Thursday Night Football Has Featured Some Classic Contests

Published on September 10th, 2020 6:42 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


In 2006, the NFL started airing games on Thursday night in order to build excitement for the upcoming playoffs.

The first ever Thursday Night football game was an evening Thanksgiving game between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, which was won 19-10 by the Chiefs.

Over the years, Thursday Night Football has provided us with some classics and many duds (usually blamed on the short week for players).

Here are five of the best Thursday Night Football games of all time, in no particular order:

1. New England Patriots vs New York Giants, December 29th, 2007 (Patriots Win 38-35)

This game was notable for many reasons, as Tom Brady and the Patriots were able to cap off a perfect 16-0 regular season.

The Patriots were in danger of losing but managed to score 15 points in the fourth quarter (on the road) to win.

The Giants would get their revenge a month later in the Super Bowl, when they were able to deny the Patriots their perfect season.

2. New York Jets vs New England Patriots, November 13th, 2008 (Jets win 34-31).

The Jets scored with three minutes left in the game to take a 31-24 lead, only to watch Matt Cassel complete a 16 yard TD pass to Randy Moss with 1 second left to send the game to Overtime.

Jay Feely would win the game in overtime with a 34 yard field goal.

3. San Diego Chargers vs San Francisco 49ers, December 20th, 2014 (Chargers win 38-35).

The 49ers were up 28-7 at the half, and this game seemed like it was destined to be a dud.

The Chargers would score four touchdowns in the second half, including an eleven yard Rivers to Malcom Floyd connection with 29 seconds left, to send the game to overtime.

Nick Novak would clinch the game in overtime with a 40 yard field goal.

4. Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers, December 25th, 2016 (Steelers Win 31-27).

After a relatively mild start to the game, Baltimore and Pittsburgh combined to score 31 points in the fourth quarter.

Antonio Brown won the game for the Steelers with nine seconds left, as he was able to stretch over the goal line to give the Steelers the AFC North title in dramatic fashion.

5. Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers, September 21st, 2017 (Rams win 41-39).

The highest scoring game in Thursday Night Football history.

Todd Gurley had three touchdowns as the Rams fought off a late attack by the 49ers to win 41-39.

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There have certainly been some memorable games in Thursday Night Football history, though these five games certainly stand out.