NFL Week 12 overreactions: Chiefs stay alive, Cowboys shock Eagles
USA TODAY Sports’ Prince Grimes ‘overreacts’ to some of the best games from Sunday’s Week 12 slate.
For the 20th year in a row, Thanksgiving in 2025 will feature a triple-header of NFL action. As is tradition, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will host the earlier games on the national holiday, with one other matchup in the prime-time slot.
This year, the Lions game is a divisional matchup for the third straight season. Detroit will host the Green Bay Packers for the two teams’ second face-off of the year. The Packers won the first clash between the NFC North rivals in Week 1, 27-13.
Later in the day, Dallas will host the Kansas City Chiefs for the two teams’ first meeting since 2021. The Chiefs won that game 19-9 on the Sunday before Thanksgiving four years ago.
Rounding out the action is another in-division clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. It will be the first meeting between the two teams this year – the first of two clashes in three weeks.
Here’s what to know about the three Thanksgiving games this year:
NFL Thanksgiving games todayDetroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
Both the Lions and Packers are coming off of significant Week 12 wins. The Packers dominated the Minnesota Vikings to add another divisional win to their résumé, and the Lions staged a 10-point comeback in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants before winning in overtime.
Each team is in the thick of the NFC North title race, along with the Chicago Bears, who lead the division through 12 weeks. The Packers hold the No. 6 seed in the NFC entering the Thanksgiving game, and the Lions are one spot out of the current playoff picture.
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Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs
As in the first matchup of Thanksgiving, both Dallas and Kansas City are coming off of massive Week 12 wins. The Cowboys staged a 21-point comeback to beat the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles at home and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Chiefs also kept themselves in the playoff race with a comeback overtime victory despite trailing 20-9 in the fourth quarter.
Though the two teams are in separate conferences, the Thanksgiving clash between the two sides has potentially big playoff ramifications. Both teams are facing what is essentially a must-win scenario in Week 13.
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Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati BengalsLocation: Baltimore, MarylandVenue: M&T Bank StadiumTime: 8:20 p.m. ETChannel: NBC – Stream with Peacock
The Ravens have surged to first place in the AFC North with a five-game win streak after starting the season 1-5. They also hold the tiebreaker over the 6-5 Steelers thanks to a stronger divisional record – 2-0, while Pittsburgh 2-1. A win over the Bengals, who are expected to be seeing starting quarterback Joe Burrow return, would further boost Baltimore’s AFC North title hopes.
Cincinnati is looking to turn around its season in a big way on Thanksgiving night as well. Burrow is expected to return after missing nine games with a turf toe ailment he sustained in Week 2. The Bengals are 1-8 since losing their starting quarterback, but they can still make a last-gasp effort to push for the playoffs in a contentious AFC North. It would have to begin with beating the Ravens on the road in prime time.
Watch Ravens vs. Bengals with Peacock
What channels are the NFL games on today?How to watch the NFL games today
With a Fubo subscription, you can stream the NFL action on Turkey Day.
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