Thanksgiving Day arrives fully loaded with three strong matchups on Thursday, November 27. The day kicks off with the classic Lions vs. Packers rivalry — marking their 39th Thanksgiving meeting — followed by a high-stakes Cowboys vs. Chiefs showdown, with their all-time series tied 5-5. The night wraps up with Bengals vs Ravens, featuring the long-awaited return of Joe Burrow. Here at PayPerHead, we break down the Thanksgiving slate and deliver our predictions.
NFL Thanksgiving Games Viewing Guide
| Game | Time | Broadcast | Venue |
| Packers vs. Lions | 1:00 p.m ET | FOX | Ford Field Stadium |
| Chiefs vs. Cowboys | 4:30 p.m ET | CBS | AT&T Stadium |
| Bengals vs. Ravens | 8:20 p.m ET | NBC | M&T Bank Stadium |
Packers at Lions Match Preview
The Thanksgiving opener brings one of the NFL’s most historic rivalries back into the spotlight, and both teams enter this matchup with very clear strengths — and equally clear vulnerabilities. Detroit will rely heavily on its passing game rhythm, while Green Bay is betting on the continued growth of Jordan Love to keep their playoff hopes alive.
For the Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be the engine of the offense. His production isn’t just impressive — it’s stabilizing. With nine touchdown receptions (second in the league) and top-five numbers in yards and catches, he has become Jared Goff’s most reliable option in every high-leverage situation. Detroit’s scheme leans on his ability to separate early, win underneath, and turn short completions into chunk plays, which is crucial against a Packers defense that has struggled to contain intermediate routes this season.
Green Bay, meanwhile, has watched Jordan Love take a noticeable step forward. He’s pushing the ball downfield with confidence, ranking seventh in yards per attempt, and his efficiency — 67.7% completions, 2,560 yards, and 15 passing touchdowns — shows a quarterback who’s finally settled into the system. His mobility adds another layer, giving the Packers answers when protection breaks down. The real question is whether the supporting cast can match Detroit’s firepower for four full quarters.
Cowboys vs Chiefs Match Analysis
Dallas hosts Kansas City in a game that already feels like a late-season litmus test for both teams. The Chiefs snapped a brief slump with an overtime win over Indianapolis, improving to 6-5 and keeping their playoff aspirations intact. Mahomes hasn’t been flawless this season, but when the Chiefs need a drive, he continues to deliver.
The Cowboys come in with serious momentum after a dramatic 24-21 comeback win over the Eagles — a game they trailed 0-21 before flipping the script behind Dak Prescott and George Pickens. Brandon Aubrey’s reliability remains an underrated weapon. With both teams working on a short week, execution in the final minutes could decide this one.
Bengals vs. Ravens Thanksgiving Preview
Cincinnati receives a major lift as Joe Burrow confirms his return for Thanksgiving night. After rotating between Jake Browning and Joe Flacco, the Bengals simply couldn’t find consistent play under center. Burrow’s presence immediately changes their ceiling, even if the postseason is out of reach. At this stage, they’re embracing the spoiler role — and that usually makes teams dangerous.
The Ravens have quietly won five straight, grinding their way to the top of a tight AFC North. However, Lamar Jackson hasn’t showcased his trademark burst on the ground. In three of his last four outings, he’s been held to 14 rushing yards or fewer — unusual for a quarterback who typically shifts games with his legs. Still, Baltimore remains well-coached and disciplined enough to make every possession matter.
Final NFL Thanksgiving Games Predictions
Lions vs Packers – Detroit’s home field and offensive rhythm tilt the matchup slightly in their favor, even with both teams sitting on similar records (6-4 and 6-3).
Our prediction: Lions 28-21 Packers.
Cowboys vs Chiefs – Kansas City’s recent momentum — and the urgency of staying alive in the AFC playoff race — gives them a narrow edge.
Our prediction: Chiefs 35-23 Cowboys.
Bengals vs Ravens – With Burrow back and pressure off, Cincinnati becomes a wild card. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s run game through Lamar hasn’t looked the same. Our prediction: Bengals 27-24 Ravens.
