The Chicago Bears visit the Detroit Lions on Thursday 26 November 2026 at Ford Field in Detroit, the traditional early Thanksgiving fixture. The Lions have hosted a Thanksgiving game almost every year since 1934, and this NFC North meeting opens the holiday triple-header.
When and where
The game is played on Thanksgiving, Thursday 26 November 2026, at Ford Field in Detroit. It is the first of the day’s three games and a divisional clash with playoff implications in the NFC North.
The matchup
Chicago and Detroit know each other well as NFC North rivals who meet twice every season. The Lions have built one of the conference’s most explosive offences in recent years, while the Bears continue to develop around their young core. Familiarity and division pride add an edge to a fixture that often shapes the race for the division title.
Why this game matters
The Detroit Thanksgiving game is one of the most-watched fixtures of the regular season, drawing a national audience. A divisional result in late November can prove decisive in seedings, making this more than a holiday showcase.
How to watch
In the United States the game is shown on CBS or FOX. In the United Kingdom it is on Sky Sports and NFL Game Pass on DAZN, and internationally via NFL Game Pass on DAZN.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Lions Thanksgiving game in 2026? Thursday 26 November 2026 against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field.
Why do the Lions always play on Thanksgiving? Detroit has hosted a Thanksgiving game since 1934, a tradition that continues each year.
Where is the game played? Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.
See the full season on our NFL 2026 schedule.