The Detroit Lions only have one remaining game of the season, and it’s on Sunday, January 4, against none other than Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears. These two teams went at it earlier in the season, on September 14, and the Lions towered over the Bears with a 52-21 final score. But, it’s been downhill for the Lions since then and uphill for the Bears.
So, this final game of the regular season is shaping up to be one that’s filled with fireworks. It’s payback time for Johnson and his healthy Bears, while the Lions are trying to break their losing streak, even though it won’t matter when it comes to the postseason.
According to NFL research, the Detroit Lions are around the No. 15 pick for the 2026 NFL draft, and if they lose against the Bears, that will likely go up. But, it’s never fun to play for the draft, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell says the team will be playing on Sunday to win.
“Look, you can always find a lot out with one to go, and no, we’re not playing for the playoffs, but there are still things we can find out,” Campbell said. “And I expect the guys that we have here to give it what they got one more time. That’s the expectation.”
Dan Campbell Discusses Detroit Lions Quarterback Jared Goff
Following the Detroit Lions’ downward spiral, not to be confused with the Nine Inch Nails studio album by the same name, Campbell discussed quarterback Jared Goff and his place with the team.
Campbell appeared on 97.1 The Ticket on Tuesday, December 30, and put to rest any Goff trade talk. He couldn’t’ have been more clear on Goff staying in Detroit.”
“Jared Goff is a stud. He’s an absolute stud. We’re fortunate to have him as a quarterback,” Campbell said. “He’s a winning quarterback in this league. He played at a very high level all season long.”
Campbell added of Goff, “He played even better than he played the year before, and he’s continued to play better. We’re thankful to have him. I’m thankful to have him. He’s an absolute stud. He’s a pro. He’s going nowhere.”
The Detroit Lions Will Have a December First-Round 2026 Draft Pick
So, don’t expect the Lions to trade Goff before the 2026-27 season. Now, in the 2026 draft, they’ll have a chance to get some new talent to protect and help Goff on the offensive.
“Detroit is backsliding into January, losing three in a row, including a Christmas Day nightmare against Max Brosmer and Co. in Minnesota,” Dan Parr of the NFL’s website noted in a Tuesday, December 30 draft feature. “The Lions will hold their earliest pick since drafting Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell in the top 18 in 2023. At least they can look back fondly at those selections.”
The Lions and Bears game for Week 18 will take place at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, and air on Fox. Due to their loss to the 49ers on Sunday, December 28, the Bears, with their 11-5 record, aren’t able to snag the top seed in the NFC. But, if they beat Detroit, they’ll get the No. 2 seed and host the Packers in the Wild Card round.
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