The 2025 NFL season is in full steam, and teams are building toward the playoffs. While many franchises are still in the hunt for postseason football, there’s a lot of work that has to be done. Managing injuries and player rotations is vital, and keeping everyone well-rested is just as important.
Bye weeks play a key role in this, but why aren’t any teams resting in Week 13?
Why Are All NFL Teams Playing in Week 13? Looking at the Thanksgiving Schedule
We’re looking at a busy schedule this week. It’s Thanksgiving, which is exactly why everyone is playing.
The league aims to capitalize on viewership numbers by including all teams in Week 13’s slate of games. A notable four games will be played even before Sunday, marking a significant uptick from the usual single matchup on Thursday Night Football.
Bye weeks for this season span from Week 5 to Week 14, with Week 13 being the only exception. With a large audience tuning in, the league wants to put its best foot forward by dishing up the best matchups for Thanksgiving.
On that note, here is a look at some of the most anticipated matchups.
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions — Thursday Night Football
Thanksgiving weekend is bound to start with a bang, as the Packers head to Detroit to face the Lions in primetime. Coming off a 23-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions are looking strong lately and therefore hold a slight edge in this matchup.
However, divisional rivalries seldom deliver expected results, so expect this encounter to fall either way.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys — Thursday Night Football
The Chiefs and Cowboys get the late slot this year, and the nightlights of Arlington should see a high-scoring affair. Dak Prescott welcomes Patrick Mahomes to the billion-dollar home of the Cowboys, where we could very well see a heated shootout, with the Chiefs expected to walk away victorious.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens — Thursday Night Football
Joe Burrow is back, which should make for an electric matchup when the Bengals travel to M&T Bank Stadium to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. After starting the season 1-5, the Ravens are on a five-game winning streak.
How Burrow fares in his return is yet to be seen, as Baltimore, ranked 24th on PFSN’s OFFi, is an early favorite to defend its house in this divisional rivalry.
Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles — Friday
Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s offense is coming together nicely in his first year at the helm. The unit, ranked 12th on PFSN’s OFFi, has shown that it can hang with the best in the land, and Philly will provide the ultimate test.
Both teams are 8-3, setting the stage for an exciting game on Friday afternoon.
