The Chicago Bears are set to travel to face the Detroit Lions for the opening game of the 2026 NFL Thanksgiving Day slate, according to @AdamSchefter.
The divisional matchup will take place at Ford Field in Detroit, continuing the Lions' nearly century-long tradition of hosting the first kickoff on the holiday. Scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 26, the game will serve as the early window contest in the league's annual Thanksgiving tripleheader. This high-stakes NFC North clash is expected to be a centerpiece of the holiday broadcast schedule.
The announcement comes as part of the NFL's staggered schedule reveal ahead of the full 2026 season release tonight. Earlier this week, officials also confirmed that the Dallas Cowboys will host the Philadelphia Eagles in the afternoon Thanksgiving slot. Additionally, the league is introducing a historic "Thanksgiving Eve" game on Wednesday, Nov. 25, featuring the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams on Netflix.
Television broadcast details and the matchup for the Thanksgiving primetime game are expected to be finalized when the full schedule is released at 8 p.m. ET this evening.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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