The annual NFL tradition of Thanksgiving Day games is back once again in 2023! Turkey, stuffing, family, and NFL football. What could be better? With three games scheduled for Thanksgiving in 2023, here are all the details, who is playing, and when you can watch them.

NFL Thanksgiving Games and Schedule

• Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
  FOX | 12:30 p.m. ET
• Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
  CBS | 4:30 p.m. ET
• San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
  NBC | 8:30 p.m. ET

The first of three Thanksgiving games is a NFC North battle between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. This division is currently a two-horse race between the Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, the Packers have struggled behind Jordan Love this year, with a bottom-half offense in the league. A win here could keep the Packers in the playoff picture, but things are dire in Green Bay.

For the Lions, they simply need to continue doing what they’ve been doing and win the game. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell joined 97.1 The Ticket’s “Stoney and Jansen with Heather” this past week to discuss all things Thanksgiving. During that discussion, he dropped a surprise not many were expecting.

“Must-have is ham,” Campbell said. “I’m a big ham guy. I’m not a turkey guy. Unless it’s fried turkey, then I’m all for it.

“You know what? I am not a dressing fan. I am not a cranberry (sauce fan). I’ll throw that right out to the dogs straight off the plate and right onto the floor. Everything else is fair game. I’ll just load it up on top of each other. It’s a full stack.”

MORE: Pro Football Network’s Week 12 NFL Power Rankings

The second Thanksgiving game in 2023 is an NFC East showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders. Like the NFC North, the East is basically a two-team battle right now between the Cowboys and Eagles. Yet, Philadelphia has the upper hand thanks to a head-to-head win.

Regardless, this is the kind of game the Cowboys need to win. A loss to the Commanders would hurt their playoff chances but would be especially embarrassing on Thanksgiving in front of the entire country.

Dallas has a top-five NFL offense and defense, and they control their own fate. QB Dak Prescott is well aware of the pressure on this team and talked about what they need to do to be successful this week.

“It’ll be my job as a leader is making sure guys understand that once again, you’re looking (at a) lesser opponent, but we’ve got to come in and take care of business on Thanksgiving. Then we can enjoy our holidays the right way.”

The last game on Thanksgiving is another divisional battle between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. This might be the game of the day as these two teams battle for the top of the NFC West standings. The winner of this one will have the upper hand in the division and keep momentum on their side.

Geno Smith missed a good chunk of the second half last week with an elbow injury, but he was able to come back in the fourth quarter. Will he be available for this one?

“I’ve had better days, but I’m getting there,” Smith said via Brady Henderson of ESPN. Asked if he’s playing, Smith said, “We’ll see how it goes. It’s up to coach [Carroll].”

Which Football Teams Always Play on Thanksgiving?

Watching NFL games on Thanksgiving is a tradition for many of us. But unless you play for the right franchise, these opportunities could come few and far between.

That said, there are a few football teams that always play on Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions were the first to host Thanksgiving games every year. The tradition started in 1934, as Lions owner G.A. Richards scheduled a holiday matchup between the Lions and Chicago Bears.

Thirty-two years later, the Dallas Cowboys made their appearance on Thanksgiving Day in 1966, beating the Cleveland Browns 26-14 at the Cotton Bowl. Tex Schramm, the Cowboys’ general manager at the time, wanted the team to play on the holiday for more national publicity for the franchise.

After 80,000 fans showed up, the Cowboys were essentially locked into playing every Thanksgiving Day since, except for 1975 and 1977, when the NFL scheduled the St. Louis Cardinals.

While Detroit and Dallas are the only teams that always play on Thanksgiving, the Bears and Packers have frequented the holiday, mainly due to their association with the Lions and playing in the same division. While Detroit has the most wins at 37-43-2, Chicago has a 20–15–2 record on Thanksgiving, with Green Bay trailing at 14–20–2.

Which Teams Have Never Played on Thanksgiving?

The NFL, especially since the addition of a third Thanksgiving Day game, has done a great job of getting nearly every franchise time in the spotlight. However, not everyone has had the chance to bite the turkey leg after the game.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the only NFL team without a Thanksgiving appearance. Founded in 1995, they are the fourth youngest franchise, tied with the Carolina Panthers. They simply had fewer opportunities compared to the Lions and Cowboys, and other older franchises.

MORE: NFL Coverage Map Week 12

However, I expect this to change in the future given the recent success of the Jaguars in 2022 — they not only made the playoffs but knocked out the Los Angeles Chargers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Panthers have the next fewest number of Thanksgiving games played, appearing just once a piece.

Thanksgiving Games By Team

• Detroit Lions: 84
• Dallas Cowboys: 56
• Chicago Bears: 37
• Green Bay Packers: 37
• Arizona Cardinals: 21
• New York Giants: 16
• Washington Commanders: 13
• Denver Broncos: 11
• Buffalo Bills: 11
• Kansas City Chiefs: 10
• Minnesota Vikings: 9
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 8
• New York Jets: 8
• Las Vegas Raiders: 8

• Philadelphia Eagles: 7
• Miami Dolphins: 7
• Tennessee Titans: 7
• San Francisco 49ers: 6
• New England Patriots: 6
• Los Angeles Chargers: 5
• Los Angeles Rams: 5
• Seattle Seahawks: 5
• Indianapolis Colts: 4
• Atlanta Falcons: 4
• New Orleans Saints: 4
• Cleveland Browns: 3
• Baltimore Ravens: 2
• Houston Texans: 2
• Carolina Panthers: 1
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 1
• Cincinnati Bengals: 1
• Jacksonville Jaguars: 0

From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!

On Thursday, the Dallas Cowboys return home at AT&T Stadium to take on the Washington Commanders for a Thanksgiving showdown.

What could be some of the critical aspects in this game that could be game changers for both teams?

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders Game Preview

The Cowboys are favored by 11.5 points in this matchup, but a few aspects of their game need to come together to ensure another “should-win” for this team.

The Cowboys’ offense needs a quick start in this game to get points on the board early. This could be another favorable matchup for the run game to lean on what Tony Pollard can do, but with a struggling Commanders’ secondary, Dak Prescott could drop dimes to the weapons in his receiver and tight end rooms.

MORE: Dallas Cowboys Injury Report

As for the Cowboys’ defense, the run defense can be tested a lot during this time. Quarterback Sam Howell is a mobile quarterback who can use his legs when needed, so linebackers must contain him in the box.

However, the Commanders’ offensive line struggles with pass protection for Howell, making him the most sacked quarterback in the NFL this season.

So, if the pass rush, especially with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, can bully Howell, there will be opportunities to keep them behind the sticks, creating long-yardage situations.

Cowboys-Commanders Stats From Inside Edge

• The Cowboys have scored on 50.9% of their drives in the first half this season — third-best in the NFL.
• The Commanders’ defense has allowed scores on 46.8% of opponent drives in the first half this season — third-worst in the NFL.
• Sam Howell (WAS) has thrown seven TD passes in the fourth quarter this season — tied for most among NFL QBs.

Analysis: The Cowboys will need to start quicker and not rely on the second half to make adjustments. The slow starts during games have been a recurring trend for the Cowboys’ offense, making them more of a second-half team.

As well, Howell can turn it on in the fourth quarter. So, all three phases of the game will need to help get points on the board to put the game away well before the fourth quarter.

• The Cowboys are 7-1 (.875) when forcing one or more turnovers this season — tied for third-best in the NFL.
• The Commanders have turned the ball over 21 times this season — tied for most in the NFL.

Analysis: The Cowboys’ secondary can take advantage of Howell and the pressure he will feel in this game because he is fearless in attempting chunk plays.

In this game, DaRon Bland and Stephon Gilmore must contain Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Logan Thomas. Bland’s ability to cut off routes can come into play during this game to help him break the NFL record this week for most pick-sixes in a season with one more.

• Cowboys TEs have six receiving touchdowns this season — tied for third-most in the NFL.
• The Commanders have allowed 24 receiving touchdowns this season — most in the NFL.

Analysis: The Cowboys have been on an upward trend to figuring out the ball distribution on the offensive side of the ball, which includes getting the tight ends more involved. Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker are becoming red-zone threats for Dak Prescott, so it will be critical for the Commanders to keep them contained.

• Commanders RBs have rushed for 10+ yards on 13.7% of 73 carries since Week 8 — fifth-best in the NFL.
• The Cowboys have allowed 10+ yards on 13.8% of carries to RBs since Week 8 — fifth-worst in the NFL.

Analysis: Although the Cowboys’ run defense has been a drop-off in the otherwise strong unit, it has improved. They have allowed 1,092 yards so far this season and an average of 4.1 yards per carry.

MORE: NFL Thanksgiving Games

If the Commanders can get Brian Robinson Jr. going early, they have a shot to test this unit, especially if they establish a run early.

• The Commanders have gone three and out on 30.8% of their drives in the first half this season — fifth-worst in the NFL.
• The Cowboys have forced three-and-outs on 32.8% of opponent drives in the first half this season — second-best in the NFL.

Analysis: If the Cowboys’ defense can put pressure on Howell and contain him in the pocket, it will be more likely that they can create more three-and-out opportunities for the Commanders’ offense.

However, if Howell or Robinson Jr. can test the run defense well, this could allow them to get down the field successfully.

Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson said he was disgusted by the personal nature of some messages he received on social media following Thursday night’s game when his tackle of Mark Andrews resulted in the tight end cracking his fibula and likely being lost for the season.

The play came on a hip-drop tackle that has become a controversial talking point recently, including discussions this offseason about banning it.

Bengals Linebacker Pushes Back on Personal Attacks

Wilson wasn’t happy about some of the messages that brought his wife and unborn daughter into the conversation, and he wanted to make it clear Wednesday that there was no ill intent on his part.

#Bengals LB Logan Wilson on the criticism and vitriol directed his way since Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/fCeXgfljRh

— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) November 22, 2023

“It’s kind of the world we live in right now, and some of it obviously was very unnecessary, coming at me and my family for really no reason,” he said. “I wasn’t playing the game dirty. I never wish any harm on any player I ever go against. I play my heart out every game, play my butt off, and sometimes those injuries happen.”

MORE: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart

“If people would notice,” Wilson continued, “I was one of the first people on a knee when Mark went down because you never want that to happen to a guy. Especially him. He’s a good dude.”

NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport stoked the vitriol by pointing out that three Wilson hits led to Baltimore injuries Thursday night, even though the second and third tackles involved routine pursuit and technique.

Amazon Prime announcers Al Michael and Kirk Herbstreit kept going back to the fact that all three injuries were the result of Wilson’s plays as well.

The next day, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor stopped himself from walking away from the dais after his news conference ended and said he wanted to address what he called a completely reckless narrative about Wilson.

“One thing that was frustrating is the narrative that’s been brought up about Logan Wilson,” Taylor said. “Logan is everything we want to be about with the way he plays the game. He plays with a toughness and physicality I think is important at that position. It’s been brought to my attention the narrative that’s out there right now, which I think is completely reckless. He plays the game the right way.

“People have gotten ahead of themselves. Labeled him a certain way. It’s frustrating to see that. I know what the guy is about and that guys are playing the game the right way. He’s a guy I’m proud to coach and proud to be a part of this team. Frustrating and a little bit maddening when you see the narrative about him.”

Wilson said he heard those comments and they meant a lot to him during a difficult time.

“I really appreciated that,” he said. “I think that just speaks volumes about the guy and coach that he is and why guys love him so much and love playing for him. Sometimes, coaches really wouldn’t go out of their way. It wasn’t like he was asked about it. He went out of his way to say that, and that’s why I love playing for him.”

MORE: Pro Football Network’s Week 12 NFL Power Rankings

Asked if anyone from Baltimore has reached out to him, Wilson said, “Some fans. But no, no one has specifically reached out. I saw what Patrick Queen said and what Patrick Ricard said, and that was good to see.”

“Everybody respects him,” Ricard said in an article on baltimoreravens.com. “I don’t think it was intentional or dirty. I think he’s a great player. I have respect for him and think he plays the right way. I’ve never had a problem with him or heard that anyone had a problem with him.”

Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo weighed in on Wilson’s character and the hip-drop debate prior to Wednesday’s practice.

“There’s not a better guy out there,” Anarumo said. “There’s not a guy that plays the game the right way or harder than he does.”

“I don’t think anybody is trying to get themselves in that position,” Anarumo continued. “I just think that during the natural course of trying to tackle a guy, sometimes the defenders slide down, and they’re not, you know, not necessarily trying to; it’s just something that happens during the tackle.

“I know the league is looking at it. We have a wrap-and-roll tackle. We have a same-foot, same-shoulder tackle. We don’t have anything called a hip-drop tackle. We’ve never said that — never talked about it. I don’t know that anybody that in my years of coaching has ever said those words.”

Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!