Detroit has hosted the first game on American Thanksgiving for decades and nowadays it’s often the only time when this struggling franchise has a sellout crowd. The Lions first hosted a game on that U.S. holiday in 1934.

They have followed a four-game winning streak on Thanksgiving with back-to-back losses. It was to these Bears last year 23-16 as Chicago completed the season sweep. With starting QB Mitchell Trubisky out injured, Chase Daniel threw for 230 yards and two scores for the Bears. Eddie Jackson had the game-winning 41-yard interception return for a touchdown with around six minutes left. Matthew Stafford threw two picks for the Lions but remains out currently with fractured bones in his back. LeGarrette Blount ran for two scores but is no longer with the team.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Both teams are playing out the string at this point in 2019 with the Bears trying for another season sweep. Chicago beat visiting Detroit 20-13 in Week 10. Trubisky had a rare good game this year in throwing three touchdown passes, although for just 173 yards. The Lions outgained the Bears 357-226. Stafford missed that one and Jeff Driskel threw for a touchdown and had an interception.

The Bears are 5-1-1 ATS in the past seven meetings. The under is 6-2 in the previous eight.

Chicago Bears

The Bears kept their very slim playoff hopes alive (there’s no chance) Sunday with a 19-14 home win over a bad New York Giants team. Trubisky threw for 278 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted twice. He also ran for a score. Allen Robinson had a season-high 131 yards receiving and a TD. Khalil Mack had a strip-sack that would eventually lead to a Chicago touchdown. Starting linebacker Danny Trevathan was out with an ankle injury and isn’t likely for Thursday. Right tackle Bobby Massie suffered an ankle injury and will miss some time. Chicago has covered nine of its past 10 vs. NFC North foes.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have lost four in a row and seven of eight and it could cost second-year head coach Matt Patricia his job after the season. Stafford missed his third straight game Sunday – he’s almost surely done for the season as there’s just no point in him playing now and risking major injury – and Detroit lost 19-16 at a Washington Redskins team that entered with one victory. Detroit led 16-13 with two minutes remaining. Jeff Driskel had a terrible interception with less than a minute left. It was his third pick of the day. He should not be starting in the NFL. Bo Scarbrough was a bright spot with 98 yards rushing on 18 carries. A total of five starters, mostly on defence, missed the game injured. The Lions have failed to cover six straight games.

Who Will Win Bears vs. Lions?