Thanksgiving Day is a special occasion for football fans in America, and the Detroit Lions have been a part of this tradition since 1934. For decades, the Lions have hosted a game on Thanksgiving Day, and the opponents for these games have varied over time. In this article, we will take a look at the Lions' Thanksgiving opponents in the past and future, and what this means for the team and its fans.
The tradition of the Lions playing on Thanksgiving Day began in 1934, when the team was still known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The Lions moved to Detroit the following year, and the tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Day game continued. Over the years, the Lions have played against a variety of opponents on Thanksgiving Day, including some of the NFL's most historic franchises.
The Past: A Look at the Lions' Thanksgiving Opponents
The Early Years
In the early years of the Lions' Thanksgiving Day tradition, the team played against several opponents from the NFL's Western Division. These opponents included the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers, and the Chicago Cardinals. During this time, the Lions had several memorable Thanksgiving Day victories, including a 26-7 win over the Packers in 1940 and a 42-10 victory over the Cardinals in 1945.
The 1970s and 1980s
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Lions' Thanksgiving opponents varied more widely. During this time, the team played against opponents from both the NFC and AFC, including the Dallas Cowboys, the Miami Dolphins, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some of the most memorable games during this time included the Lions' 27-14 win over the Dolphins in 1981 and their 45-28 victory over the Steelers in 1983.
The Future: A Look at the Lions' Upcoming Thanksgiving Opponents
The Next Few Seasons
In the next few seasons, the Lions' Thanksgiving opponents are already set. In 2023, the team will host the San Francisco 49ers, and in 2024, they will play against the Seattle Seahawks. These games should be exciting matchups, as both the 49ers and Seahawks are strong teams with talented players. It will be interesting to see how the Lions fare against these opponents on Thanksgiving Day.
Potential Future Opponents
Looking further into the future, it is difficult to predict exactly who the Lions will play on Thanksgiving Day. However, there are several potential opponents that could make for exciting matchups. These include the New England Patriots, the New Orleans Saints, and the Indianapolis Colts. Each of these teams has a strong fan base and a talented roster, and a game against them on Thanksgiving Day would be a great draw for fans.
Conclusion
The tradition of the Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving Day is a special one, and the team's opponents for these games have varied over time. From historic franchises like the Bears and Packers to more recent opponents like the Seahawks and 49ers, the Lions have faced a wide range of teams on Thanksgiving Day. As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see who the Lions will play in the years to come, and how the team will continue to add to the legacy of its Thanksgiving Day tradition.
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