The NFL has officially shaken up a decades-long Thanksgiving tradition, and Detroit fans will definitely feel this one. For years, the Lions have kicked off the holiday slate right at 12:30 PM, opening the NFL’s triple-header with an early-afternoon matchup at Ford Field. But for the upcoming Thanksgiving showdown against the Green Bay Packers, the league has confirmed a new kickoff time: 1:00 PM ET.
Though the shift may seem minor, the reasoning behind it is major. The NFL and FOX want the Lions–Packers rivalry to draw the biggest possible national audience, especially with both teams expected to be deep in playoff contention. Detroit’s recent rise, combined with Jordan Love’s push to keep Green Bay alive in the NFC race, makes this game one of the most important of the holiday slate.
For fans, it means a slightly later start, a bigger national spotlight, and potentially the highest-rated Lions Thanksgiving game in years. For Detroit, it’s another sign of respect — the league knows the Lions are no longer the early-morning warmup act. They’re now a must-watch showpiece.
Thanksgiving in Detroit is getting a fresh twist, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Detroit Fans Take Note — NFL Reschedules Lions–Packers Holiday Showdown
