The Detroit Lions have earned a crucial win in their push for the playoffs as they came from behind to defeat the Chicago Bears 17-34 at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day.

Alshon Jeffrey found the breakthrough for the Bears 10 minutes into the first quarter by latching onto a pass from Jay Cutler for 10 yards.

The Lions were given a boost when Matt Prater fired his kick through the posts to grab a field goal, which have been lacking this season for the team.

After a stumble from Matthew Stafford, the Bears extended their lead through Jeffrey once again when Cutler faked the handoff and dropped back under pressure before sending the ball over a number of defenders to find his teammate.

The Lions got themselves back into contention early in the second quarter when Stafford threw on third and seven to find Calvin Johnson deep down the left for a 25-yard touchdown.

The hosts had a touchdown chalked off for a holding penalty, but they took the lead shortly afterwards, three minutes before the end of the second quarter when Joique Bell got the handoff before jumping over the line to snatch a touchdown.

Johnson and Stafford combined again to snatch a touchdown for six yards to extend the Lions' lead further before the break.

The Bears managed to pull three points back midway through the third quarter after Robbie Gould blasted a 38-yard field goal through the posts.

However, the Lions moved 14 points into the lead within the first few seconds of the final quarter, Bell finding space over the left side of the line to stroll into the endzone untouched for his second score of the game.

And with just over six minutes left of the game, a failed pass allowed Prater to attempt a 40-yard field goal attempt, which he converted with little problem.