The Bears will be visited by Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions this week to cap off their 2025 regular season. Both divisional rivals have gone a long ways since their first meeting in Week 2, a 52-21 bludgeoning in Detroit’s favor. Since that game the Lions have gone 7-7, the Bears 11-3. Though the Lions (losers of 3 straight) have been eliminated from playoff contention, the Bears are still looking to secure the #2 playoff seed in the NFC and would do so with a win or a Philadelphia Eagles loss.
The Ben Johnson storyline should not be ignored. Although it seemed that round 2 this season would have more significance attached to it, this is still an important game for Chicago for playoff seeding. After leaving-or as Lions fans would say “betraying”-Detroit for Chicago over the offseason, many Lions fans (and probably players) harbor resentment towards their former offensive coordinator. They want to crush him every time they face off against him. You’d have to assume Ben Johnson wants the same exact thing, and will have extra motivation after losing so badly against his former team in Week 2.
Detroit comes in losers of 3 straight, while the Bears are coming off of a loss to San Francisco in a barnburner on Sunday Night Football. Starters for both teams are expected to suit up, with the exception of RT Penei Sewell and possibly WR Amon-Ra St. Brown due to injury.
Keys to the Game
Bears
- Don’t Stop Running the Ball
If the Bears don’t stray from the run game, they should win this game handily. The Lions have been destroyed on the ground recently. Over its current 3-game losing streak, Detroit has given up 5.6, 8.5, and 5.5 yards per carry (YPC). For reference, the NFL-worst defense in YPC over the entire season is giving up 5.3 yards; the Lions have been really bad. Rams running back Kyren Williams posted 2 touchdowns a few weeks back, while Steelers running back Jaylen Warren ripped off massive hunks of yardage in his 143-yard, 2-touchdown performance at Ford Field in Week 16.
The Bears offense is 3rd in yards per carry this year. It has two reliable backs in D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai that are both dangerous in their own ways. This doesn’t need to be another Caleb Williams game. If Ben Johnson relies on his backs, the Bears will be in good shape.
- Don’t Overlook Detroit
With the playoffs looming just days around the corner, it’s easy to let the mind wander. This is exactly what the Bears must avoid. This is still an important game because of playoff seeding. Dan Campbell and the Lions are really going to want it, both to spite Ben Johnson and to avoid heading into the offseason having lost four straight games. After putting up 52 points against the Bears in Week 2, the Lions might also come in with some confidence despite the 8-8 record. With starters playing except for Penei Sewell-whose absence could make a substantial impact-the Lions still have many dangerous weapons. The Bears can’t lose focus this week, as the Lions are still talented.
Lions
- Turn the Bears Over
The Lions need something to change if they want to start winning again. Having lost three straight and facing the new loss of star RT Penei Sewell, Detroit is going to need a little help winning this game against a great Bears team. The easiest way for an inferior team to come out victorious in the NFL: takeaways. Over the duration of its 3-game losing streak, Detroit’s defense has only generated two takeaways. If the Lions can force a key fumble, or snag a rare interception away from Caleb Williams, they’ll have a much better shot at winning.