In the upcoming Week 18 showdown at Soldier Field, the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears will clash in a matchup that, while lacking playoff implications, still carries the weight of an NFC North rivalry. With the Lions already eliminated from postseason contention, their head coach, Dan Campbell, indicated that his team is committed to competing fiercely against the Bears.
Despite a disappointing end to their playoff aspirations following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas, the Lions, who hold an 8-8 record, will feature most of their starters in the season finale. This includes quarterback Jared Goff, who is expected to take the field. The Lions are currently positioned to secure the 15th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and will face a fourth-place schedule next season.
Campbell emphasized the importance of evaluating player performance in this concluding game. “If we”re sitting there borderline, and the player could be at risk for a long-term injury, then no, it”s not worth it,” he stated. “But if it”s just bumps and bruises, then we treat it like the next game up.” Among those possibly sidelined is star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has been dealing with knee and ankle issues over the past few weeks.
The Bears, on the other hand, are aiming to finish strong, seeking a 7-1 record at home and a 12-5 overall mark in what has been a significant improvement under their new head coach, Ben Johnson, following a 5-12 campaign in 2024. Quarterback Caleb Williams is also on the verge of reaching a personal milestone, needing just 270 passing yards to hit the preseason target of 4,000 yards.
As both teams prepare for this rivalry game, the Lions will look to spoil the Bears” momentum heading into the playoffs, while Chicago seeks to solidify its position. The game promises to be a fitting conclusion to the regular season, showcasing the enduring spirit of competition in the NFL.
