Thanksgiving football squares use the same 10 by 10 grid as Super Bowl squares, played on the 3 NFL games on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Players fill the squares, the numbers 0 to 9 are drawn at random, and the last digit of each score picks a winner every quarter.
The grid and the online generator are free, with no sign-up.
The NFL plays 3 games on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2026: Bears at Lions, Eagles at Cowboys and Chiefs at Bills. The first game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET and the last at 8:20 PM ET, so squares can run all day.
“Create a grid” opens the generator with that game already picked, so the live score and the winner of each quarter show on the grid on their own.
Schedule checked on November 11, 2026. Times can change, so confirm them on the NFL schedule page.
How do Thanksgiving Football Squares Work?
Thanksgiving football squares work in 5 steps: pick a game, fill the 100 squares with names, draw the numbers 0 to 9 for each team, then check the score at the end of each quarter. The square that matches the last digit of both scores wins that quarter.
Pick the game. Write the away team on the side of the grid and the home team on top.
Fill the squares. Pass the grid around before dinner, or share it online.
Draw the numbers. Draw 0 to 9 at random for the top, then again for the side.
Check each quarter. Use the last digit of each team’s score.
Name the winner. The square where the 2 digits meet wins.
Example: the Lions lead the Bears 14 to 10 at halftime. The digits are 4 and 0, so the square under 4 and beside 0 wins. The full guide is on how Super Bowl squares work.
How do You Run Squares for All 3 Thanksgiving Games?
You can run Thanksgiving football squares for all 3 games in 3 ways: one grid per game, one grid with the same numbers all day, or one grid with new numbers for each game. One grid for the whole day is the easiest for a family.
Setup
Grids
Winners
Best for
One grid per game
3
12
Large groups who want a fresh start each game
One grid, same numbers all day
1
12
Families who want the least work
One grid, new numbers each game
1
12
Groups who want every square to get a new chance
With one grid and the same numbers, write “top team” as the home team for every game, so the rule stays the same from noon to night.
How do You Play Thanksgiving Squares With Family Far Away?
Play Thanksgiving football squares with family far away by sharing an online grid. Save a grid in the free generator, turn on player sign-up and send the share link. Each relative types a name and taps the squares they want, with no account.
The generator records when the numbers were drawn, so nobody has to take the host’s word for it. Set it up on the Super Bowl squares generator page and pick your Thanksgiving game from the “NFL game for live scores” list. The grid then shows the live score and each quarter’s winner on its own.
What are Good Prizes for Thanksgiving Squares?
Good prizes for Thanksgiving football squares are small and fit the day. Give 1 prize at the end of each quarter, and save the best one for the final score. No money is needed.
First pick of the pie
The best seat on the couch for the next game
A pass on washing the dishes
The leftovers of your choice
A small gift card for the final score
For other ways to split prizes, see the Super Bowl squares payouts guide. Squares is a game of chance, and rules on games with prizes differ by state.
Thanksgiving Football Squares FAQ
When is Thanksgiving football in 2026?
Thursday, November 26, 2026. The 3 NFL games kick off at 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM and 8:20 PM ET.
Can you use a Super Bowl squares grid for Thanksgiving?
Yes. The grid and the rules are the same for any football game. Write in the 2 teams that are playing.
How many squares should a family use?
Use 25 squares for 5 to 10 people, 50 squares for 10 to 25 people and 100 squares for a bigger group.
Do you need new numbers for each game?
No. You can keep the same numbers for all 3 games or draw new ones before each kickoff. Decide before the first game.
Are the Thanksgiving squares free?
Yes. The printable grid and the online generator are free, with no account or email.
Can kids play Thanksgiving squares?
Yes. It needs no football knowledge, so kids can play for small prizes such as dessert or candy.
Thanksgiving Football Squares, in Short
Thanksgiving football squares turn the 3 NFL games on November 26, 2026 into a game the whole family can play. Print a grid or share one online, fill the squares and draw the numbers before the 1:00 PM ET kickoff.
After Thanksgiving, the next squares days are Christmas football squares on December 25, 2026 and NFL playoff squares from January 16, 2027. The biggest squares game of the season is Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027.
