Redemption Chance: Lions Aim for Thanksgiving Win After Seven Straight Losses

Detroit Looks to Break Thanksgiving Curse with Win Over Bears

The Detroit Lions are set to host their 85th Thanksgiving game today, a tradition that stretches back over 100 years. While Thanksgiving games have been a staple of the NFL since 1920 (with only a brief pause during World War II), the Lions’ record on this day has been a mix of highs and lows, with the team currently holding a 37-45-2 record.

A Tradition with History

The Lions first hosted a Thanksgiving game in 1934, marking a high point in their history. This was the same year they had one of their best regular seasons, a feat the franchise has yet to replicate until this year. Despite the ups and downs, Detroit has continued its Thanksgiving tradition, hosting games every year since 1945, with a notable break between 1938 and 1945.

However, the Lions’ performance on Thanksgiving hasn’t been much to celebrate in recent years. Their last Thanksgiving win came in 2016, and they’ve suffered losses in each of the past two years, including close defeats to the Buffalo Bills (28-25) in 2022 and the Green Bay Packers (29-22) last year. Still, memorable moments from Thanksgiving games live on, such as the infamous 1998 coin-flip debacle against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dave Williams’ game-winning overtime kickoff return for the Bears in 1980.

A New Era for Detroit’s Thanksgiving Tradition

This year, however, things feel different. The Lions are entering the Thanksgiving game with a 10-1 record, one of the league’s best, and they are favored by 10 points against the Chicago Bears. Detroit’s resurgence this season has brought new hope to the team and its fanbase. Even with the NFL’s option to flex late-season Thursday and Monday games, Thanksgiving games in Detroit remain a highly anticipated tradition, with the Lions now the team to watch, drawing more attention than the other Thanksgiving host, the Dallas Cowboys.

A Chance for Redemption

The Lions are determined to break their seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving and reclaim a victory in front of their home crowd. Head coach Dan Campbell and his players are fully aware of the significance of the game and the long history of disappointment on this day. The added motivation of facing a struggling Bears team makes this the perfect opportunity for the Lions to deliver a much-needed win, both for their own playoff hopes and to bring joy to their Thanksgiving celebration.

With the stage set and a victory in their sights, the Detroit Lions are ready to put their Thanksgiving woes behind them and claim a much-needed win over the Chicago Bears. For a team with so much promise this season, there is no better time than now to make history once again.