The 5 Best NFL Thanksgiving Performances

• Year: 1998
• Statline: 3 receptions, 3 touchdowns, 163 yards
• Final Score: Minnesota Vikings 46, Dallas Cowboys 36

Randy Moss's Thanksgiving performance in 1998 is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable and memorable moments in NFL history. Moss was a rookie wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings that year, and he made a significant impact during the Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Perhaps the most iconic play of the game was when Moss caught a 51-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. On the play, he famously blew past two Cowboys defenders and then, with one hand extended, effortlessly hauled in the pass while crossing the goal line. Moss finished the game with three receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns, leaving fans, commentators, and even his opponents in awe. The Vikings won the game 46-36, and Moss's performance became an instant classic.

• Year: 2004
• Statline: 23/28 passing completion, 236 passing yards, 6 passing touchdowns
• Final Score: Indianapolis Colts 41, Detroit Lions 9

Peyton Manning's Thanksgiving performance in 2004 is another memorable moment in NFL history, showcasing the talents of one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. He orchestrated the Colts' offense with precision and efficiency, completing 23 of 28 passes for 236 yards and a whopping six touchdown passes in just three quarters of play. This remarkable performance set an NFL record for the most touchdown passes in a single Thanksgiving Day game, a record that still stands to this day.

The final score of the game was 41-9 in favor of the Indianapolis Colts. Peyton Manning's extraordinary Thanksgiving Day performance in 2004 not only set records but also showcased his exceptional quarterbacking skills, making it one of the standout moments in the history of Thanksgiving football. It's a performance that football fans still remember fondly as one of the greatest displays of quarterback excellence on this special holiday.

• Year: 1997
• Statline: 19 rushing attempts, 167 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns
• Final Score: Detroit Lions 55, Chicago Bears 20

Barry Sanders' Thanksgiving Day performance in 1997 is etched in NFL history as one of the most iconic displays of running back brilliance. Sanders, a Detroit Lions legend, put on a show for football fans. In this Thanksgiving classic, Barry Sanders ran for a staggering 167 yards and three touchdowns on just 19 carries. What made this performance truly exceptional was the fact that Sanders accomplished all of this in the first half of the game.

By halftime, the Lions held a commanding 31-10 lead over the Bears. However, in a surprising turn of events, Sanders did not take a single snap in the second half of the game, as the Lions opted to rest their star running back with the victory secure.

• Year: 1976
• Statline: 29 rushing attempts, 273 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns
• Final Score: Detroit Lions 27, Buffalo Bills 14

In a game against the Detroit Lions, Simpson put on a show that had fans and football enthusiasts in awe. He rushed for an astonishing 273 yards on 29 carries, breaking the previous single-game rushing record held by Walter Payton. Simpson's incredible speed, vision, and ability to find running lanes were on full display as he repeatedly gashed the Lions' defense.

The highlight of Simpson's performance came in the third quarter when he broke loose for a 94-yard touchdown run. This electrifying run not only showcased his speed but also established a new record. His 273-yard rushing performance was a Thanksgiving Day record and remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the NFL.

• Year: 2006
• Statline: 22/29 passes completed, 306 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns
• Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 38, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10

Tony Romo's Thanksgiving Day performance in 2006 marked a turning point in his career and helped solidify his status as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. On November 23, 2006, the Cowboys faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Thanksgiving Day matchup.

Romo, who had recently taken over as the starting quarterback, had already shown promise in previous games, but his performance on Thanksgiving Day was a breakout moment. He had a spectacular game, completing 22 of 29 passes for 306 yards and five touchdown passes, tying a Cowboys single-game record for touchdown passes. Romo's Thanksgiving Day heroics in 2006 not only helped the Cowboys secure a critical victory but also announced his arrival as a star quarterback in the NFL. He would go on to have a successful career with the Cowboys, becoming one of the franchise's all-time greats.