This Thanksgiving, prepare to feast on more than turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberries. This year will deliver a heaping helping of exciting sports matchups — and we're not just talking football. College basketball fans are ready to join the fray, with two notable hoops games featured on national TV. 
Get ready for an all-day diet of sports and stuffing. From dunks to dinner rolls, there's something for everyone. We've detailed all the highlights in this guide, touching on the holiday's best storylines, stars, and stakes. These are the sports to watch on Thanksgiving Day:
The Bears and Lions Kickoff Thanksgiving
It's time to bid farewell to the annual tradition of the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day beatdown. Dan Campbell's team has ascended into the NFL stratosphere and fans are thrilled to see the Lions off to a hot start in 2024.
This year, the Lions will host another team on the rise: the Chicago Bears and their Heisman Trophy-winning, first-overall pick quarterback — the awe-inspiring Caleb Williams.
The fun begins on CBS at 12:30 pm EST. Prepare for an afternoon of smash-mouth football, with the Lions' offensive line powering one of the league's best ground attacks. Williams will be under heavy pressure from the Lions' ferocious pass rush, so he'll need to get the ball to his talented receiving corps before he's mashed into the Ford Field turf.
Tuning in only half the fun; Lions fans can celebrate in style with a quarter zip men’s Detroit Lions pullover from Cutter & Buck — the perfect outfit for cheering on the Motor City Kitties as they flourish in their Dan Campbell era. If you’re a hardcore Bears fan, you can stay warm in the Windy City with an insulated women’s Chicago Bears puffer jacket.
Don't Change That Channel, It's College Basketball Time
CBS Sports promises a huge treat this Thanksgiving — something even better than pumpkin pie. Moving beyond the usual football tradition, fans will enjoy the holiday's first-ever college basketball game.
Intrigued by the idea of college basketball games on Thanksgiving 2024? Tune in for a basketball breakthrough right after the exciting Bears vs Lions clash.
College basketball coaching icon John Calipari is now at the helm of the Arkansas Razorbacks program — and he's looking to make a splash early in the season. It will be a tough test, however, with the Illinois Fighting Illini serving as the opponent. This team is coming in hot, fresh off an Elite Eight run last season.
The T-Mobile Center in Kansas City will play host, but the game will be just as thrilling from the comfort of home. Supporters from both sides can get in the spirit with basketball apparel. Sleek, yet cozy, a comfortable men's Fighting Illini full zip jacket can instantly reveal superfan status.
A Wide World of Sports on Thanksgiving
Another fun way to enter a new era of college basketball on Thanksgiving? Check out the hottest game at Disney's Wide World of Sports. The Florida Gators and Wake Forest Demon Deacons will tip off at 2:30 pm EST in the second game of the ESPN Events Invitational.
The Gators are looking to build themselves back into an SEC powerhouse, led by wunderkind coach Todd Golden. Meanwhile, Wake Forest is on the rise, drawing on the athletic power of a truly talented trio: Cameron Hildreth, Hunter Sallis, and Efton Reid III.
The Demon Deacons defeated three Elite Eight teams last season and are looking to make a deep run in the Big Dance. ESPN will boast all the action, with the winner advancing to play either Minnesota or Wichita State on Friday the 29th. Gear up with a show-stopping men’s Demon Deacons polo or a versatile Demon Deacons women’s funnel neck top.
Big D Stands For Drama This Season in Dallas
America's Team once again finds itself in the Thanksgiving afternoon spotlight, as the Cowboys play host to the New York Giants. Now the question remains: will Dallas be healthy enough on defense to put up a fight? Fans are also wondering: can Daniel Jones play up to the contract the Giants rewarded him after one good season?
There are plenty of fascinating storylines going into this game, especially with two head coaches already on the hot seat. Prepare for a 4:30 pm EST kickoff on FOX. What better way to shake off the post-turkey food hangover? Throw on a comfy New York Giants men’s hooded pullover or a trendy women’s vintage New York Giants shirt jacket and cheer for more gridiron drama in Dallas.
Packers in Primetime
The slate of NFL Thanksgiving games for 2024 concludes at Lambeau Field, where the Green Bay Packers will clash with the Miami Dolphins. This one's tough to predict, given the disputed availability of both team's young franchise quarterbacks. Green Bay's Jordan Love and Miami's Tua Tagovailoa have battled injuries this season — and these teams simply aren't the same without their key signal callers.
The weather and the field conditions could slow down the Dolphins' dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, giving the Packers a definite home-field advantage. Dolphins fans making the trip up to Lambeau will need their extra-warm Miami Dolphins full zip puffer jacket to keep warm on the notoriously chilly bleachers — an iconic part of the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. The all-day sports spectacular wraps up on NBC with an 8:20 pm. EST kickoff.
Score Big on Style This Thanksgiving
Now that you know what NFL games are on Thanksgiving this year, you can start crafting the ultimate game plan for a football-packed day — but don't forget about college basketball!
Family and football come together on Thanksgiving Day, and with some added hoops, this year's lineup should be just as enjoyable as that second (or third) slice of pumpkin pie. Get in the spirit with premium pro sports apparel and you will be prepared for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration.
