Chiefs, Cowboys Scheduled Thanksgiving NFL Game for Record Viewership

The NFL has announced its 2025 Thanksgiving Day game schedule, featuring the Detroit Lions hosting the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Cincinnati Bengals. The marquee game between the Cowboys and Chiefs in Dallas is a strategic choice by the NFL, aiming to break the record for the most-viewed regular-season NFL game, surpassing the 42.1 million viewers from the 2022 Cowboys-Giants Thanksgiving game. This matchup is notable as the Chiefs' first Thanksgiving game since 2006 and their first appearance in Dallas since 2017, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes having a personal connection to the area. The Cowboys usually face NFC East rivals on Thanksgiving, making this Chiefs game an unusual but highly anticipated event. The high ratings potential of both the Cowboys and Chiefs drives the NFL's scheduling decisions, prioritizing viewership and revenue. Additionally, the Chiefs will also play a Christmas game against the Denver Broncos, further cementing their role as a holiday team in 2025.