Top 5 Thanksgiving Day games in NFL history
4. 1986: Green Bay Packers 44, Detroit Lions 40
An NFC North battle between two of the league’s worst teams at the time turned into the highest-scoring Thanksgiving game since the NFL merger in 1970. The Packers overcame a 10-point fourth–quarter deficit behind an extraordinary effort from a relatively unknown wide receiver. Green Bay’s Walter Stanley was the star of the day as he totaled 207 all-purpose yards and three scores, including an 83-yard punt return touchdown with 41 seconds left to win the game. Stanley went on to play for the Lions in 1989 but was the engine behind one of the greatest Thanksgiving Day games of all time.
🧀 The Packers Walter Stanley became a Thanksgiving hero in 1986 with his 3 TD performance 34 years ago today! The 2nd year WR/KR caught 4 passes for 124 yards & 2 TDs plus scored the game-winning TD on an 83 yard punt return in the Packers 44-40 win over the Lions! #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/IjR1C1Fott
— 80s Football Cards 🏈 🙌 (@80sFootballCard) November 27, 2020