NFL Thanksgiving 2018 TV Schedule & Preview
The table is set for a full feast of NFL divisional rivalry games on Thanksgiving Day, November 22.
First up on CBS (12:30/11:30am c) is a matchup of old-school NFC North foes as Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack looks to stuff Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in Detroit’s traditional Thanksgiving home game. The Bears (7-3) are coming off a big win over the Minnesota Vikings that solidified their place atop the NFC North standings, but quarterback Mitchell Trubisky injured his shoulder in the game and will not start for the Bears on Thursday. Backup Chase Daniel will be under center. The Bears and Lions (4-6) played just two weeks ago, with the Bears coming out on top with a 34-22 victory in Week 10.
Then on Fox (4:30/3:30c), the Dallas Cowboys (5-5) host their annual holiday game as running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys take on their NFC East rivals, the Washington Redskins. The Redskins (6-4) will be without quarterback Alex Smith, who suffered a season-ending broken leg in last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans. Smith’s replacement is Colt McCoy, who will start his first game since 2014. The Skins eked out a 20-17 win over the Cowboys in Week 7 after Dallas kicker Brett Maher bounced a 52-yard field goal off the left upright that would’ve tied the game with three seconds left.
Finally, in primetime on NBC (8:20/7:20c), expect a shootout as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan duels with Saints quarterback Drew Brees in New Orleans. The Saints beat the Falcons 43-37 in overtime when the NFC South foes met in Week 3. Brees threw for three touchdowns, ran for two more (including the game-winner) and surpassed Brett Favre for the most pass completions in NFL history. Saints fans have much to be thankful for this season: Coming off a 48-7 blowout win over the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Saints (9-1) should soon have the NFC South title in hand.
We’re thankful to bring you this fierce NFC South rivalry between the @AtlantaFalcons & @Saints on Thursday Night! pic.twitter.com/a30bNQriJ8
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 19, 2018
Thanksgiving 2018 NFL Games — Thursday, Nov. 22
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions, 12:30/11:30am c, CBS
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys, 4:30/3:30c, Fox
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, 8:20/7:20c, NBC
