NFLSchedule

NFL Expands Thanksgiving Week with Packers-Rams Game

28 days agoUS
NFL Expands Thanksgiving Week with Packers-Rams GameSource: espn.com
The NFL is set to enhance its Thanksgiving week programming in 2026, adding a Thanksgiving Eve game and expanding its streaming partnerships. This move promises a more extensive holiday football experience for fans.

Key Insights

The Green Bay Packers will face the Los Angeles Rams on Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 25) at 8 p.m. ET, marking the NFL's first game on this day. This will be streamed on Netflix.

Netflix will also air the Week 1 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, Sept. 10 (US time), as well as two Christmas Day games and a Week 18 game.

The traditional Thanksgiving Day games will feature the Chicago Bears at the Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, CBS) and the Philadelphia Eagles at the Dallas Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET, Fox).

A Black Friday game between the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers is also scheduled.

Netflix's "Quarterback" series will return for a third season, featuring Jayden Daniels, Cam Ward, Baker Mayfield, and Joe Flacco.

In-Depth Analysis

For the first time, the NFL is introducing a game on Thanksgiving Eve, with a compelling matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams. This addition, along with the Black Friday game, extends the holiday football schedule to five games between Wednesday and Friday. The decision to stream games on Netflix reflects the NFL's strategy to tap into streaming audiences and offer premier matchups on the platform. Netflix will stream five regular-season games through 2029, including a Week 1 game in Australia, two Christmas Day games, and a Week 18 game. The Thanksgiving Day games remain a key part of the schedule, with the Lions and Cowboys hosting divisional rivals. These games have historically drawn significant viewership, with the Cowboys' Thanksgiving game in 2025 setting a record for the most-watched regular-season game. This year, the Chiefs will face the Bills on Thanksgiving night.

FAQs

Q: Why is the NFL adding a Thanksgiving Eve game?

To expand the holiday football schedule and offer more primetime matchups for fans.

Q: Which teams are playing on Thanksgiving Day?

The Chicago Bears will play the Detroit Lions, and the Philadelphia Eagles will play the Dallas Cowboys.

Q: What other games will Netflix stream?

Netflix will stream a Week 1 game in Australia, two Christmas Day games, and a Week 18 game, in addition to the Thanksgiving Eve game.

Key Takeaways

The NFL's expanded Thanksgiving week schedule and streaming deals mean more opportunities to watch exciting football games during the holidays. Key matchups to watch include Packers-Rams on Thanksgiving Eve, the traditional Thanksgiving Day games, and the Black Friday game. The Netflix streaming partnership offers a new way to access NFL games, with several high-profile matchups available on the platform.

Discussion

What are your thoughts on the NFL adding a Thanksgiving Eve game? Which game are you most excited to watch during Thanksgiving week? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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