Detroit Lions. Since 1934, the Lions have played nearly every Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day football is an American tradition, and no team is more closely associated with it than the Detroit Lions. Since 1934, the Lions have played nearly every Thanksgiving, creating memorable moments and fierce matchups. Over the years, certain opponents have elevated the spectacle, adding intensity, history, and entertainment value to the holiday. Here are the three best opponents the Detroit Lions can face on Thanksgiving, ranked.

When it comes to tradition and rivalry, no opponent fits the Thanksgiving spotlight better than the Green Bay Packers. As division rivals in the NFC North, the Lions and Packers have clashed in many heated battles, and their meetings always come with high stakes and passionate fanbases. The Packers are the most frequent Thanksgiving opponent for the Lions, having played Detroit over 20 times on the holiday. From the days of Bart Starr and Barry Sanders to Aaron Rodgers’ dominance and Detroit’s modern resurgence, these matchups are rarely boring.

Beyond just rivalry, the Packers bring star power, national interest, and a classic feel to the game. No matter the records, this matchup pulls viewers, making it the most natural and compelling Thanksgiving fixture for Detroit. The colors, the tradition, and the drama—it’s hard to top Lions vs. Packers on Thanksgiving.

Another NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears, make for an excellent Thanksgiving opponent due to their shared history with the Lions. This matchup dates back to the earliest days of the NFL, and the Bears were actually the Lions’ first opponent in their inaugural Thanksgiving game in 1934. The gritty, blue-collar identity of both franchises fits the working-class ethos of Thanksgiving Day football.

The Bears and Lions have played more than a dozen times on Thanksgiving, and their contests tend to be hard-fought and defensive-minded, appealing to old-school football fans. While the rivalry may lack some of the glamour of Packers-Lions, the history and evenly matched nature of many games make this an ideal Thanksgiving pairing.

Although the Dallas Cowboys traditionally host their own Thanksgiving game, a rare Lions-Cowboys showdown on Turkey Day would be a national event. These two storied franchises have had notable playoff battles, including Detroit’s thrilling 1991 victory in the Divisional Round. When they meet, it’s usually an explosive contest.

Having the Cowboys face the Lions on Thanksgiving—perhaps in a future schedule twist or neutral site event—would electrify the fanbase. With big names, high-scoring offenses, and massive TV audiences, a Lions-Cowboys Thanksgiving matchup would be a true spectacle. Though rare, it ranks high based on potential and prestige.

Another NFC North team, the Vikings also bring rivalry and relevance, but their Thanksgiving history with Detroit is more limited. Still, it’s a solid matchup for tradition’s sake.

Whether it’s rivalry-fueled clashes with the Packers and Bears or a potential marquee battle with the Cowboys, the Detroit Lions thrive under the Thanksgiving spotlight. These opponents bring the best out of Detroit—and the holiday tradition.