The Chicago Bears still have something very real to play for and head coach Ben Johnson made sure everyone knew it.
With playoff seeding on the line and a reunion looming against his former team, Johnson delivered a six word answer of how Chicago would approach Week 18 that instantly resonated inside the locker room and with Bears fans everywhere:
“We’re playing to win this week.”
Chicago enters Week 18 at 11-5 after a tough 42-38 loss to the 49ers knocked them out of the No. 1 seed race. Still, a win over the Lions (or a Philadelphia loss to Washington) would lock up the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
While other teams around the league debate resting starters, Ben Johnson isn’t hesitating. The Bears are pushing forward, fully aware of what’s on the line.
The most obvious reason the 2 seed is worth chasing is home field advantage. Locking it in would guarantee Chicago at least two playoff games at Soldier Field if they advance past the Wild Card round. For a young team still learning how to win together, that’s huge (especially when your fanbase is as game-changing as Chicago’s).
There’s also the broader message it sends. Coasting into the postseason after a loss would undercut the culture Johnson has worked to establish in his first year. Playing to win reinforces that nothing is being handed to this group, including playoff momentum.
The Lions Are the Memory and the Motivation
GettyBears QB Caleb Williams and RB D’Andre Swift
Detroit may be 8-8 and technically playing a “meaningless” game in the standings, but nothing about this matchup feels hollow for Chicago.
Back in Week 2, the Lions embarrassed the Bears 52-21 in Detroit, Ben Johnson’s first trip back to Ford Field after spending three seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. That loss dropped Chicago to 0-2 and raised early doubts about how quickly Johnson’s vision would take hold.
Four months later, the Chicago Bears look like a completely different team. Detroit’s head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged as much.
“The system is in,” Campbell said. “They found a run game. Play-action pass, Caleb [Williams] is playing really well. O-line is playing really well. … They’re playing at a high level. Much more polished.”
Campbell also made it clear Detroit won’t be rolling over, offering his own blunt six word stance: “If they can play, we’re playing.”
That sets the stage for a far more competitive rematch than the standings might suggest.
Momentum Matters Heading Into January
GettyBears WR Luther Burden III
Chicago is 2-2 over its last four games… Solid sure, but far from overwhelming. Finishing the regular season with a division win at home against a divisional opponent would send the Bears into the postseason with confidence rather than questions.
That’s why Johnson’s six words carried so much weight. This isn’t about revenge alone. It’s about standards. About signaling that Chicago isn’t easing its way into the playoffs.
The Chicago Bears still have plenty to prove. Taking their foot off the gas now would send the wrong message. Ben Johnson knows that. And in Week 18, his team will play like it.
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