Thanksgiving Day and NFL football go hand-in-hand. Every year, millions of fans gather around their TVs to watch iconic matchups featuring some of the league’s biggest brands. But one game stands above them all — holding the title as the most-watched NFL Thanksgiving game ever, and in fact, the most-watched regular-season NFL game in history.
The Record-Setting Game
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Teams | Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants |
| Date | November 24, 2022 |
| Viewing Average | Approximately 42.1 million viewers |
| Game Slot | Late afternoon Thanksgiving game |
| Significance | Highest-rated regular-season game in NFL history |
This matchup between the Cowboys and Giants delivered an incredible audience of more than 42 million viewers, making it the most-watched NFL Thanksgiving game ever recorded. No other regular-season broadcast has come close.
Why This Game Broke Records
1. Traditional Thanksgiving Powerhouses
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the NFL’s most recognizable and watched teams, with a long-running tradition of hosting Thanksgiving games. Combined with the Giants — another historic franchise from a major media market — the matchup drew national attention.
2. Prime Thanksgiving Afternoon Slot
The late-afternoon Thanksgiving game has consistently delivered the highest viewership compared to the early and evening slots. Families are home, the holiday meal is often over, and many viewers are more likely to tune in.
3. Large Market Rivalry
Dallas and New York are two of the largest and most engaged fan bases in the NFL. Their rivalry adds intensity and widespread appeal, attracting both casual viewers and die-hard fans.
4. Holiday Audience Behavior
Thanksgiving provides a unique viewing environment. With many people off work and gathered with family or friends, TV consumption peaks — especially for sports.
How It Compares to Other Thanksgiving Games
| Year | Matchup | Viewers (Millions) | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Cowboys vs. Giants | 42.1 | #1 |
| 2020 | Cowboys vs. Washington | 30+ | Top 5 |
| 2023 | Packers vs. Lions | High 20s | Top 10 |
| 2016 | Cowboys vs. Redskins | 35+ | Top 3 |
While several Thanksgiving games have crossed 30 million viewers, no other regular-season game has reached the 42 million mark set by Cowboys vs. Giants in 2022.
Future Trends and What to Expect
- Thanksgiving games continue to dominate regular-season ratings.
- Expect networks to schedule major-brand matchups (Cowboys, Lions, Giants, Packers, and other big-market teams).
- As streaming grows, future records may include combined digital and TV audiences.
- The Thanksgiving afternoon slot is likely to remain the NFL’s most valuable non-playoff broadcast window.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants Thanksgiving Day game in 2022 remains the most-watched regular-season NFL game ever, attracting more than 42 million viewers. Tradition, rivalry, timing, and holiday habits combined to make it a perfect storm for record-breaking viewership.