Thanksgiving football is a cherished tradition, and the Dallas Cowboys will once again host a marquee matchup in 2026. This year, the Philadelphia Eagles will travel to AT&T Stadium for a Thanksgiving Day showdown that promises to deliver high-stakes NFC East drama.
The rivalry between these two teams runs deep, and this holiday clash brings back memories of their last Thanksgiving meeting in 2014. That day, the Eagles dominated with a 33-10 victory, powered by LeSean McCoy's 159 rushing yards and a touchdown. Since then, the Cowboys have built their own Thanksgiving legacy, winning four straight games on the holiday against the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants (twice).
Both teams enter the 2026 season with very different momentum. The Eagles claimed the NFC East title in 2025 with an 11-6 record, though their playoff run ended abruptly with a Wild Card loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Philadelphia has made subtle offseason moves, signing veteran running back Dameon Pierce and wide receiver Marquise Brown, while also acquiring Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers. However, the biggest storyline may be the expected post-June 1 trade of star wideout A.J. Brown, especially after the Eagles used a first-round pick on USC's Makai Lemon.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, finished 2025 at 7-9-1, losing four of their last five games. Dallas has been aggressive in the offseason, bringing back running back Javonte Williams on a three-year deal and having George Pickens sign his franchise tag. Kicker Brandon Aubrey also made headlines by becoming the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. On draft day, the Cowboys used two first-round picks to shore up their defense, selecting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23.
This Thanksgiving matchup is just the first of two NFC East battles between these rivals in 2026. The full NFL schedule drops on Thursday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET, so mark your calendars. Whether you're rooting for the star in Dallas or the underdog Eagles, this holiday game is a must-watch for any football fan—and a perfect excuse to gear up in your team's colors.