Thanksgiving Day Football 2017: Who's Playing and What to Expect!
Hey there, sports fans! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it's time to gather 'round the TV, stuff your faces with turkey and stuffing, and watch some good ol' American football! But who's playing on Thanksgiving 2017, you ask? Let's dive right in and find out! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and whos playing on thanksgiving 2017.
A Brief History of Football on Thanksgiving
Before we get to the nitty-gritty of who's playing this year, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. The tradition of playing NFL games on Thanksgiving dates back to 1920, with the Detroit Lions being the first team to host a game on this holiday. In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys also started hosting a Thanksgiving game, and since then, these two teams have played on every Thanksgiving Day.
Who's Playing on Thanksgiving 2017?
Alright, let's get to the main event! This year, we've got three fantastic matchups for you to enjoy. So, grab your remote and get ready to cheer!
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings (12:30 PM ET)
Kicking off the festivities, we have a classic NFC North grudge match – the Detroit Lions taking on the Minnesota Vikings. These two teams have a long history, with the Vikings leading the all-time series 72-39-2. But the Lions are no pushovers, and they'll be looking to defend their home turf at Ford Field.
Key Players to Watch:
Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions: Stafford is having an MVP-caliber season, and he'll look to torch the Vikings' defense with his powerful arm. Case Keenum, QB, Minnesota Vikings: Filling in for the injured Sam Bradford, Keenum has played remarkably well this season. He'll need to continue his hot streak to keep the Vikings' playoff hopes alive.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers (4:30 PM ET)
Next up, we've got a matchup between two teams with playoff aspirations – the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2016 season, while the Chargers are seeking their first winning record since 2010. This game promises to be a barnburner!
Key Players to Watch:
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys: Prescott had a stellar rookie season but struggled in 2016. He'll look to rediscover his form against the Chargers' stingy defense. Philip Rivers, QB, Los Angeles Chargers: Rivers is having another Pro Bowl-caliber season, and he'll need to bring his A-game to keep pace with Prescott and the Cowboys' offense.
New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins (8:30 PM ET)
Rounding out the Thanksgiving tripleheader, we have a rivalry game between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. These two teams have been battling it out since 1932, with the Giants leading the all-time series 97-66-4. Both teams are looking to climb back into the playoff picture, making this game a must-win.
Key Players to Watch:
Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants: Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion, and he'll need to channel his inner "Manning Magic" to outduel Kirk Cousins. Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins: Cousins has been on fire this season, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. He'll look to keep his red-hot streak going against the Giants' defense.
Thanksgiving Day Football Traditions
No Thanksgiving Day football game would be complete without some classic traditions. Here are a few you can expect to see during the broadcasts:
Turducken Halftime Shows: What's a Thanksgiving feast without a turducken? Enjoy the spectacle of marching bands forming the shape of these delicious concoctions during halftime shows. Fancy Dresses: You'll see plenty of fans dressed in their best pilgrim and Native American garb, as well as some creative costumes that push the boundaries of political correctness. * Halftime Performances: Speaking of halftime, expect to see some big-name musical acts taking the stage. Past performers include Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, and the Black Eyed Peas.
Thanksgiving Day Football Facts and Figures
Before we wrap up, let's drop some knowledge on you with these fun Thanksgiving Day football facts and figures:
Most Thanksgiving Day Wins: The Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have each won 36 Thanksgiving Day games, the most in NFL history. Longest Thanksgiving Day Game: The longest Thanksgiving Day game in NFL history lasted 78 minutes and 50 seconds, with the Detroit Lions beating the Green Bay Packers 37-34 in 2015. * First Thanksgiving Day Broadcast: The first Thanksgiving Day football game to be broadcast on national television was the 1956 matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! We've given you the lowdown on who's playing on Thanksgiving 2017, as well as some history, traditions, and fun facts to get you in the mood for some gridiron action. So, grab your family and friends, whip up some delicious food, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic day of football! Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the games!