The Detroit Lions are set to welcome the Chicago Bears to Ford Field for their annual Thanksgiving Day game, a tradition dating back to 1934. This year, the Lions, riding high atop the NFC with a 10-1 record, face a Bears team struggling at 4-7 and looking to snap a five-game losing streak. While Detroit can secure a playoff berth with a win and some help, Chicago aims to spoil the festivities and end its skid.
The Bears lead the all-time series 105-78-5 and have dominated recent Thanksgiving matchups, winning three straight against the Lions on the holiday. Detroit’s Thanksgiving woes extend further, having lost seven straight on the day, including 16 of their last 20 games. However, this Lions team, with their best start since 1934, looks poised to rewrite history.
Chicago snapped a three-game losing streak to Detroit with a 28-13 win last December, but the Lions are a different beast this season, featuring a balanced offense and a stingy defense.
Detroit’s ground game, led by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, is the engine of their offense. Both backs have combined for over 20 touchdowns on the ground, marking consecutive seasons where the duo has hit double digits in rushing scores—a league first. The Lions’ NFL-record streak of 25 consecutive games with a rushing touchdown is a testament to their dominance up front.
On the other side, Chicago’s run defense ranks 20th in the league, a glaring weakness that could prove pivotal. While linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards have shown flashes, their ability to contain Detroit’s rushing attack will be critical. If the Bears can’t plug the gaps, it could be a long afternoon for their defense.
Injuries may play a significant role in this contest. The Bears will be without guard Ryan Bates (concussion) and defensive back Elijah Hicks (ankle), thinning their depth on both sides of the ball. Detroit faces its own challenges, as cornerback Carlton Davis (knee/thumb), offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee), and punt returner/receiver Kalif Raymond (foot) are not expected to play.
For the Lions, a win solidifies their grip on the NFC North and inches them closer to securing a top seed in the playoffs. The team is brimming with confidence, having dispatched the Indianapolis Colts 24-6 last week in a dominant performance.
The Bears, meanwhile, are reeling from a 30-27 heartbreaker against the Vikings, their third loss in five games decided on the final play. Despite their struggles, they’ve shown resilience, keeping games close but failing to finish.
The Lions‘ dominant rushing attack and strong defensive front make them heavy favorites. While the Bears have shown they can be competitive, their inability to close out games and vulnerabilities on defense could be their undoing.
Series Notes and Historical Tidbits
- The Lions’ Thanksgiving tradition began in 1934 with a 19-16 loss to the Bears.
- This will mark the 20th Thanksgiving meeting between the two teams, with Chicago trailing only Green Bay’s 22 appearances in Detroit on the holiday.
- Chicago’s current five-game skid mirrors a similar stretch from 2022 when they ended the season on a 10-game losing streak.
