Thanksgiving Football: Tradition and Turbulence in Detroit
Welcome to Detroit, where Thanksgiving Day football has been a cherished tradition since the NFL’s first season back in 1920. Can you believe it? Over a century of turkey and touchdowns! The Lions kicked off their first Thanksgiving game in 1934, turning their home stadium into a festive hub, and ever since then, Detroit has held the spot on the holiday football lineup.
A Quick Glimpse Into the NFL Thanksgiving Timeline
Throughout the years, the turkey football titles expanded. The Dallas Cowboys jumped onto the Thanksgiving bandwagon starting in 1966, eager to host the second game. Fast-forward to 2006, and the NFL added a third rotating game for the night crowd. This lineup has turned NFL football into an essential part of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Whatโs Cooking for This Year?
This Thanksgiving, weโre looking at three matches that are sure to bring a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and maybe even some surprises, much like the feast sprawled on your dining table!
Game 1: Lions Against the Bears – The Main Course
First up, weโve got the Lions taking on the Bears โ yes, you heard that right, the Detroit Lions are the best team in football. This is a shocking statement given the Lions’ historical struggles, but they are sitting pretty at the top of the league this season. Who wouldโve thought weโd see the day?
With this being the Lionsโ moment to shine, itโs almost like biting into a perfectly cooked turkey after years of dry, crumbly attempts. What could make this even more interesting is the fact that the Bears have the No. 1 draft pick, Caleb Williams, making his rookie season a fun twist to watch. Despite the Bears not being on top of their game, they can still deliver an interesting showdown to kick off the Thanksgiving festivities.
Game 2: Giants vs. Cowboys – The Side Dish Nobody Asked For
Next, we have the storied Giants facing off against the Cowboys. Once again, we find ourselves questioning the NFLโs decision to spotlight the Giants, who havenโt won a game since early October. Can you feel the tension in the air?
This matchup is like that odd side dish at dinner that looks unappetizing but you feel compelled to try. The Cowboys are struggling, showing signs of life only after a win against Washington. And while it might not be the killer matchup we were hoping for, people are still going to tune in โ even if just for the sake of tradition.
Game 3: Dolphins at Packers – A Sweet Surprise for Dessert
The final treat of the day features the Dolphins traveling to Green Bay. Not the flashiest game on paper, but it has the potential for a delicious finish! The Dolphins have been clawing their way back into contention, and with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa heating up, theyโre on a roll with three wins in a row.
The Packers, on the other hand, are looking strong too, taking six out of their last seven games. This match could be dessert worthy, perfectly capped to a day filled with family, feasting, and football.
Final Thoughts: Turkey and Touchdowns
No matter how the games play out, one thing’s for sure โ weโre not complaining about having football on TV while the aroma of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie fills the air. Even if we’re watching two not-so-great teams clash, it beats having no football at all.
So, as we dive into our Thanksgiving meals, letโs not forget to celebrate the unbreakable bond between food, family, and football. Cheers to a day filled with touchdowns and turkey!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
