As the official NFL schedule release date of 8 p.m. ET approaches, Detroit Lions schedule leaks begin to emerge. The Detroit Lions will play the Chicago Bears for the fourth time in seven years on Thanksgiving, according to The 33rd Team. The Lions are now on a seven-game losing run on Thanksgiving, with their previous victory coming against the Vikings in 2016. The Bears have won three consecutive Thanksgiving games versus Detroit, while the Lions’ previous holiday victory over Chicago was in 2014. Nonetheless, the Lions have won three of their last four meetings with the Bears.
But this version of the Bears will be much different than the one we’ve seen in the recent past. Most notably, out is Justin Fields, in is rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears also won four of their final six games in 2023 (including one over the Lions), so Chicago is entering the season with a fair amount of expectations.
While another NFC North matchup on Thanksgiving is slightly disappointing and boring, this particular matchup could be a big one, as both teams have realistic playoff chances this year.