The Chicago Bears have no intention of taking their foot off the gas in the regular-season finale—even with playoff positioning already secured.

On Monday, Bears head coach Ben Johnson made it clear that Chicago will be going all out against his former team, the Detroit Lions, despite Detroit having nothing at stake.

“We’re playing to win this week,” Johnson said emphatically.

Bears Still Fighting for Playoff Seeding

While the Bears have already clinched the NFC North title, Sunday’s matchup still carries significant implications. Chicago is aiming to protect the No. 2 seed, which would guarantee a second home playoff game if they advance past the Wild Card round.

A win over Detroit would likely set up a home playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers, while a loss—combined with an Eagles win—could drop the Bears into a less favorable position.

Quarterback Caleb Williams echoed that urgency following Sunday night’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

“We always want to put ourselves in the best position—being home instead of being away,” Williams said. “We’re going to get ready for this game just like any other.”

Familiar Faces Add Extra Edge

The matchup carries added emotion, as it marks another meeting between Johnson and the Lions, where he previously served as offensive coordinator. When the teams met earlier this season in Week 2, Detroit dominated Chicago 52–21 at Ford Field.

This time, the roles are reversed. The Bears are the division champions, and the Lions enter on a three-game losing streak, looking to finish the season on a positive note.

Johnson Defends Bears Defense After 49ers Loss

Following a 42–38 loss to San Francisco, Johnson resisted the urge to criticize his defense, despite the unit surrendering a season-high 496 total yards.

Instead, he praised moments like T.J. Edwards’ pick-six and highlighted how the offense failed to sustain drives early.

“I didn’t feel like our offense did our part in the first half,” Johnson said. “The defense gave us a pick-six and forced punts. If we bow up in the red zone, we feel better about the performance.”

Run Defense a Major Concern

Still, one issue looms large heading into Sunday: run defense.

The Bears have allowed 192 and 200 rushing yards in their last two games, an alarming trend as they prepare to face David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and a physical Lions rushing attack.

“It always comes back to fundamentals—gap integrity in the run game,” Johnson said. “We were playing a really good offense. That needs to be stated.”

Final Takeaway

The Lions may be eliminated, but the Bears are not easing up. With playoff seeding, home-field advantage, and personal history all in play, Chicago vs. Detroit has the feel of a postseason tune-up rather than a meaningless finale.

And if Ben Johnson’s words are any indication, the Bears will be treating Sunday like a must-win game.