Highlights Package from the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving Game

Thanksgiving NFL games are always steeped in tradition—family, food, and football—and the Baltimore Ravens’ 31-24 win over the Cleveland Browns this year delivered all that and more. From a electrifying opening kickoff return to a game-sealing interception in the final minute, the contest was packed with moments that will linger in Ravens fans’ memories long after the turkey leftovers are gone. This highlights package doesn’t just recap the score; it captures the energy of a holiday matchup where both teams fought with playoff urgency, and the Ravens leaned on their stars to pull out a crucial divisional victory. Highlights Package from the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving Game breaks down the most thrilling plays, the standout performances, and why this win mattered beyond the regular-season standings.

The game’s first highlight came just 12 seconds in, when Ravens return specialist Devin Duvernay took the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown—setting a festive tone and giving Baltimore an immediate 7-0 lead. Duvernay, who’d struggled with injuries earlier in the season, broke three tackles near the Ravens’ 20-yard line, then outran the Browns’ special teams unit down the right sideline, crossing the end zone to the roar of a sold-out M&T Bank Stadium. “That kickoff return was exactly what we needed,” Duvernay said after the game. “Thanksgiving is about momentum—getting the crowd fired up, getting the team fired up, and that play did both.” The Browns responded with a field goal on their first drive, but the Ravens’ early score set the pace for a first half where Baltimore controlled the clock and the momentum. Later in the first quarter, quarterback Lamar Jackson added another highlight, scrambling 22 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 14-3. Jackson, who finished with 89 rushing yards, used his signature speed to avoid two Browns defenders before diving into the end zone— a play that reminded fans why he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers. Highlights Package from the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving Game emphasizes that these opening plays weren’t just exciting; they established the Ravens’ dominance early.

The second half brought a dramatic shift, with the Browns mounting a comeback—and the Ravens responding with a highlight-reel defensive play to stop them. Trailing 21-17 in the third quarter, the Browns drove to the Ravens’ 5-yard line, looking to take their first lead of the game. On third-and-goal, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson dropped back to pass, targeting tight end David Njoku in the end zone. But Ravens safety Kevin Byard, who’d been quiet for most of the game, stepped in front of the pass for an interception, returning it 45 yards to the Browns’ 40-yard line. The play not only ended the Browns’ threat but also gave the Ravens’ offense a short field to work with—they capitalized three plays later with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews. “That interception was a game-changer,” Byard said. “We knew Watson would try to force it into the end zone, and we’d been practicing that coverage all week. To make that play on Thanksgiving, in front of our home crowd—it’s something I’ll never forget.” The Browns added another touchdown later in the quarter, but Byard’s interception kept the Ravens in control and prevented the momentum from shifting fully to Cleveland. Highlights Package from the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving Game highlights that this defensive play was the turning point that kept the Ravens’ win hopes alive.

The Baltimore Ravens’ running game provided one of the game’s most dominant highlights in the fourth quarter, as Derrick Henry took over to seal the victory. With the score tied 24-24 and 5:30 left in the game, Henry carried the ball on six straight plays, gaining 47 yards and setting up a 3-yard touchdown run that put the Ravens ahead for good. His most impressive carry came on third-and-4 from the Browns’ 25-yard line: Henry broke two tackles at the line of scrimmage, then dragged a Browns defender 10 more yards before being brought down— a display of strength that left the crowd cheering. “Derrick does that every week, but on Thanksgiving, it feels extra special,” Jackson said. “When we need a yard, when we need to control the clock, we give him the ball, and he delivers.” Henry finished with 123 rushing yards and one touchdown, becoming the first Ravens running back to top 100 yards in a Thanksgiving game since Ray Rice in 2011. For the Baltimore Ravens, Henry’s fourth-quarter performance wasn’t just a highlight—it was a masterclass in how to close out a game against a tough divisional opponent. Highlights Package from the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving Game shows that the Baltimore Ravens’ running game was the backbone of their victory, with Henry leading the way.

Another unforgettable highlight from the game was the Baltimore Ravens’ celebration with fans after the final whistle—a moment that blended holiday joy with team pride. As the clock hit zero, players ran to the stands, high-fiving fans and posing for photos with kids wearing Ravens jerseys. Jackson handed out autographed footballs, while Andrews tossed Thanksgiving-themed hats into the crowd. The team also invited 50 local families—who’d been selected through a Ravens Foundation charity program—to the field for a postgame meal, with players serving turkey sandwiches and posing for group photos. “Thanksgiving is about family, and our fans are part of our family,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “To share this win with them, to see the smiles on the kids’ faces—it’s why we play this game.” The scene was a stark contrast to the intensity of the game, reminding everyone that football is more than just a sport—it’s a way to bring communities together. For the Baltimore Ravens, this postgame celebration was a highlight in its own right, a chance to give back to the fans who support them all season long. Highlights Package from the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving Game underscores that the Baltimore Ravens’ connection to their community made this Thanksgiving win even more meaningful.

Finally, the Baltimore Ravens’ Thanksgiving game featured a emotional highlight that went beyond the field: a tribute to former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who was honored at halftime as part of the team’s “Legends of the Game” series. Lewis, a two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, addressed the crowd, urging the current team to “play with heart, play with passion, and make Baltimore proud.” The tribute included a video montage of Lewis’ greatest plays, and the crowd erupted in cheers when he led them in his iconic “squirrel dance” on the 50-yard line. After the game, current Ravens players said Lewis’ speech had motivated them in the second half. “Ray Lewis is the heart and soul of this franchise,” Byard said. “To hear him speak at halftime, to feel that energy—it gave us an extra push when we needed it.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this tribute wasn’t just a nod to the past; it was a reminder of the standard of excellence the team strives for every season. Highlights Package from the Baltimore Ravens' Thanksgiving Game concludes that this Thanksgiving matchup was more than just a win—it was a celebration of Ravens history, community, and the joy of football on a holiday that brings people together. From Duvernay’s opening kickoff return to Lewis’ halftime tribute, every highlight told a story—one that Ravens fans will be talking about for years to come.