A Century of Competition: Bears vs. Lions Upcoming Game Info & History

When Do the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions Play Next?

Chicago Bears tickets and Detroit Lions tickets can be found on their respective team pages, along with schedule information.

Are the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions Rivals?

Yes, the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions are rivals on multiple fronts. Not only do the two teams play in the same NFL division, the NFC North, but the Bears and Lions also have a geographic rival. The road between Detroit and Chicago is a mere 281 miles, and the two franchises compete for the same share of fans.

Who are the Chicago Bears’ Biggest Rivals?

In 2020, the Chicago Bears celebrated their 100th season in the NFL, and in that time they’ve formed several intense rivalries. Their number one rival, and one of the most heated rivalries in all of football, is with division foe Green Bay Packers. The Bears also have divisional rivalries with the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. Finally, the Bears have historic rivalries with the Arizona Cardinals (who used to be located in Chicago) and the New York Giants.

Who are the Detroit Lions’ Biggest Rivals?

The Detroit Lions came into the fold of the NFL 10 years after the Bears, but still have their share of rivalries in the league. The Lions most intense rivals are all within the confines of the NFC North: the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions also have a rivalry with the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Game Results Between the Lions & Bears

Between 1930 and 2024, the Lions and Bears have played 188 times, with Chicago holding an edge in record, 105-78-5. The Bears also notched the victory in the lone postseason matchup, a 9-0 win in 1932 for the NFL title.

Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions History

The rivalry between the Bears and the Lions is the longest-running annual series in NFL history. Detroit and Chicago have played every season since 1930, with Detroit winning the first game over Chicago 7-6 on October 22, 1930. One of the first signature games of the series occurred in 1934, when the Lions hosted an annual Thanksgiving game to draw fans. That season, the Bears entered the game with an 11-0 record, while the Lions were 10-1. Eventually, Chicago came from behind to win 19-16 in front of a sold-out crowd. The two teams have met 18 times on Thanksgiving Day, with Chicago winning 10 to Detroit’s eight wins.

Many of Chicago’s notable wins were come-from-behind victories, but perhaps none as memorable as the week one game in 2020. Detroit led Chicago 23-6 late in the fourth quarter. But Chicago scored 21 straight to take a 27-23 with just under two minutes left in the game. Detroit had a chance to answer, with Matthew Stafford hitting then-rookie running-back D’Andre Swift in the endzone for a touchdown, but Swift dropped the pass. Chicago would hold onto victory.

Where Do the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears Play?

The Detroit Lions play at Ford Field, located in downtown Detroit. Aptly named after Ford motor company, a staple in Detroit, Ford Field has been the Lions’ home since 2000. The stadium has a maximum capacity of 65,000 for football.

The Chicago Bears have called Soldier Field their home since 1971. Although it was built nearly 100 years ago, marking it the oldest stadium in the NFL, Soldier Field was reconstructed in 2003. With a 61,500 seat capacity, it is also the smallest stadium in the NFL. Soldier Field and Ford Field have very similar design philosophies, with the architect of Ford Field even calling the former an inspiration in design.

Other NFL Rivalries