For decades, Thanksgiving and football have been inseparable, a tradition that began in 1934 with the Detroit Lions hosting their first game on the holiday. That bond is evolving in 2026, as the NFL introduces a bold new addition: the first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game, scheduled for November 25—a Wednesday night that has long been synonymous with bar crowds and pre-holiday gatherings. While the league’s Thanksgiving Day slate remains a cornerstone of the season, this year’s schedule also hints at an expanded Black Friday lineup, further blurring the lines between football and retail culture.

Verified by the NFL and Netflix on May 13, the 2026 schedule confirms the Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams as the inaugural Thanksgiving Eve matchup, airing exclusively on Netflix. This move not only capitalizes on the growing demand for Wednesday Night Football but also aligns with the league’s broader strategy of streaming games to younger, digital-native audiences. Meanwhile, the traditional Thanksgiving Day games—featuring the Lions, Cowboys, and a rotating primetime opponent—will retain their iconic status, now rebranded as the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration in honor of the legendary coach and broadcaster.

As for Black Friday, the NFL’s partnership with Amazon Prime Video continues to expand, with rumors suggesting a potential doubleheader in 2026. While specifics remain unconfirmed, the league’s recent history of adding games on the retail holiday—from the Dolphins-Jets clash in 2023 to the Bears-Eagles showdown last season—indicates a clear trend toward maximizing viewership during peak shopping periods.

NFL on Netflix is getting even bigger starting in 2026 from kickoff through Super Bowl week: 🇦🇺 49ers vs. Rams season opener in Australia🦃 Packers vs. Rams in the first-ever Thanksgiving Eve game🎄 Christmas Gameday🔥 Week 18 with playoff stakes🏆 NFL Honors

— Netflix @netflix May 13, 2026

The Thanksgiving Eve Game: Packers vs. Rams on Netflix

The NFL’s decision to debut a Thanksgiving Eve game is as much about cultural relevance as it is about ratings. Wednesday nights have long been a staple of the league’s schedule, but this year’s game—Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams—carries added weight. The matchup pits two NFC powerhouses, with Rams head coach Sean McVay facing off against his former colleague Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ head coach. Their rivalry dates back to their days as offensive coordinators in Washington, and their six previous meetings in their current roles have been closely contested, with Green Bay holding a 5-0 edge.

The game will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, home to the Rams, on November 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Ahead of the matchup, both teams boast star-studded rosters. The Rams feature Matthew Stafford, who set career-highs in 2025 with 46 touchdowns and 4,707 passing yards, while the Packers rely on Jordan Love, whose arm talent has made him a franchise cornerstone. With both teams vying for playoff contention, this game could serve as a de facto playoff preview.

Netflix’s involvement is part of a broader five-game package for the 2026 season, which also includes the 49ers-Rams season opener in Australia, at least one Christmas Day game, and a Week 18 matchup with playoff implications. The streaming deal, which runs through the 2029-30 season, reflects the NFL’s push to diversify its broadcast partners beyond traditional TV networks.

Thanksgiving Day: Lions, Cowboys, and a Primetime Showdown

While the Thanksgiving Eve game is a novelty, the league’s core Thanksgiving Day tradition remains unchanged. As always, the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will host the first two games of the day, a tradition dating back to 1934 and 1966, respectively. The Lions’ game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET, followed by the Cowboys’ matchup at 3:30 p.m. ET, both airing on FOX.

The Cowboys’ opponent for 2026 has been confirmed: the Philadelphia Eagles will travel to AT&T Stadium for what promises to be a high-stakes NFC East clash. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, are coming off a strong 2025 campaign, while the Eagles, with Jalen Hurts at the helm, remain a playoff contender.

The primetime game on Thanksgiving Day will feature a rotating opponent, continuing the NFL’s practice of adding variety to the holiday slate. While the exact matchup has not yet been announced, past primetime games have included matchups like the New York Giants vs. Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. The game will air on NBC at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Branding for the Thanksgiving Day games has evolved over the years. Initially known as the Thanksgiving Classic, the NFL rebranded the games in 2022 as the John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration, a tribute to the Hall of Fame coach and longtime broadcaster. Madden, who passed away in 2023, remains a beloved figure in football culture, and the rebranding serves as a fitting homage to his legacy.

Black Friday: Doubleheader Rumors and Amazon’s Role

The NFL’s expansion into Black Friday games began in 2023, when the league partnered with Amazon Prime Video to air a single matchup. The first game, between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, set the tone for what would become an annual tradition. In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders squared off, while last season saw the Chicago Bears defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in a hard-fought contest.

For 2026, reports suggest the NFL may take the Black Friday experiment a step further with a doubleheader. While this remains unconfirmed, the league’s history of testing new formats—such as the Thanksgiving Eve game—indicates a willingness to innovate. If a doubleheader materializes, it would likely air on Amazon Prime Video, with kickoffs at 12:00 p.m. ET and 4:30 p.m. ET, mirroring the timing of the Thanksgiving Day games.

The addition of Black Friday games reflects the NFL’s broader strategy of aligning with major cultural moments. With retail sales reaching record highs on the day after Thanksgiving, the league sees an opportunity to engage fans who may not traditionally watch football. The games also provide a unique viewing experience for those who prefer streaming over traditional TV.

What’s Next: Key Dates and Updates

The full 2026 NFL schedule is expected to be released in full by the league in late June, with the season kicking off on September 8. Fans can expect additional confirmations on the Thanksgiving Day primetime matchup, the Black Friday doubleheader (if it materializes), and any late-season adjustments, such as the Week 18 playoff-bound game on Netflix.

For now, the focus remains on the Thanksgiving Eve game, which promises to be a cultural moment as much as a football spectacle. With the Packers and Rams bringing star power, star power, and a history of competitive matchups, this game could set the tone for the holiday weekend.

As always, we’ll be tracking updates and providing in-depth analysis leading up to the season. In the meantime, share your predictions for the Thanksgiving Eve game in the comments—and let us know if you’ll be watching the Packers or Rams on November 25!