In a season already brimming with broken records and shattered expectations, the Detroit Lions have reached yet another milestone. With their heart-stopping 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, the Lions have roared to an 11-1 start—the best in the franchise’s 94-year history.
Ending the Turkey Day Drought
For head coach Dan Campbell and his team, this win carried extra significance. Not only did it extend their astounding run, but it also snapped a seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving. The last time the Lions emerged victorious on this holiday was back in 2016.
As Campbell told reporters after the game:
We talked all week about how important this game was, not just for our record but for our city, our fans. To end that Turkey Day drought, to give our supporters something to really cheer about while they’re enjoying their Thanksgiving—that’s special.
– Lions head coach Dan Campbell
Offense Feasts Early
In the first half, it was the Lions’ high-powered offense that took center stage. Quarterback Jared Goff dissected the Bears’ secondary, completing 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His favorite target? Second-year tight end Sam LaPorta, who hauled in both scores.
Meanwhile, the dynamic running back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery gashed the Bears on the ground, combining for an impressive 175 rushing yards. The Lions’ 18 first downs dwarfed Chicago’s mere two in the opening half, painting a picture of total domination.
Bears Battle Back
However, the second half saw a dramatic shift. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, the top pick in 2024’s draft, found his groove. The rookie connected with veteran receiver Keenan Allen for three second-half touchdowns, including a 31-yard strike on the opening drive of the third quarter.
Suddenly, the Lions’ lead evaporated, and a once-certain victory hung in the balance. It was a stern test for a Detroit defense that had not allowed a touchdown in 12 straight quarters entering the day.
Defensive Stand Seals the Win
In the end, though, that proud defense made the play that mattered most. With the Bears driving for a potential tying or go-ahead score in the waning seconds, the Lions’ pass rush delivered. As time expired, Williams was sacked, securing Detroit’s historic triumph.
The gutsy win was especially impressive considering the Lions were without several key defenders due to injury:
- Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson
- Linebacker Alex Anzalone
- Defensive lineman John Cominsky
- Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu
- Special teams standout Jalen Reeves-Maybin
After the game, an emotional Hutchinson celebrated with his teammates from the sideline, “I’m so proud of these guys. To hold on like that, to find a way…that’s what this team is all about. That’s why we’re special.”
Playoff Destiny in Sight
At 11-1, the Lions now have a three-game lead in the NFC North. According to projections, they have a 98% chance to make the playoffs and a 72% likelihood of earning a first-round bye.
For a franchise that has never reached a Super Bowl and hasn’t won a playoff game since 1992, this is rarified air. The excitement in Detroit is palpable. Fans are daring to dream of a deep postseason run, perhaps even a championship parade down Woodward Avenue.
Of course, Goff and his teammates know there is still a long way to go. “This is an incredible start, and we should be proud of that,” the quarterback acknowledged. “But we haven’t accomplished anything yet. The job’s not finished.”
The Lions will look to keep their magical season rolling next Thursday night, Dec. 5, when they host the Green Bay Packers. A win would set a new franchise mark for consecutive regular-season victories.
For now, though, Campbell is content to savor this moment. “Eleven and one, it’s pretty amazing to say that. To do it in front of our home crowd, on Thanksgiving…I’ll never forget this day. None of us will.”
Neither will Lions fans worldwide. Because for the first time in a long time, their team is the talk of the NFL—for all the right reasons. The future looks bright. The present is even brighter. On Thanksgiving 2024, the Detroit Lions gave their city a reason to believe once more.
