The Dallas Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving Day game this year is shaping up to be one of the least anticipated matchups in recent memory.
The Cowboys are set to host the New York Giants on Thanksgiving, but with both teams’ seasons already on life support, fan excitement seems to be at an all-time low. Traditionally, Dallas’ Thanksgiving clash is a highlight of the NFL calendar, but this year, it seems the interest just isn’t there.
Tickets for Thursday’s game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, are being sold for surprisingly low prices, with some changing hands for next to nothing. According to NFL reporter Dov Kleiman, tickets are available for as little as $25 each—lower than the cost of a Thanksgiving turkey. This drastic drop in ticket prices speaks volumes about the lack of enthusiasm for the game.
Heading into Week 12, the Cowboys and Giants had a combined total of just five wins. Dallas, struggling throughout the season, has lost every home game by a significant margin. To make matters worse, starting quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the year with an injury, forcing backup Cooper Rush into the starting role.
While Rush has proven capable in the past, the absence of Prescott has certainly dampened expectations for the remainder of the season.
The Giants are also dealing with their own struggles. After a disappointing start to the season, they decided to bench quarterback Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito, a relatively unproven option under center. With both teams fielding backup quarterbacks and dealing with lackluster performances, it’s no wonder that fans aren’t flocking to this Thanksgiving showdown.
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The lack of buzz around the game is palpable. Typically, the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving home game is a major event, drawing in millions of viewers and creating a festive atmosphere.
But this year, the matchup against the Giants is failing to capture the imagination of fans, both in Texas and across the country. Many are even considering taking a break from football during the Dallas-New York game, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Two years ago, more than 40 million viewers across America tuned in to watch the Cowboys face off against the Giants on Thanksgiving.
The matchup was seen as a marquee event, a game that brought together family and friends in front of the television during the holiday. But this year’s game, with both teams languishing near the bottom of the standings, is proving far less enticing.
Thanksgiving Day will still feature a full slate of NFL action, beginning with the red-hot Detroit Lions taking on NFC North rivals the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The Lions have been on an impressive run this season, making their game against the Bears a much-anticipated matchup. Later in the day, the Green Bay Packers will host the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field in what promises to be an exciting clash.
As for the Cowboys-Giants showdown, Fox will be broadcasting the game once again this year, with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET. The Fox crew has a busy Thanksgiving schedule, with a pregame show leading up to the game.
Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt are set to call two games over the weekend, while Michael Strahan and Terry Bradshaw will host a special Thursday show in addition to their usual Fox NFL Sunday program in Week 13.
Fox may also rotate their panel of analysts, as they have done throughout the season, featuring personalities like Jimmy Johnson and Rob Gronkowski.
While the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game is usually one of the NFL’s marquee moments, this year’s matchup has been met with apathy from fans and a steep decline in ticket prices.
With both teams struggling and playoff hopes fading, it’s understandable that enthusiasm has waned. Still, Thanksgiving Day football remains a cherished tradition, and while the Cowboys and Giants may not be delivering the excitement fans are used to, there’s still plenty of action to look forward to throughout the day.
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