Detroit Lions seek Thanksgiving victory for the first time since 2016

On November 28, 2024, the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears at Ford Field for their annual Thanksgiving Day football game. The Lions aimed to extend their winning streak to ten games and secure a second consecutive playoff berth, a significant milestone for the team and its fans. The matchup is particularly historical for the Lions, as they have participated in Thanksgiving games since 1934, with the exception of a six-year break during World War II. Though the Lions have a storied tradition of playing on Thanksgiving, they have not secured a victory on this day since 2016 when they edged out the Minnesota Vikings in a close contest, thanks to a last-minute field goal by kicker Matt Prater. In the previous encounter on Thanksgiving, the Lions' defense made a critical play in the closing moments of the game. Darius Slay intercepted a pass from quarterback Sam Bradford and returned it, setting up Prater's game-winning 40-yard field goal. That triumph allowed the Lions to take the lead in the NFC North standings. However, despite this victory positioning them well for the playoffs, the Lions faced a disappointing end to their season, losing their last three games and a contentious wild-card playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. As the Lions prepared for their upcoming Thanksgiving game against the Bears, they were aware that they have struggled against their division rivals in recent years, having lost the last three Thanksgiving meetings (2021, 2019, and 2018) to the Bears. Historically, the Bears have a favorable record against the Lions on Thanksgiving, winning 11 out of the 19 meetings. The Lions' all-time Thanksgiving record stood at 37 wins, 45 losses, and 2 ties, indicating that although they have a long-standing tradition, their performance on this holiday has often been disappointing. The stakes for the Thanksgiving game were high for the Lions. They found themselves in a tight race for the playoffs, with their current position atop the NFC North sensitive to the outcomes of other teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. Victory for the Lions would not only mark a much-awaited Thanksgiving success but also significantly enhance their playoff prospects. Meanwhile, the game featured a halftime show, creating an exciting festive atmosphere for fans and players alike as they hoped for a long-awaited victory on this cherished football holiday.