The 2025 Chiefs-Cowboys Thanksgiving game set a new regular-season viewership record with 57.23 million viewers, surpassing the previous record by 36%, driven by star players, popular franchises, and high-stakes playoff implications.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams admitted to lacking urgency in the final moments of their Thanksgiving game against Detroit, which ended with a timeout unused and contributed to head coach Matt Eberflus' firing. Williams acknowledged the need for better tempo and situational awareness, emphasizing the importance of being on the same page with coaching staff during critical plays.
The Detroit Lions narrowly defeated the Chicago Bears 23-20 in a Thanksgiving Day game marked by key performances from Lions players like Al-Quadin Muhammad and Za’Darius Smith, who both made crucial defensive plays in the final minutes. Despite injuries, the Lions' defense stepped up, while the Bears' late-game mistakes cost them a potential victory. Notable performances included DJ Reader's two sacks and Ezekiel Turner's impactful substitution. However, Josh Paschal's recurring injuries and Jake Bates' missed kick were seen as negatives for the Lions.
Dallas Cowboys' pass rusher Micah Parsons expressed confidence in his team's ability to turn their season around after a Thanksgiving victory, despite their current 5-7 record. Parsons, who was named game MVP, believes the Cowboys will be a formidable opponent in December and aims to prove doubters wrong as they face several winnable games in their quest for a playoff spot.
The Miami Dolphins suffered a disappointing 30-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers in a Thanksgiving night game, jeopardizing their playoff hopes and reinforcing narratives about their struggles against strong teams and in cold weather. The Dolphins were plagued by penalties, poor tackling, and an ineffective offense, while the Packers capitalized on Miami's mistakes to secure the win. Despite a late effort to close the gap, Miami's performance was marred by missed opportunities and a lack of rhythm throughout the game.
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Miami Dolphins 30-17 in a Thanksgiving NFL game, improving their record to 9-3. Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns, while the Dolphins struggled with their running game, managing only 39 yards on 14 carries. Despite a late touchdown from Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins couldn't close the gap, leaving them at 5-7 for the season. The Packers will face the Detroit Lions next, while the Dolphins prepare to host the Jets.
DeMarvion Overshown delivered a standout performance for the Dallas Cowboys in their Thanksgiving victory over the New York Giants, highlighted by an impressive pick-six. Despite missing his rookie season due to injury, Overshown has emerged as a key player on the Cowboys' defense and one of the NFL's top talents. His play was praised by teammate Micah Parsons, who sees Overshown as a future All-Pro. Overshown's journey from a young fan to a star player for the Cowboys is a testament to his resilience and talent.
The Dallas Cowboys secured their first home win of the season against the New York Giants on Thanksgiving, largely thanks to running back Rico Dowdle's standout performance. Dowdle rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown, proving his worth as the team's primary running back after being overlooked for much of the season. This victory highlighted the organization's earlier misjudgment in not utilizing Dowdle sooner, a decision influenced by owner Jerry Jones' preference for other players. Dowdle's performance underscores his potential as a legitimate starting RB when given the opportunity.
Dallas Cowboys' linebacker Micah Parsons' postgame interview with Erin Andrews after their Thanksgiving win against the New York Giants has sparked mixed reactions. Parsons, who was named the Madden Thanksgiving MVP, expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating "Why not us?" as they aim to turn their season around. While some fans support this optimistic outlook, critics point out the team's struggles and the fact that the victory came against a low-ranked opponent. The Cowboys improved to a 5-7 record, but need consistent wins to make the playoffs.
The New York Giants suffered their seventh consecutive loss, falling 27-20 to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Despite a promising start from quarterback Drew Lock, who replaced the injured Tommy DeVito, the Giants' offense struggled, managing only 70 yards over seven possessions. The Cowboys, led by Cooper Rush, capitalized on Giants' mistakes, including a costly interception by Lock. The Giants' defense failed to secure a turnover for the 11th straight game, and their pass rush was ineffective, allowing six sacks. The loss leaves the Giants at 2-10 for the season.
The Detroit Lions narrowly defeated the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, with standout performances from DJ Reader, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Za’Darius Smith, who contributed significantly to the Lions' defensive efforts. Despite a strong first half, the Lions faced challenges in the second half, including injuries to their linebacker corps and costly mistakes from Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams. The Lions' running game was a key factor in their early lead, and Dan Skipper effectively filled in for injured Taylor Decker. Penei Sewell showed discipline in a trick play attempt, contributing to the Lions' overall solid performance.
The Detroit Lions are dealing with several injuries on their defensive line following their Thanksgiving win over the Chicago Bears. Key players like Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike were sidelined, while linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez's knee injury is a major concern. Despite these setbacks, head coach Dan Campbell remains unfazed, emphasizing the team's resilience and ability to adapt with available players. The Lions have been relying on Jack Campbell and new addition David Long to fill the gaps in their linebacker unit.
The Detroit Lions celebrated a narrow 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving, ending a seven-game holiday losing streak and extending their current winning streak to 10 games. The Lions' strong first-half performance, led by running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, was challenged by a Bears comeback in the second half, driven by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' three touchdown passes. Despite injuries and a missed field goal, Detroit's defense held firm in the final moments to secure the win, maintaining their perfect division record.
The Detroit Lions will have wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back David Montgomery active for their Thanksgiving game against the Chicago Bears, despite both being listed as questionable due to injuries. However, the Lions will be without left tackle Taylor Decker and cornerback Carlton Davis, among others. The Bears have also ruled out several players, including offensive lineman Ryan Bates and safety Elijah Hicks.
The New York Giants face the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving in a matchup of two struggling, injury-plagued teams with a combined record of 6-16. Despite the Giants' potential for improvement, most predictions favor the Cowboys due to the Giants' ongoing issues, including uncertainty at quarterback and a struggling offense. Only one analyst predicts a Giants win, citing the need for key players to step up and the pressure on head coach Brian Daboll.