What Times Are The Thanksgiving Football Games? When And Where To Watch The 3 NFL Matchups

While getting together with loved ones, sharing a great meal and to giving thanks for all the positives in life are certainly the main components in celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States, many folks enjoy sitting down and watching the annual football games that have become a staple of one of the biggest holidays in America. The 2013 edition of Thanksgiving pigskin will offer football fans multiple games that hold a high level of importance. With these games kicking off Week 13 of the 2013-2014 NFL season, numerous teams around the league are looking to solidify themselves as playoff contenders while others hope to build momentum heading into the 2014-2015 campaign.

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers - Thursday, Nov. 28 at 12:30pm, ET on FOX: The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions will kick off the three-game holiday slate with a major showdown in the NFC North. No two teams have met more than these NFC rivals on Thanksgiving, with the 2013 edition serving as the 21^st meeting all-time between the Lions and Packers. Currently tied atop the division with the Chicago Bears at 6-5, the Lions and their potent yet erratic offense hope to further distance themselves from Green Bay, who has struggled since quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone three weeks ago. Rodgers is not expected to play in the game despite expressing his desire to re-enter the line-up, leaving Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzien as the two options under center for 5-5-1 Green Bay.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Oakland Raiders - Thursday, Nov. 28 at 4:30pm, ET on CBS: Coming off a crucial victory against NFC East rival New York, Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys (6-5) are looking to increase their chances of getting back to the postseason. Currently tied atop the eastern division with the Philadelphia Eagles after a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Giants, Dallas can't afford a letdown on Thanksgiving against a struggling Raiders team. Expected to play without starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor, Oakland (4-7) hopes rookie Matt McGloin is able to throw the ball on a Dallas defense capable of surrendering the big play.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens - Thursday, Nov. 28 at 8:30pm, ET on NBC: After starting the season 0-4, the Pittsburgh Steelers have completely turned their 2013-2014 season around. Winners in five of their last seven games, the Black and Gold are now just two games behind AFC North leading Cincinnati with five weeks left. With showdowns against the Dolphins (5-6), Bengals (7-4), Packers (5-5-1) and Browns (4-7) remaining after Thanksgiving, the Steelers (5-6) hope to take down a Baltimore Ravens team coming off a convincing win over the struggling New York Jets. Posting an identical 5-6 record, the Ravens will be looking for their third-straight win at home against a long-time rival.

With Baltimore and Pittsburgh still needing to improve their postseason resumes, the Thanksgiving finale could pan out to be the best of the three games.