The Detroit Lions may not be headed back to the postseason, but head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that pride and competitiveness still matter inside the building.

Detroit sits at 8–8 entering the final week of the regular season, tied with Minnesota in the NFC North standings but officially in last place because of tiebreakers. After winning the division in back-to-back seasons and earning the NFC’s top seed a year ago, the Lions have taken a noticeable step back in 2024.

One of the biggest storylines behind that shift is the departure of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson left Detroit last offseason to take over as head coach of the Chicago Bears, and the move paid off immediately.

Chicago enters Week 18 with an 11–5 record and control of the division, a stunning turnaround capped by their push for the NFC’s No. 2 seed.
The Bears’ rise is even more striking considering they opened the season 0–2, including a brutal Week 2 loss to Detroit by more than four touchdowns.

Now, with a rematch looming in the season finale, Campbell plans to approach the game as seriously as any other—even though the outcome won’t affect Detroit’s playoff chances.
“If a guy is healthy enough to go, he’s playing,” Campbell said, indicating there will be no resting players simply because the season is nearly over.

Campbell also acknowledged the impact Johnson has had in Chicago, praising how quickly his former assistant has reshaped the Bears.
“He’s done a really good job getting everything installed,” Campbell said.

“They’re running the ball well, the play-action game is strong, Caleb Williams is playing at a high level, and their offensive line has been solid.”
Overall, Campbell described Chicago as a much sharper and more complete team than earlier in the year.

Detroit enters the matchup with extra rest after a Christmas Day loss to Minnesota, a game that ultimately ended their playoff hopes. While rookie quarterback Max Brosmer and Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell played well, Campbell pointed to his own offense as the deciding factor in the defeat.
Six turnovers—five by quarterback Jared Goff—proved impossible to overcome.

“You just can’t give the ball away six times and expect to win,” Campbell said after the game.
He also referenced prior struggles, including red-zone failures in the previous week’s loss to Pittsburgh, as part of a larger offensive inconsistency that plagued the team down the stretch.

Despite the disappointing record, Detroit still owns the best point differential in the NFC North, and the division could finish with four teams above .500 next season. Injuries, especially in the secondary, again played a major role in derailing the Lions’ plans, continuing a troubling trend from the year before.

Still, Campbell made it clear he isn’t interested in excuses. Following the Christmas loss, he suggested the organization will take a hard look at everything during the offseason, hinting that significant changes could be coming.
“I’m evaluating a lot,” Campbell said. “I hate watching the playoffs from home, and so do our players.”