In many households across the nation, the staples for a successful Thanksgiving are a giant meal with a turkey and all the fixings, all of the family back in one place and National Football League football before, during and after the feast. Thanksgiving football has been a tradition since almost 40 years before the first Super Bowl, and it’s not going anywhere soon.

The Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears kick off the holiday festivities in the first game of the day. Detroit has played every Thanksgiving since 1934, holding a record of 37-42-2.

The Lions are still looking to find their first win under new head coach Dan Campbell. Don’t let this team’s record deceive you. The Lions are still looking to find their identity, but after close games against talented teams like the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings, they may be in for a win sooner rather than later.

The Bears have looked uninspired and clumsy under the direction of head coach Matt Nagy, but young and promising players like rookie running back Khalil Herbert and rookie quarterback Justin Fields have made this a watchable team. With starting running back David Montgomery returning soon, we may be seeing the start of a very capable one-two punch in Chicago’s backfield.

The next game features the Las Vegas Raiders against the Dallas Cowboys. This game may go down to the wire, so make sure to get your post-feast nap in early enough to watch the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.

The Raiders have been on a roll since the firing of head coach Jon Gruden. Veteran quarterback Derek Carr is having a career year and the defense continues to improve game by game. Watch out for the Raiders’ lethal pass rush combo of Defensive Player of the Year candidate Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue.

The Cowboys have gotten off to a hot start as well with quarterback Dak Prescott having an MVP worthy season. Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn cannot be given enough credit for crafting and commanding one of the most takeaway-heavy defenses in the league. Prescott recently suffered a calf injury which may sideline him for a few weeks, but regardless of his injury status, this will be a game to keep your eye on.

The final game of the day pits the Buffalo Bills against the New Orleans Saints in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Bills have been assertive and effective in their wins and competitive in their losses this season. Quarterback Josh Allen has looked elite this season both through the air and on the ground. Barring any injuries or unforeseen turn of events, the Bills will continue their dominance as one of the best teams in their conference.

The New Orleans Saints have battled through injury after injury but still continue to find ways to win games. This team continues to be one of the best coached organizations in the league and their big-play offense and underrated defense has caused trouble for many of their competitors so far. Sean Payton has won games with five different quarterbacks since 2019, so I wouldn’t bet against him, even though quarterback Jameis Winston will be sidelined with a significant knee injury.

All three of these games look like competitive matchups.

Regardless of outcomes, any day that features football, friends and family, and an unhealthy amount of food is a day to be thankful for.