Lions, Turkeys and Bears, Oh My: Detroit Lions v. Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day

By Mike Bednarsky (Patch Staff)

The Chicago Bears head to the Motor City on Thanksgiving to face the Detroit Lions. The game airs on CBS and begins at 11:30 a.m. Central time on Thursday, Nov. 27.

Much is on the line for the 7-4 Lions, who have a chance at the playoffs and can’t afford a loss at home to the rival Bears. Las Vegas casinos give the Lions the edge. But Detroit’s hot start aside, the International Business Times says that though Chicago has a tough time winning on the road, they might be able to keep the game close.

Lately, the Bears have been playing more like turkeys than Bears, however, laying giant eggs and flailing helplessly as if ready for slaughter. Will Thursday prove to be a day of Thanksgiving for Bears fans, or a day for indigestion?

Elite receiver Calvin Johnson of the Lions is one of the best in the league. Photo: Creative Commons

Here’s a little history on the Bears-Lions rivalry.

(Ancient) History

The Lions have hosted the Bears on Thanksgiving 15 times since they moved to Detroit in 1934, which is second most in franchise history behind the Packers at 21 times, reports Carlos Monarrez in the Free Press. These NFC North rivals first went toe-to-toe on the Thanksgiving of that year. The Bears edged out the Lions with a 19-16 win.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the 1934 Lions had not allowed a touchdown until their eighth game and entered the game against the Bears with a 10-1 record. Chicago had an 11-0 record and finished the season undefeated before losing to the New York Giants in the NFL Championship.

The 26,000 tickets for the Turkey Day clash in the University of Detroit Stadium were sold out two weeks in advance of the game. The event received national attention, sparking the tradition of Thanksgiving games in Detroit.

The Chicago Bears, including when the franchise had different names, have played on Thanksgiving 33 times and have an all-time record of 16-17 on the holiday.

(Recent) History

Bears fans expect a lot. And with memories of Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, Mike Ditka, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Sid Luckman and a pantheon of NFL greats to draw upon, rightfully so. But the Cutler-era has been mediocre at best. A divisional playoff win over the Seahawks in 2010 is arguably his strongest highlight to date. And with a record of 5-6 this season, Marc Trestman’s lukewarm results haven’t inspired faith, either.

Detroit’s strongest season in recent history was 2011, thanks to a pass-heavy squad that led them to a 10-6 record and a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. It was their first playoff berth since 1999. They were a flash in the pan as they relapsed to a losing record the following year. These Lions are looking to avoid losing three games in a row.

Things to Remember

• The Detroit Lions, at a respectable 7-4, must tread lightly after losing right guard Larry Warford and now left tackle Riley Reiff.
• As Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling noted, Matt Forté has just three 100-yard outings this season on the ground and has scored just five times. The Bears will fare better if he can get in Detroit’s head.
• Matthew Stafford completed just 18 of his 46 passes last Sunday against New England, and that gave him the lowest single-game completion percentage (39.1) in his career. If his inconsistency continues, the Lions will struggle.
• No matter how much he defends his coaching decisions, Trestman is still in the hot seat. He won’t stop thinking about it and neither will we. The goal is to get to .500 and sneak into the playoffs.
• Detroit has a top-ranked run defense and the 10th slot in passing. Chicago’s rushing rank is a solid 12, but they only manage 260 passing yards a game.
• Over/Under: 47
• Spread: Detroit (-7)

Looking Ahead

The Bears have the tougher schedule ahead with bouts against Dallas, the New Orleans Saints and a Lions encore at home in late December. Detroit has the chance to sail through match-ups with the Bucs’ and Vikings before their anticipated regular season closer at Lambeau Field.

Who do you think will take this game? Leave your scores, comments and fantasy pick banter below.