Thanksgiving Never Disappoints: Burrow Returns, Cowboys Outlast Chiefs, and Love Shines in Packers Victory
Thanksgiving has long been synonymous with good food, great company, and, of course, thrilling NFL action. This year was no exception, delivering unforgettable moments across all three Thursday games. From a triumphant return by Joe Burrow to a showdown between the Cowboys and Patrick Mahomes, and Jordan Love stepping up for Green Bay, the holiday offered fans a full feast of football excitement.
Burrow Returns to Lead Bengals Over Ravens
Football truly feels complete when Joe Burrow is healthy and on the field. The 28-year-old quarterback made a triumphant return after a nine-week absence due to a turf toe injury, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a 32-14 victory over AFC North rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in Maryland.
Burrow completed 24 of 46 passes for 261 yards and two second-half touchdowns, snapping Baltimore’s five-game winning streak. However, it was Cincinnati’s defense that stole the show. Against the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens offense, which was once considered among preseason Super Bowl favorites, the Bengals forced three fumbles in the first half and capitalized on five total turnovers, highlighting the difference in execution and preparation.
The win improved Cincinnati’s record to 4-8, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. According to the NFL Playoff Picture, the Bengals currently have a 2% chance of making the postseason. After the game, Burrow reflected on the significance of the victory:
“It’s no secret that every game from here on out is a must win, especially in the division. So, it was great to get this one, coming off a short week. This is a fun little moment with all these guys.”
Burrow also expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and medical staff for helping him return to full health.
Looking ahead, the Bengals face a daunting matchup in Buffalo against reigning MVP Josh Allen and the Bills, while the Ravens aim to bounce back against another divisional opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers. With playoff hopes hanging by a thread, every upcoming game will be critical.
Cowboys Quell Mahomes’ Magic
The second Thanksgiving matchup featured the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in what many called a marquee showdown. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback, came into the game with something to prove. Having faced Dallas only once in his nine-year career—and never on Thanksgiving in Texas—the stakes were high for the reigning NFL MVP.
Despite Mahomes’ impressive performance, the Cowboys prevailed 31-28, outlasting the “Mahomes magic” and spoiling his homecoming.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott led the way, completing 27 of 39 passes for 320 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The victory marked Dallas’ third consecutive win, improving their record to 6-5-1. Notably, the Cowboys had now beaten two of the last three Super Bowl champions in back-to-back weeks, first taking down the Philadelphia Eagles and now the Chiefs. Prescott reflected on the significance of these wins postgame:
“On top of where we put ourselves right before these games and just the place that we’re in, having to get these wins against two elite teams, I mean, two teams that played in the Super Bowl last year. Last year’s last year, but you’re talking about two organizations that obviously know how to win, and we just beat them both in two great games.”
Mahomes was spectacular despite the loss, throwing 23 of 34 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns. Yet, the Cowboys’ timely defensive stops and Prescott’s leadership ultimately secured the win.
Looking ahead, Dallas heads to Detroit to face the Lions next Thursday, while the Chiefs will host the Houston Texans on December 7.
Jordan Love Shines for Packers
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has had a season of ups and downs, but he saved his best performance for Thanksgiving. The 27-year-old fifth-year QB matched his career-high with four passing touchdowns and added 234 yards through the air to lead the Packers to a 31-24 win over NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions.
The victory improved Green Bay’s record to 8-3-1 and gave them a sweep of the Lions for the season, providing a critical tiebreaker in the NFC North. With the Chicago Bears leading the division, the Packers are firmly in second place, maintaining a strong position for the playoffs.
Detroit, meanwhile, suffered their third loss in five games, leaving them with a 7-5 record and outside the playoff picture. Quarterback Jared Goff had a solid outing, going 20 of 26 for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, however, exited in the first quarter due to an ankle injury, a setback for the Lions’ offense.
Looking ahead, the Packers will host the Bears on December 7, while Detroit welcomes the Cowboys to Ford Field in a pivotal divisional matchup.
Thanksgiving Football: A Tradition That Delivers
From Burrow’s return to the Cowboys’ resilient victory and Love’s standout performance, Thanksgiving 2025 reminded fans why this holiday is synonymous with NFL drama. Every game provided excitement, storylines, and memorable performances that kept viewers glued to their screens.
The Bengals’ win underscored the importance of a healthy star quarterback and a stout defense, while the Cowboys’ triumph demonstrated how a well-rounded team can overcome individual brilliance. Meanwhile, Jordan Love’s breakout performance highlighted the Packers’ potential as they continue their playoff push.
Football enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to continue the action, with the NFL resuming play on Black Friday. The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Chicago Bears at 3 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field, promising more high-stakes games and continued excitement as the season enters its final stretch.
Thanksgiving 2025 proved, once again, that the holiday never disappoints. With spectacular plays, intense matchups, and dramatic finishes, fans were reminded why NFL football and Thanksgiving are the perfect pairing. Whether it’s a star quarterback returning from injury, a team defying the odds, or a young talent stepping into the spotlight, this year’s action had it all.
