The NFL landscape changes fast, and as the 2025 regular season reaches its final week, the Chicago Bears sit in prime position.

A win secures the NFC North crown and locks Chicago into the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. Standing in the way are the Detroit Lions, last year’s division champions, returning to Soldier Field for a high-stakes rematch.

These teams last met in Week 2, a game Bears fans would rather forget. Detroit dominated Chicago 52–21 in what was easily the Bears’ most lopsided loss of the season. That defeat came against then–Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now the Bears’ head coach, adding extra motivation for Chicago to flip the script.

Each week in this series, the focus isn’t limited to quarterbacks or household-name superstars. Instead, I highlight one offensive and one defensive player from each team whose impact could tilt the outcome—whether or not they’re the most famous names on the field.

Because football games are often decided by players most fans overlook.
Here are the four individuals who matter most in this matchup.
Chicago Bears

Offense: Luther Burden III, WR

In the first meeting between these teams, Burden barely made a dent—two targets, one catch, five yards. Other rookies were also quiet or absent: Colston Loveland didn’t record a catch, Monangai was limited, and Ozzy Trapilo never saw the field.

Fast forward to now, and those young players are central pieces of the Bears’ offense. Among them, Burden stands out as the one most likely to swing this game.

The former Missouri standout is coming off his most impressive performance as a pro and will again be asked to help replace Rome Odunze, who torched Detroit earlier this season with 128 yards and two touchdowns. With Detroit’s defense banged up and Chicago likely leaning on the run early—behind D’Andre Swift and Monangai—play-action opportunities should be plentiful.
If Burden continues his upward trajectory and capitalizes on those chances, Chicago could seize control quickly.

Defense: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, CB

Gardner-Johnson wasn’t on the roster when these teams first met. Acquired midseason, the veteran defensive back has quickly become a crucial part of Chicago’s secondary, especially following Kyler Gordon’s injury.

Against Detroit, his responsibilities will be demanding. He’ll be needed in run support to help contain Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, and in coverage against one of the league’s most dangerous receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, who shredded the Bears earlier this year.

This is a matchup that will test Gardner-Johnson’s discipline, toughness, and awareness. If he can stay composed, tackle reliably, and avoid coverage breakdowns, Detroit’s offense could struggle to find rhythm.
Detroit Lions

Offense: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB

Few players torment the Bears like Jahmyr Gibbs. Since entering the league in 2023, the explosive running back has consistently gashed Chicago’s defense. In five career games against the Bears, Gibbs has averaged well over six yards per carry and found the end zone four times.

He’s just as dangerous as a receiver, turning short passes into chunk gains with ease. Chicago saw a similar challenge last week against Christian McCaffrey, and the results were telling.

While David Montgomery always brings physicality against his former team, Gibbs is the player who drives Detroit’s offense. With Amon-Ra St. Brown not at full strength, Detroit may lean even more heavily on Gibbs’ versatility and explosiveness.
Defense

Jack Campbell, LB

With Brian Branch sidelined, Jack Campbell becomes the defensive focal point for Detroit.

The Pro Bowl linebacker has been remarkably consistent all season, posting career-best numbers across the board while serving as the backbone of an injury-depleted unit.

Campbell combines size, athleticism, and instincts in a way that recalls former Bears great Brian Urlacher. At 6’5” and nearly 250 pounds, he’s a problem in both the run and passing lanes.

For Chicago, avoiding unnecessary contact—especially from Campbell—will be critical. If Caleb Williams can navigate the pocket, throw over or around Campbell’s frame, and limit hits, the Bears’ offense should function smoothly. If Campbell takes over the game, Detroit’s defense could dictate the tempo.