The second week of the NFL season usually doesn’t carry Super Bowl-like excitement, but the 2025 Lions’ home opener versus the Bears could break that trend. It’s more than a typical NFC North rivalry—this one’s deeply personal. Former Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now with the Chicago Bears, returns to Ford Field, igniting anticipation and drama.

Kory Woods of MLive captured the sentiment on the “Dungeon of Doom” podcast, saying, “Come on, we all know the game to watch—Week 2, the Bears against Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson.” There’s growing speculation outside the team facilities about how Chicago’s offense might look under Johnson’s direction and whether he carried critical insight from Detroit’s playbook with him.

Johnson, once credited with revamping the Lions’ offense into one of the league’s most dynamic, now aims to apply that success in Chicago. But returning as a rival stirs complicated emotions. Some believe Johnson might face a tougher crowd reaction than Matthew Stafford did during his return to Detroit.

“Ben might get it worse,” said Woods, suggesting that while Stafford had fans rooting for his success, Johnson’s departure might not be met with the same grace.

Meanwhile, Lions head coach Dan Campbell sees this as a proving ground—a chance to demonstrate that Detroit’s offensive strength wasn’t solely tied to Johnson’s system. Woods predicts Campbell will rally the team with a message of resilience and continuity, reinforcing that the Lions can thrive without Johnson’s guidance.

For Johnson, the challenge lies not just in calling plays but managing the pressure of a highly charged return, building chemistry with rookie QB Caleb Williams, and staying focused amid the emotional weight of revisiting a city he once helped energize.