How to Watch Football on Thanksgiving 2026 (Nov 26)
By AmericanTV.com editorial team |
Thanksgiving 2026 is Thursday, November 26. The NFL’s official schedule lists three games on CBS,FOX and NBC, beginning with Chicago at Detroit at 1 p.m. Eastern.
For related viewing information, see our NFL on DIRECTV guide, FOX local-channel guide, and NBC on DIRECTV guide. Confirm the local station and access available for your market.
Thanksgiving Day schedule
| Game | Eastern time | TV network |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys | 4:30 p.m. | FOX |
| Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills | 8:20 p.m. | NBC |
Use your local guide to confirm the listing and time zone before kickoff. An Eastern start time differs from the clock shown in another zone. Schedule changes and viewing restrictions can affect access.
Watch through your television package
For DIRECTV, confirm that your current package carries the relevant local CBS,FOX and NBC stations. Channel numbers depend on your market. Check the actual game entry on the receiver or app you plan to use, and test account sign-in before guests arrive.
A channel’s presence in a national schedule does not guarantee that every subscription, location or device can receive it. If a local-station dispute or other restriction affects your account, consult the provider’s current guide and the network’s eligible viewing options.
Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday
The NFL also lists Green Bay at the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, November 25 at 8 p.m. Eastern on Netflix, and Denver at Pittsburgh on Friday, November 27 at 3 p.m. Eastern on Prime Video. Those national streaming listings should not be treated as ordinary linear channels included with every TV package.
Plan recordings and app access
Set recordings from the program entries in your own guide. If using a separate streaming service, check its current plan, device and location rules. An antenna is another option where the local broadcast signal reaches your home; reception depends on the location, antenna and signal conditions.
For help comparing DIRECTV options, call 1-855-690-9884 or compare television service. The image above is an illustration, not a broadcast still.
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026.
When does the Lions game start?
Chicago visits Detroit at 1 p.m. Eastern on CBS.
What are the other Thursday games?
Philadelphia at Dallas at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on FOX, followed by Kansas City at Buffalo at 8:20 p.m. Eastern on NBC.
Does a DIRECTV subscription guarantee every game in a separate streaming app?
No. Check local-station carriage, package and device access. Separate streaming-service accounts and rights may apply.