Rams Reportedly Set to Host Thanksgiving Night Showdown vs. Buccaneers
The Los Angeles Rams are no strangers to the primetime spotlight, and in 2025, they’re expected to add another marquee game to their calendar — a Thanksgiving night clash under the lights at SoFi Stadium.
According to Tampa radio host Pat Donovan, LA will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Thanksgiving nightcap, continuing the NFL’s tradition of a third primetime game on the holiday:
“I have a trustworthy friend who’s got a source telling him it’s going to be @Buccaneers at @RamsNFL as the nightcap on Thanksgiving!” Donovan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
— @PatDonovanRadio
This was corroborated by NFL schedule maven OzzyNFL. Correction: This game will not be played on Thanksgiving, but will be played on Sunday Night Football in Week 12
The Rams are rarely part of the Thanksgiving tradition but are a fitting host given their recent playoff pedigree and national appeal. This would mark just the second Thanksgiving appearance in Buccaneers history. Their only prior game on the holiday came in 2006—a 38–10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
The NFL’s Thanksgiving slate traditionally features the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys as hosts in the early and afternoon games, respectively. Since 2006, the league has added a rotating primetime matchup, and this year’s edition—if reports hold true—could pit two playoff-caliber NFC squads in a nationally televised showdown.
Los Angeles Rams Look to Defend Home Turf Against Familiar Foe
Should this matchup be confirmed, the Rams will welcome a Buccaneers team that they’ve had recent success against. Los Angeles has won three of the last four meetings between the two teams, including a dramatic victory in the 2021 NFC Divisional Round in Tampa Bay—part of LA’s run to a Super Bowl title that season.
Overall, the Bucs trail LA 10–19 all-time (including playoffs). Their most recent regular-season clash was a tightly contested affair, and both teams are expected to contend again in 2025.
A Statement Stage for a Recharged Rams Team
LA enter 2025 with heightened expectations under head coach Sean McVay, bolstered by a 2024 playoff run and a solid offseason. Hosting a Thanksgiving night game would be a testament to the league’s confidence in L.A. as a prime-time draw. It’s also a valuable chance for the Rams to showcase their growth—and potentially send a message to the rest of the NFC.
For the Buccaneers, meanwhile, this would mark their fourth holiday appearance in three seasons, following Christmas and New Year’s Eve matchups in 2022 and 2023. But this time, they’ll be stepping into SoFi Stadium against a Rams team that looks as strong and complete as ever.
If the report is accurate, expect a raucous Thanksgiving night in Los Angeles, where the Rams will look to serve up another statement win—this time in front of a national audience.