Thanksgiving Day in the NFL is a tradition as rich as pumpkin pie, and this year, the Chicago Bears are set to clash with the Detroit Lions in a classic holiday matchup. For fans wondering, What Time Do The Bears Play Today? You’ve come to the right place for all the details on this highly anticipated game. Ford Field in Detroit will be the battleground as these NFC North rivals face off, adding another chapter to their storied Thanksgiving history.
The Chicago Bears enter this Thanksgiving game looking to break a five-game losing streak. Despite their recent struggles, the Bears have historically found a silver lining when playing in Detroit on Thanksgiving. Bears fans are hoping that past success can inspire a much-needed victory in the Motor City.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are having an exceptional season. Boasting a 10-1 record, they are among the top teams in the NFL and are determined to continue their winning momentum against the visiting Bears. This game is crucial for both teams for very different reasons, setting the stage for a compelling Thanksgiving Day contest.
So, when can you catch this exciting game? Let’s dive into the details you need to know.
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Game Time
Mark your calendars and set your alarms! The Chicago Bears versus Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game is scheduled to kick off at 11:30 a.m. Central Time. This game is the opening act for your Thanksgiving Day football feast, broadcast nationally on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+.
This early kickoff time means you can enjoy the Bears-Lions game as a perfect appetizer before the later Thanksgiving Day matchups. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or looking for a pre-dinner entertainment, tuning in to watch the Bears and Lions battle it out is a fantastic way to start your holiday.
Why the Detroit Lions and Thanksgiving are Synonymous
The Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving is as much a tradition as turkey and stuffing. But have you ever wondered why the Lions are always a fixture of the Thanksgiving Day NFL schedule?
The tradition dates back to George Richards, who purchased the Portsmouth Spartans and relocated them to Detroit. Recognizing the potential to build fan engagement and create a unique identity for his team, Richards initiated the Thanksgiving Day game in the Lions’ very first season in Detroit. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, this bold move in 1934 was designed to boost the team’s popularity in a crowded sports market and has become a cherished annual event ever since. This strategic decision proved incredibly successful, solidifying the Lions and Thanksgiving as inseparable in the world of professional football.
While the Lions have become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day football, their on-field performance on this holiday has been a mixed bag. Despite their current strong season, the Lions have historically struggled on Thanksgiving, enduring a seven-game losing streak until recently. Interestingly, three of those losses were at the hands of the Chicago Bears, with the most recent Bears victory occurring in 2021.
This year marks the 20th time the Bears and Lions will clash on Thanksgiving, making it the second-most played Thanksgiving matchup in the NFL. The Chicago Bears currently hold a historical advantage in these Thanksgiving encounters, with 11 wins to the Lions’ 8.
According to NBC Sports, the Detroit Lions’ overall Thanksgiving record stands at 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties. The Chicago Bears, on the other hand, have a 20-15-2 record on Thanksgiving Day games. These historical records add another layer of intrigue to this Thanksgiving Day showdown.
More Thanksgiving Day NFL Action
If you’re a football fan, Thanksgiving Day is truly a feast. Beyond the Bears versus Lions game, there are two other exciting NFL matchups to enjoy:
- Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants: Following the Bears-Lions game, the Dallas Cowboys will host the New York Giants at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. This NFC East rivalry game will be broadcast on Fox.
- Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins: Concluding the Thanksgiving Day NFL tripleheader, the Green Bay Packers will welcome the Miami Dolphins to Lambeau Field for a night game kicking off at 7:20 p.m. Eastern Time. This game will air on NBC.
With a full slate of Thanksgiving Day NFL games, football fans have plenty to be thankful for. So, gather your family and friends, prepare your Thanksgiving feast, and settle in for a day of thrilling football action, starting with the Chicago Bears taking on the Detroit Lions.
