Thanksgiving is known for great food, family gatherings, and a slate of must-watch football games. Across the NFL and college conferences, there are numerous high-profile matchups to keep you entertained as you digest huge quantities of pumpkin and pecan. If you’re not sure which teams are deserving of your attention this holiday, check out our guide to this year’s offerings – and remember to give thanks for the United States’ favourite sport.
Detroit Lions v Buffalo Bills, Ford Field
The Bills started the season strong, but 2 recent losses have made their form slightly less imperious, and they will take to Ford Field with a 7-3 record. The Lions, on the other hand, are on a winning streak of 3 games, including confidence-building victories against the Packers and the Giants. If Lions QB Jared Goff can maintain his impressive form, Detroit can dream of a significant upset here, but it won’t be an easy feat.
Dallas Cowboys v New York Giants, AT&T Stadium
These teams are fighting for the second spot in the NFC East, and they both bring 7-3 records into this meeting. Their recent form has been quite different, though, with the Giants falling to the Lions last week while the Cowboys destroyed the Vikings 40-3. Many fans had been expecting an exciting battle in Minnesota, but the Cowboys maintain the highest scoring defence in the NFL, and the Vikings never stood a chance. Dallas will no doubt be the favourites at their home stadium, but the Giants will be keen to prove themselves after the disappointing loss to Detroit.
Minnesota Vikings v New England Patriots, U.S. Bank Stadium
This game is a tough one to call. The Vikings had a great start to the season, and their lead in the NFC North is still comfortable. That shocking rout by the Cowboys has left Minnesota fans a bit dejected, though, and the team will be desperate to show that their abilities have not been overrated so far. The Patriots, meanwhile, are on a hot streak, recording 3 straight wins in which their opponents were limited to just 3 points or fewer. They are still in touching distance of first place in the AFC East, and a win over a Vikings team that managed 7 consecutive victories would certainly make a statement.
Ole Miss Rebels v Mississippi State Bulldogs, Vaught–Hemingway Stadium
The Egg Bowl is a fierce rivalry game, and it carries a particular weight this season when both teams started brightly but have struggled in recent weeks. Ole Miss went 7-0 in their first games and looked briefly unstoppable, but 3 losses in the past 4 have brought fans crashing back to earth. With head coach Lane Kiffin rumoured to be moving to Auburn, the Rebels need a mood-boosting victory against their in-state rivals. The winning team will move into third in the SEC West.