The NFL’s Thanksgiving and Black Friday lineup is packed with playoff implications, superstar matchups, and primetime drama. From a heated NFC North rivalry in Detroit to a marquee showdown at AT&T Stadium and a revived Joe Burrow in Baltimore, football fans have plenty to feast on. Here’s a full breakdown of the Thanksgiving tripleheader (Thursday, November 27) and the standalone Black Friday matchup (Friday, November 28) — plus what to expect, why each game matters, and how these matchups may shape the playoff picture.
Packers vs. Lions — Thanksgiving Kickoff in Detroit
Date: Thursday, Nov. 27
Location: Ford Field, Detroit
The holiday slate begins with an NFC North rivalry that’s steeped in tradition. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are both entering Week 13 with momentum, but the Packers have struggled to find consistency on the road. Detroit, meanwhile, continues to show balance and poise behind its emerging offense and tough defensive front.
Key Storylines:
- Lions’ dominance at home vs. Packers’ road struggles
- Early implications for NFC Wild Card positioning
- Detroit’s run game vs. Green Bay’s defensive gaps
What to Expect:
High energy, aggressive play-calling, and a fired-up Detroit crowd to kick off what’s expected to be a powerhouse holiday lineup.
Chiefs vs. Cowboys — Prime Time Thanksgiving Spotlight
Date: Thursday, Nov. 27
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Arguably the biggest matchup of the day, the Chiefs travel to Dallas in what could be a potential Super Bowl preview. The Cowboys are riding high after a thrilling comeback over the Eagles in Week 12, but now face Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City’s explosive offense.
Key Storylines:
- Dallas’ home-field dominance vs. KC’s championship pedigree
- Dak Prescott vs. Patrick Mahomes — elite QB duel
- Playoff seeding implications in both the AFC and NFC
What to Expect:
A must-watch national stage showdown with offensive fireworks, deep threats, and strategic play from two of the most complete teams in the NFL.
Bengals vs. Ravens — AFC North Showdown
Date: Thursday, Nov. 27
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Night game intensity meets divisional stakes. With Joe Burrow back under center, the Bengals look to reclaim AFC North momentum. The Ravens currently lead the division, but their past matchups with Cincinnati have been tight, physical, and emotionally charged.
Key Storylines:
- Joe Burrow’s return vs. Lamar Jackson’s MVP-level play
- AFC North crown and tiebreaker stakes
- High-pressure rematch of last season’s battles
What to Expect:
Defensive toughness, big-play quarterback moments, and an atmosphere full of rivalry tension in Baltimore.
Black Friday Standalone Game
Bears vs. Eagles — Philly in the Spotlight
Date: Friday, Nov. 28
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Friday’s standalone matchup brings Chicago to Philadelphia in a battle of grit, physicality, and rising stars. The Bears are fresh off a major win, while the Eagles enter with something to prove after falling to the Cowboys in Week 12.
Key Storylines:
- Eagles’ response to adversity after their Week 12 loss
- Chicago’s defense vs. Philly’s dual-threat offense
- Black Friday NFL spotlight — national TV exposure and rising stakes
What to Expect:
High intensity, tough defensive plays, and unpredictable momentum swings. A true clash of styles on one of the NFL’s newest holiday traditions.