The NFL world is buzzing after reports surfaced that the Chicago Bears will be spending Thanksgiving in Detroit this year, facing off against the Lions in a holiday showdown that's quickly become a tradition. According to insider Jordan Schultz, the two NFC North rivals will meet on Thanksgiving Day in 2026—marking their sixth holiday matchup since 2014. The Bears currently hold a 3-2 edge in those games, but recent history tells a different story.
Chicago is riding a four-game losing streak against Detroit, and one of those losses still stings for Bears fans. Two years ago on Thanksgiving, the Bears found themselves trailing 23-20 late in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie or win. But in a moment that became infamous, the team let the clock run out despite having a timeout in their pocket—a blunder that directly led to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus. Talk about a tough Thanksgiving meal to digest.
This year, however, brings renewed hope. The Bears are coming off an impressive 11-6 season that saw them capture the NFC North title, and they're expected to be featured in plenty of prime-time and standalone games. All eyes will be on head coach Ben Johnson, who will be looking for his first win against his former team. For Lions fans, the stakes are equally high: Detroit enters as the division favorite, but a national-stage loss to Chicago could shift the narrative quickly.
Social media erupted with reactions, ranging from humor to high expectations. One fan quipped, "Do we still have our timeout from last Thanksgiving?" while another joked, "I'm sure Ben will be able to manage Thanksgiving timeouts better." A Bears supporter summed it up perfectly: "Bears-Lions on Thanksgiving is perfect. Detroit is the NFC North favorite, but Chicago gets a national-stage chance to prove this division isn't being handed back. Love it."
Whether you're carving turkey or carving up the Lions' defense, this Thanksgiving matchup promises to be one for the books. And hey, if you're looking to rep your team in style while watching the game, now's the time to stock up on your Bears or Lions gear. After all, nothing says Thanksgiving like family, football, and fresh threads.