The Athletic has live coverage all day for NFL on Thanksgiving Day, starting with Packers vs Lions.
One of the special things about sports is how it actually transcends the world of sports alone. If you’re a fan, you find a lot of joy in the fundamental aspects, whether it be the draft or free agency or splashy trades, and of course, the games themselves.
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However, sports go beyond that bubble. They are embedded in our culture.
Baseball is a common backdrop for the Fourth of July festivities. The NBA is a staple on Christmas Day. How does one commemorate the turning of the calendar year if not with some marquee college football games?
While all of those cultural sports crossovers are special, I would contend, in my admittedly biased opinion, that the NFL on Thanksgiving reigns supreme.
The number of games, and the times each begins, is perfect for the rhythm of the day. The Dallas Cowboys, nicknamed America’s Team, are one of the staples. You either love them or you love to hate them. The Detroit Lions, another Thanksgiving staple, have added some zest to the slate in recent years since they became one of the league’s top teams. To match the Cowboys up this year with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Lions with their division rival Green Bay Packers will surely make for a ratings bonanza. The AFC North clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens in Joe Burrow’s return isn’t too shabby, either.
Beyond the field, temperatures are dipping and the holiday season is in full swing. It’s just a wonderful time of the year. We begin this week’s What’s Trending in the NFL in a reflective mood, looking back at some signature NFL Thanksgivi
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