The Detroit Lions’ 2025 season came to a painful end on Christmas Day, marking the franchise’s first missed postseason since 2022. Detroit was officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 23–10 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings, a defeat that not only crushed Lions fans but also helped the Green Bay Packers clinch a playoff berth.
While the Lions were handed disappointment, their NFC North rivals surged forward, making the outcome even harder to swallow in Detroit.
Lions Miss Playoffs as NFC North Rivals Advance
As the postseason approaches, the Lions are left watching from home while familiar faces thrive elsewhere. According to NFL research, both the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, led by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, secured playoff spots. Meanwhile, Detroit and Minnesota were left out.
Following the loss, Lions head coach Dan Campbell took accountability and expressed his frustration during his postgame press conference.
“I’m going to be looking at a lot of things, because I do not like being home for the playoffs,” Campbell said. “Whenever you lose, it takes a village. Everybody’s involved, including myself.”
Campbell emphasized that effort was not the issue, but execution ultimately cost the team.
“Losing is very disappointing. I hate losing. We do. The effort’s there—we’re just a little off, and it’s costing us significantly.”
Ben Johnson Thrives With Chicago Bears
What makes the situation sting even more for Detroit is the success of Ben Johnson in his first season as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Just one year after leaving the Lions, Johnson has helped guide Chicago to a dramatic turnaround.
On Saturday, December 27, the Bears officially clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC North for the 2025–26 season following a Green Bay Packers loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
For Lions fans, it was a bitter reminder of what once was—and what might have been.
NFL Takes Notice of Bears’ Rapid Turnaround
Around the league, analysts are praising Johnson’s immediate impact in Chicago while pointing to Detroit’s regression.
“While many in the media were big fans of the Johnson hire in Chicago, no one predicted the Bears would go this far,” wrote Anthony Miller of Bear Goggles On in a December 28 feature.
Miller highlighted key offseason changes that fueled Chicago’s rise.
“It was clear from the beginning that this Bears team was different,” Miller noted. “Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles rebuilt the offensive line, adding four new starters who weren’t on the roster in 2024.”
After starting the season 0–2, Chicago caught fire.
“The Bears went on to win 11 of their last 13 games, clinching their first playoff appearance in five years and their first division title in seven.”
Lions Look Ahead After Disappointing Finish
There’s no denying the Detroit Lions still have playoff-caliber talent, but consistency and execution failed them when it mattered most. Watching a former coordinator succeed with a division rival only deepens the disappointment.
Now, Detroit must turn the page, evaluate the roster, and refocus its goals.
For the Lions and Dan Campbell, attention shifts firmly to the 2026–27 season, with hopes of returning to postseason relevance—and ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself.
