The Detroit Lions had nothing left to play for but pride on Sunday, and that turned out to be more than enough. In a gritty, low-scoring Week 18 matchup at Soldier Field, Dan Campbell’s Lions out-dueled former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the first-place Chicago Bears, pulling out a 19-16 win to close the season on a high note.
The game wasn’t always pretty, especially during a sluggish second half, but when it mattered most, Jared Goff and the Lions offense delivered in the clutch, setting up kicker Jake Bates for the game-winning field goal as time expired.
Yeah, Jake ‼️#ForTheCelly pic.twitter.com/Xh2CxIurFS
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 5, 2026
Bates Boots Lions to Victory
Detroit’s offense struggled to finish drives, but Bates was money when it mattered. The Lions kicker went 4-for-5 on field goals, including a long of 42 yards. His reliability proved to be the difference in a defensive slugfest.
Goff, St. Brown Carry the Offense
Jared Goff turned in a steady performance, finishing 27-of-42 for 331 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His favorite target, as usual, was Amon-Ra St. Brown, who hauled in 11 receptions for 139 yards while consistently moving the chains.
Jameson Williams added six catches for 74 yards, and rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa chipped in with an 18-yard grab. On the ground, Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 19 times for 80 yards, helping Detroit maintain balance offensively.
Defense Holds Strong Against Caleb Williams
Chicago rookie QB Caleb Williams threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns, but Detroit’s defense held firm when it mattered, including an interception by Avonte Maddox to stall a Bears drive.
Jack Campbell led the Lions with 11 tackles, while Aidan Hutchinson recorded a sack and two QB hits, consistently disrupting the pocket.
Campbell vs. Johnson — Round Two Goes to Detroit
Perhaps the most satisfying part for Lions fans?
Detroit swept Ben Johnson in his first season as Bears head coach.
After Johnson left Detroit for Chicago last offseason, many wondered whether his offensive mind would give him the edge in these matchups. Instead, Campbell’s squad went 2-0 against Johnson and the division-winning Bears, reinforcing that the Lions’ identity still flows through their head coach.
Lions Finish 9-8 — and Lock In a Last-Place Schedule
With the victory, Detroit finishes the season 9-8, though it was only good enough for last place in the NFC North. The silver lining? The Lions will now play a last-place schedule in 2026, a welcome change after battling back-to-back first-place slates.
It wasn’t the season Detroit hoped for, but on Sunday, pride mattered, and Dan Campbell’s Lions walked out of Soldier Field with bragging rights, a rivalry sweep, and momentum heading into the offseason.
