The NFL’s Thanksgiving Tradition: Why the Lions vs. Bears in 2026 Feels Like Déjà Vu
Personally, I think the NFL’s Thanksgiving schedule has become a bit predictable, and the rumored 2026 matchup between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears is a perfect example. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions will once again host a division rival on the holiday, marking the fifth time in six seasons under coach Dan Campbell. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the league seems to be stuck in a loop, recycling the same matchups year after year. Sure, the Lions-Bears rivalry has history—20 Thanksgiving meetings, second only to the Cowboys-Washington games—but does familiarity breed excitement, or are we just settling for comfort?
The Rivalry That Keeps Giving (Whether We Like It or Not)
From my perspective, the Lions-Bears rivalry on Thanksgiving has become less about innovation and more about tradition for tradition’s sake. In 2021, the Bears edged out a 16-14 win during Campbell’s debut season. Fast forward to 2024, and the Lions flipped the script with a 23-20 victory. Now, in 2026, we’re expected to tune in for another round. What many people don’t realize is that the NFL could easily shake things up by pairing the Lions with a non-division opponent, as they did in 2022 with the Buffalo Bills. Instead, we’re left with a matchup that feels safe but lacks the spark of novelty.
Ben Johnson’s Return: A Subplot Worth Watching
One thing that immediately stands out is the return of Bears coach Ben Johnson to Detroit. Johnson, who left the Lions after the 2024 season, will be stepping back into familiar territory with a chip on his shoulder. Last season, the Lions handed the Bears a humiliating 52-21 defeat, and Johnson went 0-2 against his former team. If you take a step back and think about it, this game could be Johnson’s chance to prove he made the right move—or a painful reminder of what he left behind. This raises a deeper question: Can Johnson turn the Bears into a consistent threat in the NFC North, or will the Lions continue to dominate the division?
The NFC North Power Struggle
What this really suggests is that the NFL is banking on the NFC North’s competitiveness to draw viewers. The Bears are the defending division champions, but the Lions are the favorites heading into 2026. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the league is positioning this game as a Week 12 showdown between two relevant teams. But here’s the thing: while both teams are expected to contend, the matchup itself feels more like a safe bet than a bold statement. Are we witnessing a lack of creativity in scheduling, or is the NFL simply playing it safe to ensure ratings?
The Broader Implications: Tradition vs. Innovation
If we zoom out, the Lions-Bears Thanksgiving game is a microcosm of a larger trend in the NFL. The league often leans on established rivalries and familiar narratives rather than taking risks with fresh matchups. Personally, I think this approach undermines the potential for new storylines and unexpected moments. Imagine if the Lions faced a team like the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving—it would bring a whole new level of excitement. Instead, we’re left with a game that, while historically significant, feels like a missed opportunity.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Rethink Thanksgiving Football?
In my opinion, the NFL needs to rethink its approach to Thanksgiving scheduling. While tradition has its place, the league risks alienating fans who crave variety and innovation. The 2026 Lions-Bears matchup isn’t a bad game by any means, but it’s not exactly groundbreaking either. What makes this particularly frustrating is that the NFL has the power to create must-watch events by pairing teams in unexpected ways. Until then, we’re left with games like this one—solid, but not spectacular.
So, as we look ahead to 2026, I’ll be watching with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Will the Lions-Bears game live up to the hype, or will it feel like just another rerun? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the NFL could stand to take a few more risks. After all, isn’t that what makes sports so thrilling in the first place?
