5 great individual NFL Thanksgiving performances ft. Randy Moss

Moss formally introduced himself to the NFL world with an exhilarating performance in Dallas (Photo: Getty)

1998: WR Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings

Randy Moss made it quite clear that he was going to be a problem for years to come during the first 11 games of his rookie season, tallying 851 receiving yards on 44 receptions as the Minnesota Vikings started the season 10-1. But any lingering doubters were stuffed following his performance against the Dallas Cowboys during the latter portion of the 1998 docket.

The good news for the Cowboys was that Moss was "held" to only three receptions. Alas, for America's Team, each of them went for long touchdowns, pacing the Vikings to a 46-36 victory.

Moss wound up tallying 20 points in the win, the last of which came at a crucial juncture: a two-point conversion from Randall Cunningham reopened the lead when the Cowboys threatened a comeback, while one last 56-yard score in the dying stages of the third quarter silenced Dallas for good.

Even by his own massive standards, Thanksgiving 2004 was a victorious showcase for Peyton Manning (Photo: Getty)

2004: QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts' traditional horseshoe logo was on the back of their helmets as part of the throwback uniform they wore for a 2004 holiday showcase in the Motor City. The Lions surely got a good view of them throughout the afternoon, thanks to Peyton Manning.

Indianapolis' prowess as an offensive juggernaut was well-known throughout the NFL, thanks to the services of Manning, Edgerrin James, and Marvin Harrison. Going back for seconds is also encouraged on Thanksgiving.

But Manning took things to an even greater level, going to the end zone six times as the Colts took home a 41-9 decision. Harrison and Brandon Stokley evenly split the touchdown pie with three six-pointers each from Manning's arm.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags