The Vikings are playing for the ninth time on Thanksgiving, but Thursday night against New England is the first time they are hosting a game on the holiday. The Vikings are 6-2 in Thanksgiving games; the Patriots are 3-2, but haven't played on the holiday since 2012, the famous "Butt Fumble" game against the Jets.
Nov. 27, 1969: Vikings 27, Lions 0
The game was played in a snowstorm at old Tiger Stadium. "You couldn't even see the other team across the field," running back Dave Osborn told the Star Tribune in 2016, adding, "A miserable game to play, but a fun one to win." The game is famous for Jim Marshall's fourth-quarter interception, which he returned 30 yards before pitching it to Alan Page, who ran it in for a touchdown.
Nov. 26, 1987: Vikings 44, Cowboys 38 (OT)
The Vikings survive three rallies by the Cowboys from 14-point deficits, including with six minutes left. Darrin Nelson raced 24 yards to score the winning touchdown 7:51 into overtime, a score set up by Danny White throwing his third interception of the day. The Vikings improved their record to 7-4, which included three losses during the NFL strike when replacement players were used.
Nov. 24, 1988: Vikings 23, Lions 0
It was the Vikings' first shutout in eight years and coach Jerry Burns called it "one of the best defensive games I've seen." The Vikings, who had the NFL's top defense at the time, held the Lions to 60 net yards and three first downs. Detroit averaged 1.8 yards per play and ran only 33 plays. Alfred Anderson scored twice on short runs, and Chuck Nelson kicked three field goals.
Nov. 23, 1995: Lions 44, Vikings 38