Just as they did in Week Two of the 2025 NFL season, the Detroit Lions defeated their longtime NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears. Unlike that early-season win, however, Detroit’s most recent victory carried little significance in the grand scheme of things.
The Lions earned a 19-16 victory at Soldier Field over the Bears and former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson thanks to a 42-yard field goal as time ticked away in regulation from kicker Jake Bates, ending what were hopes of a dramatic comeback victory by the host Bears.
However, regardless of what the final score was in Sunday’s tilt, it was the final game of the season for the Lions, who were guaranteed to miss the NFL postseason after their devastating loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.
Despite the insignificance of the contest in the standings for Detroit, they insisted coming into the game that there was still something to play for, and that was compounded upon by quarterback Jared Goff in the immediate aftermath of the victory.
“It’s about pride,” Goff said to Tom Rinaldi on the field while standing alongside wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. “The leaders and good players on this team that are going to be here next year, and to come out and play the way we did… it would mean something.”
Goff, who took his share of criticism for his performance in each of the last two losses for the Lions, led five scoring drives and finished 27-of-42 passing for a total of 331 yards and a touchdown.
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The Detroit Lions Did Capture A Winning Record For The Fourth Consecutive Season
The Lions, after having won the NFC North Division in each of the last two seasons, were officially unseated by the Bears, who are still on their way to the postseason despite their loss.
Even more upsetting to Lions fans everywhere is that the Bears accomplished this with Ben Johnson, who worked wonders as their offensive coordinator, as their new head coach.
Johnston, who spurned other opportunities with other NFL clubs prior to the 2024 NFL season, ultimately decided to jump ship and join a fierce division rival, a decision that still doesn’t sit well with many fans.
Despite the disappointing result of the campaign, the Lions (9-8) finished with a winning record for the first time in over five decades of football.
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The Lions Picked Up A Week 18 Victory Over The Bears Despite Being Eliminated From NFL Playoff Contention
Not only did Goff lead five scoring drives, but the Lions were also led in their ground attack by Jahmyr Gibbs, who accumulated 80 yards on 19 carries.
Not surprisingly, it was receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way in Detroit’s air attack by accumulating 139 total yards on 11 receptions; he was targeted 15 times.
For the Bears, quarterback Caleb Williams finished 20-of-32 passing for 212 total yards, two touchdown passes, and an interception.
Former Lions second round draft selection D’Andre Swift led the way for the Bears on the ground with 40 yards on 10 total carries, while Colston Loveland racked up 91 total yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions.
Because the Washington Commanders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bears have secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC and will host the Green Bay Packers in a wild-card game next week.
Meanwhile, the Lions are heading home for a far earlier than anticipated offseason.
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