The 2012 NFL season brought tradition and spectacle to living rooms across America with a slate of primetime Thanksgiving games. These contests blended historic rivalry, emerging storylines, and national holiday rituals into a compact three-day window of high-stakes football.
Below is a detailed snapshot of the matchups, outcomes, and key context from Thanksgiving 2012, designed to highlight teams, scores, and broadcast details at a glance.
| Date | Matchup | Score | Venue | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, 1:00 PM | Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears | 24-20 (DET) | Ford Field, Detroit | Fox |
| Nov 22, 4:30 PM | Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins | 38-31 (DAL) | Cowboys Stadium, Arlington | NBC |
| Nov 22, 8:20 PM | New England Patriots vs. New York Jets | 49-19 (NE) | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | NFL Network |
Detroit Lions Host Chicago Bears Amid Holiday Tradition
The Lions continued their annual Thanksgiving tradition by hosting the Bears in a nationally televised afternoon tilt. The game carried the weight of franchise history, as both teams sought momentum in a competitive NFC North race. Detroit entered looking to build on modest late-season momentum, while Chicago chased a spot in the postseason.
Cowboys Routed Washington in High-Scoring Afternoon Contest
In the primetime NFC tilt, the Dallas Cowboys dominated the Washington Redskins behind a balanced offensive attack and stout defensive pressure. The home crowd responded to big plays and timely turnovers, helping Dallas secure a decisive road victory on a day defined by explosive scoring.
Patriots Controlled AFC East Rivalry in Evening Showcase
Under the lights, the Patriots dismantled the Jets in a crucial divisional matchup that carried implications for both AFC East seeding and playoff positioning. New England’s offense clicked on multiple levels, while the defense limited New York to a forgettable performance on the road.
Key Takeaways From Thanksgiving 2012
- All three traditional matchups produced decisive results, with home teams winning each game.
- Turnovers and time of possession played pivotal roles in separating winners from losers.
- Prime-time exposure on NBC and NFL Network amplified national interest in these holiday games.
- Injuries and depth became storylines as teams managed health across the extra week of action.
Legacy Of The 2012 NFL Thanksgiving Games
These matchups reinforced the cultural importance of the holiday within the NFL calendar, showcasing marquee rivalries and setting the tone for the stretch run of the season.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which teams competed on Thanksgiving 2012, and on which networks did they air?
The Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears on Fox, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Redskins on NBC, and the New England Patriots beat the New York Jets on NFL Network.
What were the final scores for each Thanksgiving 2012 game?
Lions 24, Bears 20; Cowboys 38, Redskins 31; Patriots 49, Jets 19.
Did any notable performances emerge from the 2012 Thanksgiving games?
Yes, Tom Brady orchestrated a high-efficiency effort for New England, while Tony Romo contributed key throws and Dak Prescott saw early action in relief for Dallas.
How did the results impact playoff positioning for the involved teams?
Dallas strengthened its NFC standing, Detroit improved within the division race, and New England extended its lead over New York in the AFC East race.