The action will begin on Thanksgiving Eve when the Green Bay Packers travel to Los Angeles to face Matthew Stafford and the Rams in a high-profile primetime showdown. With the Rams once again viewed as serious championship contenders, the matchup immediately gives fans one of the biggest games of the entire week before Thanksgiving officially even begins.

Then comes a stacked Thanksgiving Day tripleheader. The Chicago Bears will visit the Detroit Lions in the traditional early game before the Dallas Cowboys host the Philadelphia Eagles in one of the NFL’s biggest rivalries. But the main event arrives at night when Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium in what could easily become one of the most anticipated games of the entire 2026 season.

NFL loaded Thanksgiving week with blockbuster matchups

As if the Thanksgiving schedule itself were not enough, the NFL also added another major matchup for Black Friday. The Pittsburgh Steelers, potentially led by Aaron Rodgers if he ultimately signs with the franchise, will host the Denver Broncos in another game possibly loaded with playoff implications and national attention.

The overall lineup reflects the NFL’s strategy of placing its biggest brands and most marketable stars in standalone windows during one of the most watched sports weekends of the year. Between Mahomes, Allen, Stafford, the Cowboys, Eagles, Steelers, and possibly Rodgers, the league managed to stack nearly every marquee attraction into a single holiday stretch.

On paper, this already looks like one of the strongest Thanksgiving football schedules the NFL has ever assembled. If the teams involved live up to expectations, the 2026 holiday slate could easily become one of the most memorable weekends of the entire season.

Miller left the Bucs in 2022 after failing to replicate his 2020 production. He then joined the Atlanta Falcons and, most recently, was part of the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent the past two seasons as a depth piece and special teams contributor.

Now, Miller joins a high-powered offense led by quarterback Caleb Williams. While he is not expected to be a primary target, his presence on the roster could be key in the explosive offense that Ben Johnson is known for, utilizing every weapon available.

As of today, Rome Odunze is the WR1 following DJ Moore’s trade to the Buffalo Bills. Luther Burden III serves as the WR2, and Kalif Raymond is the primary third-string option. The wide receiver group is rounded out by Zavion Thomas, Maurice Alexander, Jahdae Walker, JP Richardson, Omari Kelly, Squirrel White, and, obviously, Scotty Miller.

The Bears are solid, but Moore’s exit raises concerns

Last year, the Bears flourished with Ben Johnson as their new head coach. He arrived as a high-profile hire with an extraordinary offensive mindset, which helped Caleb Williams showcase his skills brilliantly.

Unfortunately, the team lost DJ Moore this offseason. The departure of the veteran wide receiver could have a significant impact on the offense, especially with the quick promotion of Rome Odunze to the WR1 role and the lack of an established veteran behind him.

Burden, a 2025 second-round pick, had a solid rookie season last year. However, fans are concerned that moving on from Moore may have been premature and that the experiment of relying on Burden as the definitive WR2 may be too risky.

Ben Johnson has had his eyes on Scotty Miller since his days in Tampa Bay

There is a clear strategy behind Scotty Miller’s arrival in Chicago. Ben Johnson has followed his career since Miller’s tenure with the Buccaneers, and Miller’s connection with Bears wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El was a key factor in the decision to sign him.

“He’s got a history with [wide receivers] coach [Antwaan] Randle El,” Bears coach Ben Johnson told reporters. “Randle El was with him when he was a young buck there in Tampa, so there are some shared experiences. Looking forward to seeing him run around and compete a little bit. From afar, I’ve been able to see the speed, quickness. [He’s] certainly very intriguing.”

“It was good for me to be able to see, to be able to feel, to be able to go out there and win games,” Williams said at the start of voluntary workouts. “But that wasn’t my goal, that’s not my goal. That’s not where I want to be. I want to be the best. I want to win. I want to be, as we call it, a world champion, a Super Bowl champion. I want to be the best Bears quarterback, best quarterback.

“Yes, that was a good steppingstone for me, but that wasn’t the last stepping stone. Being able to grow off of last year and be able to progress in ways that I want to. That last year wasn’t really anything. It was a good year and we’ve got many more good years coming up.”

Caleb Williams’ standout 2025 season

Caleb Williams enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2025, firmly establishing himself as the face of the Chicago Bears franchise. Starting every game for the second consecutive year, Williams set a new Bears single-season record with 3,942 passing yards and finished the year with an impressive 27-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

His poise under pressure was historically significant, as he led the team to seven late-game comebacks—an NFL record since 1970—including a spectacular overtime game-winner against the Packers. By leading Chicago to an 11–6 record and their first NFC North title since 2018, Williams proved he is one of the league’s elite young signal-callers.

Entering the history books of the Bears

Making his way into the history of this franchise will not be an easy task for Caleb Williams. Names such as Sid Luckman, who revolutionized the position in the 1940s, and Jay Cutler, the franchise leader in passing yards (23,443) and touchdowns (154), belong to a select group of idols.

Additionally, the name of Jim McMahon cannot be overlooked. Led by him, they managed to win Super Bowl XX after defeating the New England Patriots 46–10.

Ben Johnson aims to keep the Bears at the top

The arrival of Ben Johnson brought a major boost in quality to a team that had been struggling for some time in the NFC North. Now the message is crystal clear: maintain the standard of an elite team, something that Caleb Williams agrees with.

”My answer is, ‘Yes, sir. Let’s do it,'” Williams said of Johnson. ”He is going to push me. I am going to push myself and I’m going to push my teammates. And he’s going to push my teammates and things like that.

“We’re going to find ways to get better. We’re going to find ways to reach where we want to reach. That starts with the detail. That starts with the everyday. That starts with the week-to-week of finding ways to get better.””

Bears aim to improve on their last season

The Chicago Bears set the bar high last season and will look to win the division again. However, it won’t be easy, as they will face tough competition from the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Lions, and the Minnesota Vikings.

These are the opponents they will face, with the goal of achieving their main objective of returning to a Super Bowl:

While not compelled to trade Lawrence, New York may find it best to move on from its star defensive lineman rather than drag out the drama and risk tension inside the locker room. If that’s the case, a report indicates the Giants have established their asking price for Lawrence to the rest of the NFL. As a result, the Bills and Bears may have a significant advantage over the Packers and Jaguars.

The Giants are reportedly asking for a late first-round or second-round 2026 selection in return for Lawrence. Chicago and Buffalo both have late first-round picks (25th and 26th overall picks, respectively) for the upcoming NFL Draft, whereas Green Bay and Jacksonville have both traded their first-rounders (20th and 24th overall, respectively).

The Packers and Jags could always make a trade to get back into the first round of the draft, but the odds of them making a move for a first-rounder only to send it to the Giants are slim. Thus, the Bills and Bears could be in pole position to make a trade for Lawrence happen. Both teams could really use a powerful nose tackle, and “Sexy Dexy” may be the best option out there, even as he comes off a down year in East Rutherford.

If it comes down to a second-round pick

In case the Giants settle for a second-round pick in a move involving Lawrence II, then the Bills could be in trouble. Buffalo traded its second-rounder (60th overall) to none other than Chicago, that has two picks in the second round (57th and 60th overall).

As for the Jaguars and Packers, they could tilt the scale in their favor thanks to their second-rounders. Still, it seems Jacksonville (56th) and Green Bay (52nd) would have to give up something more to come away with Lawrence. Especially if Chicago is in the mix, and is serious about bolstering its defense that recorded just 35 sacks last season—tied for fifth-least in the NFL.

Lawrence’s stats in 2025

Coming off a career year in 2024, Lawrence seemed to be missing a gear in the 2025 NFL season. He followed his career-high 9-sack campaign in 2024 with a measly 0.5 sacks the following year. Considering Lawrence missed five games in 2024 and didn’t miss a single outing in 2025, his low production definitely raised concerns in New York.

Now, he is looking for a fresh start elsewhere. Lawrence isn’t interested in seeing what John Harbaugh can make happen in the Big Apple. Whether the feeling is reciprocal or not remains to be seen. One thing is clear, though: the Giants won’t give Lawrence away. If New York trades him, it won’t be for peanuts.

“I wanted to play in Ben’s offense,” Raymond said to Dan Pompei of TheAthletic.com. As for the reasoning, Raymond was also very clear. Johnson is “extraordinarily creative, and honestly, you can be in any spot on the offense, and he will find a way to get you the ball. Just to be under him is a great privilege.”

Raymond played for Johnson in Detroit when he was the offensive coordinator. Judging by this move, his loyalty was with the coach, not the team. At 32 years old, Raymond is trying to milk the last good years of his NFL career.

Raymond’s numbers under Johnson

In three years under Johnson, Raymond had 99 catches, for 1,320 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 13.3 yards per reception. He was never atop of the depth chart, but Johnson found ways to utilize him in an effective way.

It seems like Raymond really valued that side of Johnson, hence his wish to reunite with him. Raymond is just 5’8″ and 180 lbs, but used properly, his speed can make a difference in the Bears‘ offense.

How is the Bears’ WR room looking?

Rome Odunze is the clear-cut WR1 of the team right now. Luther Burden III comes next in the pecking order, and Raymond is likely to be put in the slot position, at least for the next season.

Also, the Bears have two great tight ends in Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, who are as good as receiving as they are blocking. Ben Johnson also loves using his tight ends, so they are a big part of the passing game.

With Moore now in the picture, the Bills could be less likely to chase other star wideouts such as Jaylen Waddle or Mike Evans. Analyst Ted Nguyen raised questions about the financial implications of the move. “Going to be hard to go after Mike Evans with this contract on the books. Not sure if Moore is the solution to the Bills WR issues.”

The acquisition could therefore represent both an upgrade and a commitment for the Bills as they chase the Super Bowl. While Moore is a productive receiver who can immediately contribute to the offense, the contract attached to the trade may make it difficult for Buffalo to pursue additional blockbuster moves at wide receiver.

Did the Bears trade DJ Moore?

Yes. The Chicago Bears traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills in a move with huge implications for Josh Allen and his new era under head coach Joe Brady. According to a report from Adam Schefter, the compensation could be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Is Mike Evans a free agent?

Yes. Mike Evans is a free agent after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t give him a contract extension. Now, with DJ Moore off the market, he is probably the top target at the position for many teams.

According to reports, the Eagles are looking for a trade partner for A.J. Brown, with the potential asking price already set. However, the Bills are no longer expected to be part of that conversation.

According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Buffalo’s trade for D.J. Moore closes the door on a potential move for A.J. Brown. Now, the Eagles must look for another landing spot for the star wide receiver with teams still in need of a top target.

A.J. Brown can still join a Super Bowl contender

Despite missing out on the chance to join Josh Allen with the Bills, A.J. Brown could still have a market among Super Bowl contenders. Nevertheless, his options appear to be limited at the moment.

Brown is not the only top wide receiver being closely monitored by contenders. Other wideouts such as Mike Evans, Jaylen Waddle, and Stefon Diggs—who was released by the Patriots on Wednesday—are also strong options for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

If A.J. Brown truly wants to leave Philadelphia, he may need to put pressure on the front office to pursue a trade soon, as several teams are already making moves for other star receivers while the Eagles take a slower approach this offseason.

For the Bills, DJ Moore will undoubtedly be the WR1. Following him, slot receiver Khalil Shakir will continue to be a solid option. Then, thrid-year WR Keon Coleman is poised to bring a physical presence to the WR room and finally exploit his potential. Other WRs on the roster are Curtis Samuel, Joshua Palmer, and Tyrell Shavers.

As for the Bears, they will trust Rome Odunze to be the certified WR1 of the team. They also have speedy Luther Burden III on the roster. Jahdae Walker, and Devin Duvernay round up the WR corp.

DJ Moore will reunite with Joe Brady

DJ Moore knows the Bills head coach very well. Moore and Joe Brady had a time together when both were on the Carolina Panthers. Brady was the offensive coordinator, and Moore had 1,193 receiving yards and a career-high 18.1 yards per catch. This happened during the 2020 season.

Moore has surpassed the 1,000-yard treshold in four of his eight years in the NFL. However, he is coming from his worst year of production with only 683 yards and six touchdowns. The hope is Brady and Josh Allen can now recover Moore’s best version for the Bills.

The Bears are now in need of another wideout

The fact that Moore is gone also affected another star WR. However, it’s the Bears the ones that are now on the market. Odunze has 1,395 yards in two years in the NFL. Trusting him to all of a sudden become a top-tier WR is a heavy task.

The Bears have the 25th overall pick. Whether they have someone scouted to pick them there or they’re going for any of the other big names in free agency remains to be seen. The fact is the Bears need one more elite wideout to help Caleb Williams.

“One player who has strong trade value and a decent chance to be dealt is Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. The Titans, Raiders and Giants are among teams interested in high-end linebackers, and they like Edmunds, who’s only 27 despite eight years in the league. He was granted permission to seek a trade earlier this week,” Benton wrote.

Edmunds has an option to exit his contract before the start of the 2026 season. If he remains with the team, he is due $13.9 million, $1 million less than the previous year, in what would be the final season of the four-year, $72 million deal he signed with the Bears.

Why would Edmunds be a target for the Giants?

There is already a connection between Edmunds and the Giants that some may not realize. He was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills when a former Bills executive, who now works in the Giants’ front office, helped make that selection. He also turned in a strong performance last season.

“Edmunds spent his first seasons in the league with the Bills; Giants GM Joe Schoen was the Buffalo assistant GM who helped draft Edmunds. Edmunds had 112 total tackles with a sack, four interceptions, nine pass deflections and a fumble recovery in 13 games for the Bears in 2025,” Doug Rush wrote on X (@thedougrush).

Another key factor in Edmunds’ appeal is his extensive playoff experience. He has appeared in 10 NFL postseason games, most of them with the Bills, and understands the pressure that comes with competing in the playoffs.

“With Edmunds under contract through 2026 but carrying a significant cap hit, Chicago appears open to moving him if the right offer emerges. For the Giants, adding a proven, still-young playmaker like Edmunds could bolster their front seven as they aim to build defensive continuity,” Benton wrote.

The latest recognition came from his former team and head coach Ben Johnson, who spoke with reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

“We’ll miss a ton. The guy’s a phenomenal football coach,” Johnson said. “The coaching staff a year ago, and really similar to this year, included many coaches outside of my circle that I didn’t know very well, so he was really hired through reputation. We had a lot of productive conversations before he decided to come on board.”

The importance of Bieniemy and what he achieved

Bieniemy was a vital member of the Bears’ coaching staff last season as running backs coach, helping the team win the NFC North and advance to the divisional round of the playoffs, contributing his experience while working with young players and sharing development responsibilities with Caleb Williams in offensive execution.

“I was just blown away by the impact he had not only in that position room, D’Andre Swift had probably the best year of his career, and seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai had a hell of a year himself, not just that room but the entire offense. He brings a demanding presence. The standard is the standard with Eric Bieniemy, and those are big shoes to fill.”

Bieniemy spent nine years as an assistant coach and coordinator with Kansas City before pursuing other opportunities ahead of the 2023 season, which is an added benefit because he understands the team’s identity and is expected to contribute to another championship pursuit.

The move that could strengthen the Chiefs

Making coaching staff moves alone is not enough. While looking to strengthen the roster with another star following Patrick Mahomes’ knee injury, Andy Reid and the Chiefs could consider adding a veteran quarterback as depth during Mahomes’ recovery timeline, with Tua Tagovailoa emerging as a possible option.

According to Bill Barnwell, the Chiefs are viewed as a potential landing spot for Tua Tagovailoa if he becomes available: “Tagovailoa with an upper-middle-class QB contract was a problem. Tagovailoa at the veterans minimum, which is what a new team would likely pay him in 2026, could turn out to be a very useful contributor in the right scheme. It’s also incumbent on Tagovailoa to pick the right landing spot to rebuild his value in advance of potentially landing a starting job in a more advantageous situation in 2027. Could he be the quarterback for the Chiefs in September before Patrick Mahomes returns from his knee injury?”

Bears‘ HC Ben Johnson appeared on PFT Live, and he spent no time shading the Packers once again. “Who likes the Packers? The Bears and the Packers, they should not like each other,” Johnson explained. “I think that’s gonna make this rivalry, this game, something that people are going to watch here going forward.”

The Bears were 2-1 against the Packers in 2025, including the Wild Card Round, where the Bears eliminated Green Bay in a thrilling game. Right now, it’s not only Packers vs Bears, but also Johnson vs LaFleur.

Johnson and LaFleur have no love for each other

During the interview, Johnson was asked about his relationship with LaFleur. “We don’t talk, I’m good with it.” Then, the Bears HC was asked if he has ever reached out to LaFleur. His reply: “No.“

The fact is these two coaches are not friends, and likely will never be. Ben Johnson, however, has continued to charm the Bears fans with his great coaching and attitude. This is something the Bears have long waited for.

This is not the first time Johnson has aimed at the Packers

During his introductory press conference, Johnson said he enjoyed beating the Packers twice a year. After beating them in the NFL Playoffs, Johnson screamed “F— the Packers! F— them!” Johnson actually didn’t apologize for that at all. He instead said, “I don’t like that team.”