it’s the 53rd Thanksgiving football game of the Cowboys. They’ll have a chance to play their second AFC West team in a lot of games. While the Raiders seem to be an easier match for the Cowboys than the Chiefs, Las Vegas was almost on the same weak stance after falling apart in the past weeks. The Dallas offense was on a good foot. If they’ll stay as is, they’ll have solid ground throughout the game.

The last year of 2020, the Lions-Texans game held 23.2 million viewers. Both of the teams never had their chances at playoffs. So all things considered, that broadcast did great.