The NFL may not have officially released the full 2026 schedule yet, but one major Detroit Lions matchup is already making headlines. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions will host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, November 26—and this isn’t just any holiday game.

Set against the backdrop of Ford Field, this clash carries extra weight because it marks the return of former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now the head coach of the Bears. Johnson was instrumental in transforming Detroit’s offense into one of the NFL’s most explosive units during his tenure under Dan Campbell. Now, he’s leading a division rival that claimed the NFC North title last season, adding a layer of drama that makes this matchup feel like a must-watch.

But here’s the twist: even though Chicago won the division in 2025, the Lions had their number. Detroit swept the season series, going 2-0 against the Bears—a detail that only fuels the fire for this Thanksgiving showdown. The Lions, one of the NFC’s top contenders, will face a Bears team that knows them inside and out, thanks to Johnson’s insider knowledge of Detroit’s roster, coaching staff, and culture.

Thanksgiving games in Detroit always come with a spotlight, but this one feels different. With both teams projected to compete near the top of the NFC North again in 2026, this late November matchup could have major playoff implications. And if recent history is any indication, Lions fans will be ready to embrace the moment—and maybe even gear up in style for the big game.