Detroit entered the Week 18 finale with no playoff implications, but effort and emotion were never in question. Playing purely for pride, the Lions dug deep and edged the Chicago Bears 19–16 at Soldier Field, capping the season with a hard-fought divisional win.

In a defensive battle that lacked fireworks for long stretches, Detroit did just enough late to secure victory. When the game hung in the balance, Jared Goff guided the offense into position and kicker Jake Bates delivered the final blow, drilling the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Bates Delivers in a Tight Contest
While Detroit struggled to turn drives into touchdowns, Bates was consistently dependable. He connected on four of five field-goal attempts, with his longest traveling 42 yards. In a game dominated by field position and defense, his accuracy proved decisive.
Goff and St. Brown Power the Passing Attack

Jared Goff put together a composed outing, completing 27 of 42 passes for 331 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Amon-Ra St. Brown once again served as his go-to option, catching 11 passes for 139 yards and keeping drives alive throughout the afternoon.

Jameson Williams contributed six receptions for 74 yards, while rookie Isaac TeSlaa added an 18-yard catch. Jahmyr Gibbs provided balance on the ground, carrying the ball 19 times for 80 yards and helping the offense stay on schedule.

Lions Defense Comes Up Big
Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams finished with 212 passing yards and two touchdowns, but Detroit’s defense tightened up in critical moments.

Avonte Maddox recorded an interception that halted a Bears drive, swinging momentum back in Detroit’s favor.
Linebacker Jack Campbell paced the defense with 11 tackles, and Aidan Hutchinson consistently pressured the quarterback, finishing with a sack and two hits.

Campbell Gets the Upper Hand Over Johnson
The storyline many fans circled coming into the season delivered again: Dan Campbell versus former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Now the Bears’ head coach, Johnson was unable to flip the script. Detroit swept Chicago in both meetings this year, handing Johnson two losses against his former team and reminding the division that Campbell’s culture still defines the Lions.
Detroit Ends at 9–8 with an Eye on the Future

The win brings Detroit’s final record to 9–8, though it placed them at the bottom of the NFC North standings. That finish comes with a potential benefit, as the Lions are expected to face a last-place schedule in 2026.
While the season didn’t unfold as hoped, Detroit closed it with momentum, a rivalry sweep, and a statement performance that reinforced the team’s identity heading into the offseason.