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The NFL seizes the spotlight on Thanksgiving, but the four-day holiday weekend offers an underrated sports viewing experience. Here is a rundown of games to watch on this long weekend:
Thursday
Bears at Lions (12:30 p.m., Fox): Not all traditions are good. The Bears (3-7) haven’t won in nearly seven weeks. The Lions (0-9-1) haven’t won in 354 days. Chicago will be without Justin Fields. The Lions may be without Jared Goff, potentially putting former UConn quarterback Tim Boyle in line for his second career start after throwing for 77 yards and two interceptions last week. You don’t have to be thankful for this.
Raiders at Cowboys (4:30 p.m., CBS): Home field hasn’t been much help to the Cowboys (7-3) on recent holidays. Dallas has lost two straight Thanksgiving Day games — and five of their past seven — and returns after scoring a season-low nine points in Kansas City, their second loss in three weeks. In the wake of Jon Gruden’s racist emails and resignation, plus Henry Ruggs’ arrest for driving under the influence resulting in death, the Raiders (5-5) have lost three straight games and haven’t topped 16 points since October.