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2026 NFL Schedule: Lions vs. Bears on Thanksgiving, Road Games Late in Season

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Detroit has swept the season series the last two years (four-game win streak).
Bears coach Ben Johnson aims to break that streak.

Week 12: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

  • Date: Thursday, Nov. 26, 1 p.m. (CBS)
  • Location: Ford Field, Detroit

The Lions seek a fifth consecutive win against the Bears. Chicago won the NFC North in 2025 but lost both meetings to Detroit last season, including 52-21 at Ford Field. This is the sixth time in 12 years these teams play on Thanksgiving; Chicago leads the series 3-2 in that span. They have faced off 20 times on Thanksgiving, the second-most such meetings in NFL history.

Week 13: Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons

  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m. (CBS)
  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Detroit aims to improve December performance after a 1-3 record in 2025. The matchup features running backs Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) and Bijan Robinson (Falcons), the first two RBs taken in the 2023 draft. Through three seasons: Robinson has 3,910 rushing yards, 198 receptions, 34 total TDs; Gibbs has 3,580 rushing yards, 181 receptions, 49 total TDs.

Week 14: Detroit Lions vs. Tennessee Titans

  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m. (FOX)
  • Location: Ford Field, Detroit

Last meeting (2024): Lions won 52-14. Titans quarterback Cam Ward enters his second season after 3,169 passing yards, 15 TDs, 7 INTs as a rookie; he was sacked 55 times (tied for league lead).

Week 15: Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings

  • Date: Sunday, Dec. 20, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
  • Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

Detroit lost in Minnesota last December (23-10 on Christmas). The Vikings' quarterback at this stage could be J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray.

Week 16: Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants

  • Date: Monday, Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN)
  • Location: Ford Field, Detroit

Detroit has won the last four meetings, including a 34-27 overtime win last November. The Giants added young and veteran talent; they feature a strong pass rush and a young offensive core led by quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Week 17: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears

  • Date: Sunday, Jan. 3, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
  • Location: Soldier Field, Chicago

Detroit has swept the season series the last two years (four-game win streak). Bears coach Ben Johnson aims to break that streak. Weather may be a factor. The Bears offense ranked top 10 in rushing (3rd), passing (10th), and total offense in 2025; quarterback Caleb Williams is a developing star.

Week 18: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

  • Date: TBD