The 2026 NFL schedule release is here, and it's packed with intriguing matchups, especially for fans of the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears. The Lions will host the Bears on Thanksgiving Day, marking the 86th time these two teams face off on the holiday. This game will be a pivotal moment in the rivalry, with the Bears aiming to halt the Lions' recent success and the Lions seeking to reclaim their Thanksgiving Day dominance.
What makes this particular Thanksgiving Day game even more fascinating is the presence of Caleb Williams, the 2024 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick, leading the Bears. Williams will be up against Jared Goff, a familiar face for the Lions, and the talented Jahmyr Gibbs and Aidan Hutchinson. The Bears, under the leadership of head coach Ben Johnson, who was previously the Lions' offensive coordinator, will be looking to prove themselves against their former team.
The Lions, on the other hand, are coming off a 9-8 playoff-less season, but they've shown significant improvement since Dan Campbell took over in 2021. Their 23-20 victory over the Bears in the 2024 Thanksgiving Game was a testament to their resilience, despite a clock management gaffe by Williams and the Bears' coaches. This win marked the Lions' first Thanksgiving Day triumph since 2016, and it set the stage for another intense rivalry showdown.
The Bears hold the edge in the Thanksgiving Day rivalry, with an 11-9 record. However, the Lions have a rich history on the holiday, having played on Thanksgiving since 1934 and annually since 1945. The first-ever Thanksgiving Day game for the Lions was a memorable one, as the Bears defeated them 19-16 in 1934, with Bill Hewitt catching a game-winning touchdown from Bronko Nagurski. This long-standing tradition of Thanksgiving Day football in Detroit continues to captivate fans and create unforgettable moments.
The 2026 NFL schedule release, which will be unveiled on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, promises to be a significant event for football enthusiasts. NFL.com and NFL+ will provide extensive coverage, ensuring fans don't miss out on any of the action. With the Bears and Lions set to clash on Thanksgiving Day, the anticipation is high, and the stage is set for another memorable chapter in their rivalry.
