Dream Thanksgiving Matchups

(image from BBC.com)

For 2025, the NFL Thanksgiving slate is stacked. The Green Bay Packers will face the Detroit Lions (Fox), the Kansas City Chiefs will face the Dallas Cowboys (CBS), and the Cincinnati Bengals will face the Baltimore Ravens (NBC). Drew and Sean give their dream Thanksgiving Day NFL games.
By: Drew Caraway and Sean Clift

(image from The Sporting News)

Drew’s Dream Game (Stats from ESPN, ESPN)
If I could watch two NFL teams face off on Thanksgiving Day with my family, I would love to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Los Angeles Rams. The high-powered offense led by Baker Mayfield is facing off against the Rams' fortress-like defense. 

Baker Mayfield has led the Bucs to an NFC South-leading 6-4 record, all the while putting up MVP candidate numbers. He has thrown for 2,365 yards and 17 touchdowns with only three interceptions in ten games. 

However, Mayfield is only a candidate, while Matthew Stafford is leading the MVP race at +150, according to Sports Illustrated. Stafford has thrown for 2,557 yards with 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions in ten games this season. The Los Angeles Rams sit at 8-2 after an exciting win over the Seattle Seahawks and lead the NFC West, as well as being tied for first in the NFC Playoff race. 
​
Although the game is happening on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, there is a certain vibe to watching Thanksgiving football. 

---

(Picture from Buffalo Bills)

Sean’s Dream Game (Stats via ESPN and Pro Football Reference)
I would love to see a Rams vs Bills matchup. The Rams have made it known that they are a team not to be trifled with. Matthew Stafford leads the league in touchdowns with 27, and is fifth in passing yards with 2,557. The Rams as a whole have performed well all season, suffering only two losses so far to the 49ers and Eagles. 

The Bills are very similar to the Rams and have the potential to win any game they walk into. Through the struggles of a lackluster defense and Josh Allen throwing 18 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, the Bills have found ways to win. The Bills are 7-3 with losses to the Dolphins, Falcons, and Patriots. They have had some great wins against the Ravens, Chiefs, and Buccaneers. 
​
This match-up happened last year in December, and led to a 44-42 Bills win. In my mind, this year would be no different. Both teams' offense is objectively better than their defense, and this would lead to a shootout. This game would produce a high-scoring game, fantastic plays, and a match-up worth watching. This elite match-up would provide a great source of entertainment for Thanksgiving.  



Sitting around the TV during Thanksgiving and watching some football is unmatched. There are some great match-ups ahead, so make sure to tune in. 

---