The Detroit Lions host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day in a classic NFC North matchup at Ford Field. Detroit (10-1) sits atop the division and looks to solidify its dominance, while Chicago (4-7) hopes to play spoiler and snap a five-game losing streak. Kickoff is set for 12:30 PM ET.
This will be the 20th Thanksgiving meeting between these two teams, with Chicago holding a slight 11-8 edge. The Lions, riding a nine-game winning streak, aim to erase their recent Thanksgiving woes, having lost the last seven holiday matchups.
Chicago Bears
The Bears enter this game desperate for a win to salvage their season. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s overtime loss to Minnesota. Williams will need another standout performance to keep the Bears competitive against Detroit’s stout defense.
Chicago’s receiving corps, led by DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Romeo Odunze, provides Williams with reliable targets. This trio combined for 21 catches and two touchdowns in their previous game. Tight end Cole Kmet has also been a consistent contributor, adding seven receptions in the loss to Minnesota.
The Bears’ rushing attack, led by D’Andre Swift, has struggled to find consistency, averaging just 111.8 yards per game. Chicago will need to establish the run to control the clock and keep Detroit’s high-powered offense off the field.
Defensively, Chicago has been porous, allowing nearly 2,000 total yards over the last four games. The Bears’ secondary, missing key contributors like Elijah Hicks, faces a tough challenge against Detroit’s dynamic passing game.
Detroit Lions
The Lions have been one of the NFL’s most complete teams this season, excelling on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jared Goff leads a potent offense averaging 32.7 points per game, the best in the league. Goff’s favorite target, Amon-Ra St. Brown, has been electric, complemented by Jameson Williams and running back David Montgomery.
Montgomery, facing his former team, is expected to return from a shoulder injury. His physical running style and versatility as a pass-catcher add another layer to Detroit’s attack. Rookie kicker Jake Bates has also been flawless, converting all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards in the last three games.
Defensively, Detroit has been dominant, not allowing a touchdown in the past 10 quarters. However, injuries in the secondary, including the loss of Carlton Davis and Emmanuel Moseley, could make them vulnerable against Chicago’s experienced receivers. Linebacker Jack Campbell and defensive tackle Alim McNeill anchor a front seven that has excelled in stopping the run, allowing just 94.9 yards per game.
Detroit has not swept the Bears in a season series since 2017 but has a prime opportunity to do so with this year’s Thanksgiving showdown and a rematch later in December.
Pick and Prediction
The Lions are heavy favorites in this matchup, and for good reason. Their balanced offense and stifling defense present significant challenges for a Bears team struggling on both sides of the ball. Caleb Williams and Chicago’s veteran receivers may find some success against Detroit’s depleted secondary, but it’s unlikely to be enough.
Expect Detroit to control the game with its explosive offense and suffocating defense, extending their winning streak and putting on a show for the home crowd.
- Prediction: Detroit Lions 31, Chicago Bears 17
