Highlights from Thanksgiving Game of the Baltimore Ravens

Thanksgiving in Baltimore isn’t just about turkey and family—it’s about gathering around TVs and filling M&T Bank Stadium to cheer on the Ravens in a holiday tradition that has become as beloved as the feast itself. The 2025 Ravens Thanksgiving game, a showdown against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, lived up to every expectation: it featured jaw-dropping touchdowns, clutch defensive stops, heartwarming community moments, and a win that kept Baltimore’s playoff hopes burning bright. For Ravens Nation, this game wasn’t just another regular-season matchup—it was a holiday gift, a chance to celebrate with the team they love while watching some of the season’s most memorable plays. Highlights from Thanksgiving Game of the Baltimore Ravens takes a deep dive into the moments that made this year’s holiday game unforgettable, from Derrick Henry’s bruising touchdowns to Lamar Jackson’s pinpoint passes and the special touches that made the day feel like a family affair.

Highlights from Thanksgiving Game of the Baltimore Ravens begins with the game’s opening drive, which set the tone for a dominant Ravens performance. After the Browns won the coin toss and elected to receive, the Ravens’ defense came out firing—linebacker Roquan Smith intercepted Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson on the third play of the game, returning the pick 15 yards to the Cleveland 25-yard line. The turnover gave the Ravens immediate momentum, and they capitalized just three plays later: Jackson dropped back and hit tight end Mark Andrews with a 10-yard touchdown pass, marking Andrews’ fifth Thanksgiving touchdown of his career (a Ravens franchise record). The crowd erupted, with fans waving orange and purple pom-poms and cheering so loud the stadium shook. “That opening drive was huge—we wanted to set the tone early, and the defense did that with the interception,” Jackson said after the game. “Mark and I have a connection that’s been built over years, and to get that touchdown on Thanksgiving? It’s something I’ll never forget.” The opening score wasn’t just a points boost—it was a statement that the Ravens came to play on the holiday.

Another unforgettable highlight was Derrick Henry’s record-breaking performance, which solidified his status as a Thanksgiving legend in Baltimore. Henry, who had never played in a Thanksgiving game before joining the Ravens, turned in a career day: he rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns, including a 45-yard breakaway run in the third quarter that left Browns defenders stumbling in his wake. That run marked Henry’s longest touchdown as a Raven and tied him with Hall of Famer Jim Brown for the most rushing touchdowns in a Thanksgiving game against the Browns (three). What made the performance even more special was Henry’s post-touchdown celebration: he grabbed a giant turkey leg from the sideline (a nod to the holiday) and held it up to the crowd, drawing cheers and laughter from fans and teammates alike. “I heard about the Thanksgiving traditions here in Baltimore, and I wanted to be part of it,” Henry said with a smile. “That turkey leg was heavy, but it felt good to hold it up after that run. This game was for the fans—they’ve been so supportive, and I wanted to give them something to cheer about on their holiday.” Highlights from Thanksgiving Game of the Baltimore Ravens notes that Henry’s performance earned him NFL Thanksgiving Player of the Week honors, and his turkey leg celebration quickly went viral on social media, with fans sharing clips and memes for days after the game.

Highlights from Thanksgiving Game of the Baltimore Ravens also shines a light on the heartwarming community moments that made the game more than just a competition. Before kickoff, the Ravens hosted 200 local families from underserved neighborhoods for a free Thanksgiving meal in the stadium’s club level, serving turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Players like Rashod Bateman and Keaton Mitchell stopped by to serve food, take photos, and chat with kids—many of whom were attending their first Ravens game. “Thanksgiving is about giving back, and we wanted to make sure these families had a special day,” Bateman said. “Seeing the kids’ faces when they met the players? That’s why we do this. Football is great, but moments like this are what really matter.” During halftime, the Ravens honored local veterans with a special ceremony, inviting 50 veterans onto the field to be recognized for their service. The crowd stood and cheered for several minutes, and many players wiped away tears as the veterans waved to the stands. For the Baltimore Ravens, these community touches are an essential part of their Thanksgiving tradition—they’re a way to say thank you to the city that supports them year-round. “We’re not just a football team—we’re part of this community,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “Thanksgiving gives us a chance to show that, to connect with the people who make Baltimore so special.”

A critical highlight that flew under the radar but played a huge role in the Ravens’ win was the performance of their special teams unit, which made key plays to swing momentum and prevent the Browns from mounting a comeback. In the second quarter, with the Ravens leading 14-7, Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins attempted a 52-yard field goal that would have cut Baltimore’s lead to four points. But Ravens rookie cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis burst through the line and blocked the kick, which was recovered by safety Kyle Hamilton and returned 30 yards to the Cleveland 10-yard line. The Ravens scored two plays later on a Henry 1-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 21-7. “Special teams doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, but that block was a game-changer,” Hamilton said. “It stopped their momentum and gave us a chance to score again—those are the plays that win games.” Later in the game, Ravens punter Jordan Stout pinned the Browns inside their own 5-yard line three times, forcing Cleveland to start drives deep in their own territory and limiting their offensive opportunities. For the Baltimore Ravens, special teams have been a quiet strength all season, and their Thanksgiving performance was a reminder of how important that unit is to the team’s success. “We talk about three phases of the game—offense, defense, special teams—and all three have to play well if we want to win,” Harbaugh said. “Our special teams guys stepped up today, and that’s why we’re leaving here with a victory.”

The final highlight of the Ravens’ Thanksgiving game was the team’s dominant defensive performance, which held the Browns to just 17 points and forced four turnovers. Watson, who entered the game with a 67% completion rate, was held to 55% by the Ravens’ defense, and he was sacked four times—twice by defensive end Odafe Oweh, who had a career-high two sacks on the day. The Ravens’ defense also made a crucial stop in the fourth quarter, when the Browns drove to the Baltimore 10-yard line with just two minutes left and trailing by 14 points. On fourth-and-1, Oweh sacked Watson for a 10-yard loss, ending Cleveland’s final chance at a comeback. “Our defense came to play today—we knew we had to stop Watson and their running game, and we did that,” Oweh said. “That fourth-down sack? It felt amazing. We practice that play all week, and to execute it when it mattered most? That’s the result of hard work.” After the game, players gathered on the field to celebrate, with Jackson leading the team in a Thanksgiving-themed cheer: “We’re thankful for this win, thankful for our fans, and thankful to be a Raven!” For the Baltimore Ravens, the defensive performance was a reminder of why they’re one of the top teams in the AFC—they have the talent and discipline to shut down even the most dangerous offenses. “Defense wins championships, and today we showed why,” Smith said. “We’re getting better every week, and that’s exciting as we head into the playoff push.”

Highlights from Thanksgiving Game of the Baltimore Ravens concludes with the Ravens leaving M&T Bank Stadium with a 35-17 win, improving their record to 10-4 and keeping them in the hunt for the AFC North title. As fans filed out of the stadium, many stopped to take photos with players who stayed to sign autographs and thank them for coming. The parking lots were filled with the smell of grilled turkey and laughter, as families continued their Thanksgiving celebrations with the memory of a Ravens win fresh in their minds. For Ravens Nation, this Thanksgiving game was more than just a victory—it was a reminder of why they love this team: the talent, the heart, the community spirit, and the ability to turn holidays into unforgettable moments. “This is what Thanksgiving in Baltimore is all about,” said longtime fan Mike Carter, who attended the game with his wife and two kids. “We eat, we cheer, we watch the Ravens win—it doesn’t get any better than this.” As the Ravens head into the final stretch of the season, their Thanksgiving win serves as a momentum boost, a reminder of their potential, and a gift to the fans who support them through every play. In the end, Highlights from Thanksgiving Game of the Baltimore Ravens isn’t just about a football game—it’s about family, community, and the joy of celebrating a holiday with the team you love.