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Thanksgiving football is a tradition, and this year’s 12:30 PM ET matchup between the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions on CBS looks to add to the list of classic encounters between these franchises. This rivalry game offers plenty to look forward to as these two teams making yet another Thanksgiving appearance. The Bears, battling through a tough season, face off against a Lions team riding the longest winning streak in the NFL. Can the Bears’ rookie quarterback Caleb Williams keep his recent momentum alive against a Lions team that looks like a bona fide Super Bowl contender?
The Chicago Bears enter this matchup at 4-7, having dropped five straight games. Despite their recent woes, there’s reason for optimism in Chicago, especially for the development of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Over the past two weeks, the Bears offense has shown significant improvement under interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown following the firing of Shane Waldron.
Williams, in particular, has begun to look like the franchise quarterback Chicago hoped for. He’s completed 55 of 78 passes for 571 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games while adding 103 rushing yards. Most impressively, he’s avoided turnovers during this stretch. His connection with star receiver DJ Moore has also taken a leap, with Moore recording 14 catches for 168 yards in the last two outings.
However, the Bears’ defensive struggles have been a glaring issue. After starting the season strong, their pass defense has faltered. They surrendered 330 yards and two touchdowns to Sam Darnold in Week 12 despite effectively shutting down star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Lions’ deep and balanced offense will present a significant challenge to this unit, especially given its recent inconsistency.
The Detroit Lions come into this Thanksgiving showdown as one of the NFL’s premier teams. Sitting at 10-1, the Lions have won nine straight games, including six by double digits. Their +177-point differential is the best in the league, and their offensive efficiency and defensive steadiness make them a true juggernaut.
Detroit’s offense is a well-oiled machine. Jared Goff has flourished in Ben Johnson’s system, spreading the ball to weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams. Gibbs has exploded onto the scene in recent weeks, complementing former Bear David Montgomery, who is expected to play despite a minor shoulder injury. This backfield duo has been lethal, with Gibbs providing a speed and elusiveness element to Montgomery’s bruising running style.
On defense, the Lions are no slouches. The combination of their balanced offense and opportunistic defense has been the formula for their dominance.
Caleb Williams vs. Detroit Secondary
Bears Defense vs. Lions Offense
David Montgomery vs. Former Team
This game pits two teams on very different trajectories. The Lions are playing with swagger and confidence while the Bears search for answers. Detroit’s ability to control the game with their balanced offense should prove too much for Chicago’s defense to handle.
That said, the Bears offense, led by Caleb Williams, has shown flashes of promise in recent weeks. Look for Williams to continue progressing and put up solid numbers as the Bears likely play from behind.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.