How to Watch Thanksgiving Football Games on Major Networks
The National Football League schedules three Thanksgiving Day games each year, broadcast on CBS, Fox, and NBC. The traditional afternoon doubleheader features two games aired simultaneously on CBS and Fox, while NBC airs the evening game. Viewers can watch these games on antenna TV, cable, or satellite without a streaming subscription. For cord-cutters, live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo carry the major broadcast networks that air Thanksgiving games. The NFL also provides a game pass option on nfl.com for out-of-market viewers, though blackout rules may apply to live local broadcasts.
CBS and Fox hold the broadcast rights for the early doubleheader, while NBC holds the Sunday Night Football slot that includes the primetime Thanksgiving game. The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys traditionally host games, with the Lions appearing on Thanksgiving more than any other franchise. Network schedules are confirmed each October, and local listings on tvlistings.zap2it.com show exact kickoff times and channel numbers by market.
Streaming Options to Watch Thanksgiving Games Online
Major streaming platforms that carry live sports include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream. These services provide access to CBS, Fox, and NBC, covering all three Thanksgiving games. Prices range from around $40 to $80 per month, and most offer free trial periods. Peacock, the streaming home of NBC, carries the primetime Thanksgiving game and is included in some live TV bundles.
NFL+ is the league's official streaming product, offering live out-of-market games on mobile devices. Subscribers can use the NFL app or nfl.com/plus to stream games on smartphones and tablets, subject to blackout restrictions for local games. Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive streaming rights for one Thursday Night Football game per week during the regular season, but Thanksgiving Day games are not part of that package.
Tips for Watching Thanksgiving Games Without Interruptions
To avoid buffering, use a wired Ethernet connection or a strong Wi-Fi signal with at least 25 Mbps download speed. Close other bandwidth-heavy apps on your device before kickoff. For antenna users, place the antenna near a window or outside and run a channel scan to pick up CBS, Fox, and NBC signals clearly.
Check your provider's app or website before the game to confirm channel availability, as lineups vary by region. If you use a VPN to access local channels while traveling, choose a server in your home market. For real-time scores and stats during the game, the ESPN NFL section and the NFL app provide live updates without interrupting the broadcast.