Thanksgiving Day Sports Schedule: NFL, College Football, and Basketball

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The Thanksgiving holiday brings family, turkey, and—let’s be honest—lots of football. This year, the sports lineup has NFL games, college football, and even some basketball. Sports fans won’t run out of things to watch, even if they’re traveling in their RVs.

Let’s dig into who plays on Thanksgiving, when to catch the games, and a few tips for enjoying the holiday while on the road.

Thanksgiving NFL Games

The NFL’s Thanksgiving tradition goes way back. Every year, fans look forward to a trio of games that can make or break family bragging rights.

Early Game

The Detroit Lions always kick things off—they’ve been doing it since 1934. This time, they’re hosting the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.

The Lions have looked sharper this season, so this matchup feels bigger than usual.

Mid-Afternoon Game

Next up, the Dallas Cowboys take the field in their usual afternoon slot. They’re facing the Washington Commanders in a classic NFC East battle.

These two teams don’t hold back, and the rivalry adds a little extra spice to the turkey.

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Prime Time Game

The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks wrap up the day in prime time. Both teams are hungry for playoff spots in the tough NFC West.

This one’s got all the makings of a can’t-miss finish to the football feast.

College Football and Basketball

While the NFL grabs the spotlight, college sports sneak in plenty of excitement, too. There’s a good mix of football and basketball for fans who want more.

College Football

Thanksgiving weekend is packed with college football rivalries. The Egg Bowl—Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss—stands out as a highlight.

That rivalry is wild every year, and you just never know what’ll happen.

College Basketball

Early-season basketball tournaments also get going. The Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas pulls in some top teams.

It’s a fun watch, especially if you’re curious about which squads might break out this season.

Watching Sports in Your RV

Watching the games from your RV? That’s one of the perks—homey comforts on the go.

With a little prep, you won’t miss a single snap (or basket).

Setting Up Your RV for Sports Viewing

Make sure your RV’s got the right gear for game day. A satellite dish or streaming device will do the trick for most folks.

If you’re feeling ambitious, set up an outdoor TV and catch the games with a side of fresh air and fall leaves.

Finding the Best Campsites

Plenty of RV parks have cable hookups, so checking the amenities list is worth it. Some places even throw group viewing parties for the big games.

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It’s a cool way to meet fellow fans and maybe pick up a new recipe for leftovers.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving brings family, food, and football together. Maybe you’re a die-hard NFL fan, or maybe college sports is more your thing.

Even if you’re just hoping for some good games, there’s usually something worth watching. If you’re traveling in your RV, you can still catch all the action.

It’s a good idea to plan ahead and figure out your viewing setup. Then you can kick back and enjoy the holiday the way you want.

Want the full Thanksgiving sports schedule? Take a look at this guide on who plays on Thanksgiving.

Joe Hughes
Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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